Barry Gauthier

Oshkosh - Barry L. Gauthier, age 68 of Oshkosh, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, with his wife by his side. He was born December 7, 1949, in Louisville, KY, son to the late Marcel and Dolores Gauthier.

Barry started his 40-year career with UW Oshkosh in 1975. Upon retirement he led Postal Services, Document Services and Central Stores/Receiving, a position he proudly performed with insight, vision and expertise. He was a member of the Association of College and University Printers (ACUPS), the University Mail Managers Association (UMMA) where he served in various Board positions, including President and served 22 years as a member of the National Association of College and University Mail Managers (NACUMS) where he served most recently as Vice President. In 2013, NACUMS presented him with the prestigious Lou Eichler award, the highest honor in the college and university mail industry. Even after retirement in 2015, Barry continued to assist UMMA and NACUMS. His contributions to both organizations were immeasurable.

In his free time Barry enjoyed softball, bowling, hunting, fishing, boating, relaxing at Silver Lake in Laona, WI and spending time with family, friends and his dogs. His family and friends meant the world to him, he loved them all dearly. His grandchildren, in particular, held a special place in his heart and always brought a smile to his face.

In addition to his wife Billie, Barry is survived by his daughter Cherie Gauthier (John Shambles), Oshkosh; Step-son Scott (Rebecca) Rennert, Oshkosh; and grandchildren Marcella and Bailey Rennert and Hayden, Camdyn and Evann Shambles. He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Bob) Morawetz and Dolores Ann Gauthier, three brothers, Bill (Janet) Gauthier, Robert Gauthier and Thomas (Melanie) Gauthier and several brothers- and sisters-in-law as well as nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 2 p.m. at La Sure's Hall (1570 Ripon Ln. Oshkosh) with reception to follow immediately. Instead of flowers or gifts a memorial donation may be made to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society by entering Barry's name and address (2240 Crane St, Oshkosh, WI 54901) at https://www.oahs.org/memorial.

There are no words to describe the unending, unconditional and unequivocal love we have for Barry. Dear husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, we are less for having lost you but more for having had you. We will never forget you and our love for you will only grow stronger with every memory. We love you fiercely and you will forever be in our hearts.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oshkosh Northwestern on Jan. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Barry Gauthier

Sponsored by Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes - Westside.

15 Entries

Tom Grogan

February 20, 2018

Billie and others from the extended family:

Barry was always professional and acted with the creative energy of an engaged and inspired public servant. His robust attitude toward life and work left an indelible impact on those he worked with, and those who benefitted from his patterns and practice of active service and engagement.

His tenure speaks to another era ... one founded in a mixture of discipline and measured austerity combined with an engaged spirit of a limitless world of opportunity.

We are wise to remember the simplistic beauty of this commitment to one another and to the sense of making both the campus and the community pure centers of joy.

Lori Kroening

February 17, 2018

I was shocked to learn that Barry had passed away. I worked with him at UW Oshkosh for 25+ years. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I wish he'd had more time to enjoy his retirement and the company of family and friends. Peace and strength to all who loved him.

Michael Kreuser

February 15, 2018

Barry always had a smile, while I knew him in High School. I was looking forward to visit with him at the upcoming reunion

Linda Cotton

February 8, 2018

I just learned of Barry's passing today and wanted to let you know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I knew Barry from working at UW Oshkosh.....He was one of a kind. When mailroom moved across the river we didn't get to see each other as much but he was always helpful and loved to tease. So sad he didn't get to enjoy his much deserved retirement. Hebrews 13:8

Bob Nelson

February 2, 2018

I just saw the sad news about Barry and would like to offer my condolences to the Gauthier family. I remember him from years ago, most notably the phone conversations I had with him that were so fun filled. Bless him for he must have had a joyous life.

Little Jan Huser

February 1, 2018

Dear Billie and family,
I am so very sorry to hear that Barry passed. I have so many fond memories of him (and you Billie!) at UW-O. Remember the great adventures the three of us had sorting and mailing all those pieces for the "Psychology of drug use and abuse" tv class? Barry also hired my son Jon while he attended UW, he loved that job, Barry was a good boss. May it comfort you to know how many lives he touched and how much he will be missed.

Jill Reichenberger

February 1, 2018

Gauthier Family,

Very sad to hear this news. My sincere sympathy.

Kathy Weber (Butt)

January 29, 2018

Gauthier Family,
Barry gave me my first job in the mailroom in 1984. I worked there for 4 years including summers. He contacted me about 1.5 years ago and was wondering how we were doing. I sent him a Christmas card of my family and he seemed really happy to hear from me. My funniest memory of working at the UWO mailroom was when Irene and I did a mail drop at the city post office one late afternoon as was protocol. On the way back the van started smoking in the middle back floor, started turning black, and caught fire by the time we got back. I remember thinking, "Oh boy, We are soooo fired!!" First thing he asked was, "What were you two doing!?" Really, we were just driving back. He took it all in stride, we kept our jobs, and we all had a new van within a couple of weeks.
RIP Big Guy.

Jenna Graff

January 29, 2018

Dear Billie and Family - Like so many others, I have wonderful memories from my visits to UWO Postal Services, most of which involved some special request that Barrie needed to work through. I appreciated his can-do attitude and the fact that he smiled and helped me out every time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jenna Graff, UW Oshkosh

David Vander Linden

January 27, 2018

The Oshkosh Area Humane Society would like to
extend its condolences to Billie, Cherie, Scott and Barry's entire family.

We would also like to thank you for making
the OAHS a recipient of Barry's memorial
donations. Thank you.

Our sincere sympathy to each of you.

January 26, 2018

Dear Billie and Family,
My deepest sympathy in your loss. I have fond memories of the mailroom group and Barry's assistance and raised eyebrow when I requested something beyond protocol. He was a taskmaster and held me to his high standards.
Mary Barker, Professor Emeritus, College of Nursing

January 26, 2018

Billie and family, I was shocked to hear of Barry's passing. I'm so sorry your time together on earth was cut so short. Just know he will always be watching over you and you will be together again. Blessings!

Chris Miles

Kim and Toni Flegler

January 26, 2018

While in church this past Sunday we were shocked to learn of Barry's passing. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Billie and the whole Gauthier family.

Barry's knowledge of both print and mail and his dedication to the industry will remain unsurpassed. I was blessed to became a vendor of his when I entered the mail industry in 1990. Being new to mail I always looked forward to my visits with Barry as I learned so much from him.

As we got to know each other our client/vendor relationship continued to grow and quickly turned into a very respectful friendship. We learned so much from each other and one day even realized how much we had in common away from work, as we both shared interests in hunting and boating alike. The best times though (and I am confident Barry would agree), were when we had our political conversations. We always made sure we saved time to discuss what was going on in the world at that moment. What made them so delightful was we were on opposite sides of the isle, but we NEVER let that affect our working or personal relationship. Barry, my only regret is that I never got to tell you how much I respected you and how you influenced my life in such a positive and meaningful way. We have all lost a wonderful and unique individual that can never be replaced. Rest in peace my friend.

Ute Franklin

January 26, 2018

Billie,
the world has truly lost a great person. I met Barry through NACUMS. He was always there to help the NACUMS family. I am so sorry for your loss.

January 26, 2018

Barry was a great mentor and friend who was always willing to help make us all better individuals and the best at our jobs. His unselfish wisdom and knowledge will always be remembered. -- Barry leaves a great legacy of which we all share. Blessing on Billie and his entire family. Love, Peace and Comfort on his family and to all who have known Barry. -- I am thankful for the leadership and guidance he provided me and all those whom he touched. -- Ronnie Farris, Lipscomb University

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