OAKLAND -- Clifton J. "Jerry" Gauthier, 79, died Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Augusta.He was born in Montpelier, Vt., on July 22, 1933, the son of Clarence and Dorothy (Cutler) Gauthier. Cliff's grandson, Brian Gullifer. was born on his birthday. so they shared their last birthday together on Sunday, July 22, 2012.
He attended schools in Vermont. He was a veteran of the Navy in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.
He was employed for several years as a shoe cutter by Norrwock Shoe Co. in Norridgewock and New Balance in Skowhegan, until his retirement. For many years during and after his retirement, Cliff had his own upholstery business.
He was a member of the Color Guard, and past commander of American Legion Post 51 in Oakland. He was also a member of the Forty and Eight and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Oakland.
Cliff loved to play poker and cribbage with the Legion folks. He also enjoyed going to the horse races.
But his love was being with his family, especially on Sunday for Sunday dinner and everyone was welcome to eat who came to his home.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Gauthier; a son, Clifton; and brother, Arthur Gauthier. Surviving are his five daughters, Vickie Butler and husband John, and their children, John and Renee, all of Waterville, Carol Gauthier and Philip Hart and their children, Nicholas and Jennifer Hart, of Oakland, Joyce Cole and husband Denzil and their children, Tasha and Lucas, of Benton, Donna Linnell and husband Norman and their children, John Templin Jr. and wife Ceara, and Matthew and Eric Linnell, of Albion, and Nancy Meader and husband Jeff and her children, Nicole Gullifer Cole and husband Chris, of Oakland, and Brian Gullifer and his fiance, Amanda Deschenes, of Farmington; and three great-grandchildren, Gunnar and Wylow Cole, and Abigail Templin, all from Oakland.
Also survived by a brother, Leo Gauthier, and wife Nancy, of Oakland; and sisters, Rita Hebert, Hazel Murtagh, Ruth Martin and Doris Blakley, all from Vermont; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Hilton, and wife Pat; and a sister-in-law, Jeanette Pitt, and husband Lynden.
Many nieces and nephews, friends and loved ones will miss him greatly. A special thank-you to Bertha Knowles for being a dear friend to him.
Visiting hours will begin at noon Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, at the American Legion Post 51 in Oakland, with the funeral service following at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the
New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.
