GAUTHIER, Paul - (February 24, 1948 - December 18, 2015)
Paul Gauthier of Ajax (age 67) left us on December 18, 2015, after 20 months of living with the incredible challenges of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
He was a strong, brave man. Paul spent 37 years as a computer programmer, technical writer and editor with IBM, Delrina, and TIBCO.
He was a 28-year practitioner and instructor of the Taoist Tai Chi arts; Donor of 222 units of blood and platelets (user of many too!) and long service volunteer with Parkinson Society Durham Region Chapter.
He is survived by his loved and loving wife of 40 years, Linda Thrasher. Also survived by his best friend Brian Hutchinson. Predeceased by his mother, Colombe and his parents-in-law, Margaret and Jim.
Family includes father Gerry and his wife Madeleine and 5 siblings: Ron (Marie), Marc (Rosemary), Lise (Bob), Ginette, Nicole (Roger); nieces and nephews: Jeremy (Julie), Carolynne, Léanne; Véronique (Jonathan) Amélie; and Patrick, all of Ottawa.
He wished to pass the torch of compassion and service to the next generation, especially: His nieces and nephews and these children of his heart: Juanita, Jim and David; Christy, Rob and Angela; Andrew and Alexi; Michelle and Samantha; Colleen and Maureen; Hailey; Christine and Colleen; Lesley; Bobbie, Derek, Leigh Anne, Curtis, Gabbie, Matt and Nick.
The love and support of a large circle of friends sustained both Paul and Linda.
We especially thank Keith and Jolene Baker, Joyce Bryant, Liz and Tony de Stermich, Nancy and George Gale, Christina and Sandy Kilgour, Pat Gourley, the Atkinson family, our Beaumont family, The Taoist Tai Chi community and our wide Parkinson Society family.
We add our gratitude and love for all our friends who never faltered in their prayers, energy, thoughts, actions, and belief. Thank you to the Ontario Health Care system – without it, Paul would have died more than a year ago because we could not have paid for his care.
Thanks to all the dedicated professionals, especially Riaz Shariff, Martin Kura, Amir Janmohamed; Andre Schuh, Andrej Lutynsky, Anthony Naassan, John Vu; staff of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, including SarahRose Black, June Mawhinney, Margo Kennedy, Cindy Murray, Shannon Nixon; staff of the Ottawa Bone Marrow Transplant team; staff of the Durham Regional Cancer Centre; Lakeridge Health Supportive Care team and the many nurses everywhere who cared for Paul; for everything they did to make Paul’s life better.
Thanks to the loving staff of Residence Inn Airport Ottawa for giving us a true home.
Paul’s wish is that everyone be loving to one another; help those who need you; do an unexpected kindness to a stranger. Smile. If you wish to make a charitable donation, honour whichever group reflects your values.
Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West, Oshawa (905-721-1234) on Tuesday, December 22nd 2– 4 & 7-9 p.m., and on Wednesday, December 23rd from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m.
Online condolences may be made at oshawafuneralhome.com.
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