Obituary of Stephen Joseph Gauthier

With full hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Stephen Joseph Gauthier—lovingly known as Papa—on April 3, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.

Born in 1945 in Minto, New Brunswick, Stephen lived a life full of love, laughter, and connection. He was a kind, generous, and vibrant man who could make friends with anyone and made everyone he met feel seen, special, and loved. A true people person, he was always ready with a story, a big hug, a cold beer, or a well-timed joke.

Stephen found joy in life’s simple pleasures: time by the lake, boating, campfires, fishing, “Hollywood hunting,” gardening, old-time country music, a good TV commercial, and spotting 50% off stickers at the grocery store. He had a special fondness for the traditional Acadian dishes of his childhood—especially poutine râpée. And no matter the season, he never turned down a lobster feed, a hot cup of tea, or time spent with the people he loved.

He was well known in the Minto community as the former owner of the Save Easy, where his easygoing charm and deep care for others created lasting connections that extended far beyond the store’s walls. He was also a proud lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for many causes within the village over the years.

Stephen was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Elaine; his children, Terri-Lynn and Tracy (Ronna); his cherished grandchildren, Laura (Matt), Josh (Kelsey), Rachael (Matthew), Brent (Mackenzie), and Clark (Laura); and his adored great-grandchildren, Caleb, Madelyn, Cohen, and baby West, who is soon to arrive. He is also survived by his siblings: Pearl, Rene, Raymond (Carol) and May (Russell). He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Laura (Boudreau) and his much-loved son-in-law, Michael West.

Stephen lived with unwavering strength and spirit through a 30-year journey with cancer. His determination, good humour, and deep love for life never wavered. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Khaleduzzaman, Dr. Broad, Dr. Benaya, and the many other compassionate professionals who provided care and support along the way. Your kindness made all the difference. We also want to thank the wide circle of friends and extended family who have surrounded Steve with love throughout the years. Your visits, calls, thoughts, and prayers have meant the world.

To honour Steve’s memory, we encourage you to spend quality time with the people you love—bonus points if it involves a campfire, classic country music, and a cold beer. Donations in his name can be made to the Municipality of Grand Lake Office to go towards a memorial bench at the pump track. Donations by e transfer can be sent to accounting@municipalityofgrandlake.ca 

As per the family’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Minto, with a reception to follow.

"I wanna live a life, live a life
Like a dollar and the clock on the wall don't own me
Shine a light, shine a light
Like mama's front porch when I'm lost and lonely

Start forgivin' and start forgettin'
Be somebody that's worth rememberin'
Live a life so when I die
There's standing room only, standing room only"