Leo Gauthier

Obituary

Leo Gauthier, beloved husband, brother and friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at HSC in Winnipeg at the age of 85 years old.

Leo was born in Steinbach and raised in Woodridge, where he attended school. He was the third child in a family of ten siblings, with two older sisters. Leo cherished memories of his upbringing in Woodridge, often recalling the delicious homemade meals and baked goods his mother prepared. He also remembered the traditional homemade remedies she used, such as mustard plasters, which were a staple in their household.

He often talked about the busy sawmills going 24 hours a day. He remembered playing on the gigantic sawdust piles there as a child. Needless to say money was scarce in such a large family. Leo left home at 16 years old to work in the sawmill near Woodridge where they had living quarters. He took great pride in his strong work ethic, which resulted in multiple sawmills expressing interest in employing him. Supervisors’ wives provided high-quality meals for the workers, who occasionally shared portions with Canada Jays that frequently appeared during mealtimes.

He moved to Winnipeg once the sawmill stint was done. Leo’s hard work and dedication to whatever he did continued all his life even to his retirement. He worked at Dunn-rite Food Products for 45 years, never taking either a sick or holiday day with the exception, of course, of Statutory Holidays.

Leo met Barbara (Hatton) while she was working in the office at Dunn-rite Food Products. Their partnership began at work and blossomed into a lifelong devotion. Even in his final days, Leo demonstrated remarkable hope and resilience, telling Barbara just four days before his passing to bring his shoes because he wanted to go home.

Leo and Barbara purchased a very small 600 square foot older home in Winnipeg that needed extensive renovations. They fixed up that house and made it their home. Later, they purchased land in Marchand to build a log house from the ground up, peeling the logs and pounding 10” spikes to hold the logs together. They planted 28 apple trees and hand watered them. Later, that house in Marchand town was sold and a larger piece of land was purchased and a new larger log house building was built. Leo planted hundreds of trees and flowers on their acreage. Leo loved nature and everything about living in it.

Leo was a loving dedicated husband to Barbara, taking care of her like a princess after she injured her legs four years ago. Cooking and caring for her. He would provide simple surprises for her by just bringing hot chocolate or snacks beside her. Leo embraced life with Barbara, his sense of humor defined him. He would share his great sense of humor to make her giggle, providing wonderful memories.

Leo and Barbara rescued many rough collies over the years. He was an absolute fabulous dad to all the fur babies.

Leo will be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; fondly remembered by numerous family and friends.

Thank you to all the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre and HSC for their kindness, care and compassion in the last month.

In keeping with Leo’s wishes cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.