Obituary of Brandon GAUTHIER

Brandon Jerome Gauthier of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2013, at the age of 18 years. Brandon was born in Moose Jaw, SK, on February 17, 1995, the middle of three children born to Cyrille and Robin Gauthier. Brandon attended school in Gravelbourg, and graduated from High School on May 25, 2013. Brandon was a fearless child right from the beginning, and had a glint in his eye that said, "Here comes trouble.” Brandon felt that rules were meant to be broken. Whether it was showing up for class one minute late, even though he was ready for a half hour before, or sneaking out of the house in the wee hours of the night, rules were meant to be broken. Hockey was Brandon’s passion, and he was gifted with a wealth of raw, natural talent, leading his team in goals, assists and penalty minutes. Brandon’s toughness was legendary; whether it was dropping his gloves against the biggest player in his league or getting stitches and playing the very next shift, you didn’t want to mess with him. Brandon played on many teams throughout his hockey career, including the Gravelbourg Stars, Swift Current Hurricanes and Tisdale Trojans. As tough as Brandon was, he had the same trait that all of the great Gauthier men have; Brandon was as soft as he was hard, and gentle as he was strong. Kids flocked to him, and Brandon was so gentle and loving with them. Whether it was playing mini sticks with little boys or rocking a baby girl in his arms, kids could feel Brandon’s big, open heart, and they loved him for it. Brandon also had a soft spot for the underdog. The lonely, the weak, the outcasts, the people others would pass by without even noticing, Brandon did notice them and he wouldn’t pass them by. Not only did he make time for them, but he would talk to them and make sure they felt better than when he first found them. For the last year, Brandon was dating Jill Kennedy, who proved to be the love of his life. They met at a rink, shared in their passion for hockey and learned about life and love from each other. Brandon will be cherished by his family and friends; he will be remembered in the hugs they share and in the love and laughter in their gatherings. Brandon is survived by his loving family, parents Cyrille and Robin (nee Leo); brothers Riley (girlfriend Jacqueline) and Drieden; girlfriend Jill Kennedy; grandmothers Jeanne Gauthier and Carolyn Leo; aunts and uncles Diane (Jean) Aussant, Suzanne Blouin, Louise (Paul) Aussant, Lucille (Paul) Lagassé, Vivianne (Guay) Chevrier, Gisele (Gerald) Chevrier, Henriette (Gregory) Ottenbreit, Colette (Donald) Boire, Liette (Christopher) Mitchell, Richard (Jana) Leo, Rusty (Tiffany) Leo, Rachelle (Robert) Tiberino, Raymond (Launali) Leo; numerous cousins and friends. Brandon is predeceased by his grandfathers Cyril Gauthier and Jerome Leo. Funeral Service was held on Friday, August 9, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiant. Readers were Chantal Huhn and Chelsea Ottenbreit. The eulogy was shared by Colin Aussant. Power point was prepared by Chris Aussant. Active pallbearers were Dustin Boire, Tyler Mitchell, Fran Blouin, Gaetan Blouin, Trevor Ottenbreit and Mark Huhn. Honour guard was formed by Brandon’s Hockey Teammates and the GHS Graduation Class of 2013. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Brandon Gauthier Memorial Fund, c/o TD Canada Trust, Box 119, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.