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CHARLIE GAUTHIER Obituary
This is a photo of Charlie. Those who knew him, and there were many, would understand because he was notorious for not wanting his picture taken.
Popular Westfort mechanic and personality, Charlie will no longer be behind the counter of Airlane Automotive when his many customers and friends (because they were often both) come through the door. No more annual safety inspections, brake pad replacements, or exhaust jobs. But Airlane Automotive wasn't just a garage, it was a social hub for customers, friends, neighbours and dogs.
He didn't want to be in the ICU at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. In fact, he wanted Andrew, his long-time mechanic, to bring his truck, boots, and overalls, and take him back to the garage. This was not in the cards for Charlie despite the valiant efforts of the doctors and nurses in the ICU. His family is grateful for their care and compassion.
Charlie turned a lifelong passion for classic cars and racing cars into a successful business.
At the time of his passing, he was with his son Quentin and his family and friends. They held an impromptu wake at his garage to be with him in spirit and share stories of this sometimes-ornery proprietor who was so kind to so many people.
It was fitting that Charlie left the hospital in wheels he had maintained for the Everest Funeral Chapel fleet. Matt, from Everest, confided later that Charlie was resting amid the cars and not in the more traditional setting. His family applauded such an impressive understanding of their mechanic and friend.
Charlie: October 6, 1949 ~ February 11, 2024, is survived by his son, Quentin Charles (Connie) and grandson Elliott, his former wife Diane Gauthier (née Yacuk), six brothers and sisters, his special friend Bev Poystila, and many friends who loved him and will miss him.
Donations may be made to New Hope Dog Rescue or the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in memory of Charlie.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CHARLIE GAUTHIER
Sponsored by Everest Funeral Chapel The Westfort Chapel.
30 Entries
heiko balke
January 6, 2025
Charlie has been a great friend,and the best mechanic in the Westfort area,for many years! I hav known him for at least,30 or more years I even worked for him Ploughing snow! I'll miss him! My condolences to his family,and friends,that I hav come to know as well!
Dequawn Hamilton
March 23, 2024
Was a one of a kind Mechanic, brought most of vehicles to him and he never gave me a hard time at all, one of my cars he safetied I´ll be keeping on the road for a very long time. Thank you for helping me Charlie. Rest easy.
Dequawn Hamilton
Geoff Crozier
March 20, 2024
One of a kind! Kind heart and a kind soul, Rest in Peace Charlie,
Zimmys OilGard
March 12, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Charlie´s passing, he was a staple in westfort, and will be truly missed
Rest easy Charlie
Zimmys OilGard
Sandra Zimmer
March 4, 2024
I just heard about the passing of Charlie. I am so sorry for his son and the rest of the family. I have known Charlie for I'm thinking almost 50 years. Way back from when he had his garage on Arthur Street. I was late to the driving scene... but Charlie was my go to guy for all of my 2nd hand vehicles until I was able to afford a brand new vehicle (which he also helped me pick by telling me the pros and cons of my choices). He of course was right. I love my present vehicle and it is serving me very well. Charlie and I definitely shared some "private" jokes about some of the people we knew. I loved the unexpected chats we had at the garage when I would pick up my vehicle at closing time or a bit later. He always waited for me to get there if there was something I needed him to explain to me. I loved how he rolled his eyes back when I didn't "get it" right away. Charlie was a one of a kind guy for sure. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace my friend.. Try not getting in to too much trouble now that you have been reunited with some of the old Westfort Crew.
Dwayne Drever
February 25, 2024
My condolences to all his family and all that knew him. A great guy. He will be missed.
The Schoffer Family
February 24, 2024
My husband had him as the go to guy for over 50 years he could always depend on Charlie to come good he will be sadly missed. The Schoffer Family
Lucia Verardo
February 23, 2024
Dear Bev and all family and friends,
My deepest condolences and sympathies to you at this time.
Lucia Verardo
Ann and Helen
February 22, 2024
Charlie was a great mechanic always honest and blunt . he was one of a kind . not to many like him around rip
Dave Grant
February 21, 2024
Charlie was the best of us. My thoughts are with his family. Dave Grant
Don and Gloria Zeleny
February 21, 2024
So sad to hear of Charlie´s passing what a great guy he was the real deal we could always count on Charlie for any auto repair for our family or just some mechanical advice we will miss him immensely condolences Don and Gloria Zeleny and Family rest in peace Charlie
will fratpietro , willportrealty and staff
February 20, 2024
He was to all a friend, a great mechanic and a helpful ear to help people with their problems. He will be missed by many. From up there now maybe he could tune up a few souls down here.
Pat Kleven
February 20, 2024
For over 40 years Charlie took care of my vehicles. My latest one I have had for 20 years thanks to Charlie. He always had answers for my sometimes silly questions and over the years I had plenty. Charlie was very generous to me and was a true friend, I will dearly miss him. My condolences to Charlie's son and family.
Ron & Tricia Drillen, Mary Lynne Fulton
February 19, 2024
Charlie has serviced my family's vehicles for years. We thank you for always going the extra mile...RIP Charlie. Condolences to his family & friends.
Jana
February 19, 2024
So sorry for your loss. He will be causing trouble with my dad again.
robert danylko
February 19, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I'm sure my car will also miss you, BOB
George Sherry Marrs
February 18, 2024
Charlie was a great person, he taught me many´s things, we enjoyed going racing in usa and talking about life. You be missed lots buddy
Albert Stilla
February 18, 2024
My condolence to the family, I will missing his opening line when ordering on the phone airlane towing
Rebecca Lee
February 18, 2024
Charlie will be missed he was more than a mechanic he was a good friend . He always made time for you , lots of good laughs too. He took care of my vehicle's since I started driving. Rest easy Charlie . My condolences to all his family & friends
doug adams
February 18, 2024
Very sad and shocking news of Charlies passing.Dealt with Charlie for over 30 years and considered him a good friend. Always looked forward to our conversations, telling jokes and solving the worlds problems. A great guy who will be dearly missed by all. My condolences to family. Doug Adams
Paul Wilson
February 18, 2024
My Mechanic since i had my first car. A good friend with a big heart. Charlie was a rare gem. My sincere condolences to all the Family. Rest in peace Sunshine.
Wirstiuks/Keelings and Bells
February 17, 2024
Charlie was good friend to my father Jerry for many years. RIP Charlie
Linda Tozer-Johnston
February 17, 2024
Sad to see another Riverdale PS classmate pass. I think it was in Grade 4/5 he would tie my braid into his inkwell as he sat behind me in class. Ever a bit of a fun-loving twerp and joker! I´ve not kept in touch since leaving Th Bay 51 years ago. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Linda Tozer-Johnston
IRIS
February 17, 2024
Charlie Kept my cars on the road long after their expiry date. He was much more than a mechanic. He was a rare Friend. RIP
Mike vilcek
February 17, 2024
best mechanic ever, worked at airlane with charlie for 12 years.
Mike Vilcek
Charlie, Marilyn and Mandi Merkley
February 17, 2024
We were so sorry to hear about Charlie´s passing. He was a good friend and of course mechanic. He was always there to help us out. We have many fond memories of him. R.I.P. our friend. You will be missed.
Moe & Marg Chernosky
February 17, 2024
We were surprised and saddened to hear of Charlie's passing today. He was formerly a good business associate and still a good family friend for over 40 years. Our condolences to the family. Moe & Marg Chernosky.
Bill
February 17, 2024
For 60 years you have been my friend, you will be missed .Rest In Peace Charlie
Tiboni
February 17, 2024
Charlie was a great friend always there when you needed him. Ed and i will miss him greatly
The Tiboni´s
Mike
February 17, 2024
Charlie was an amazing person. Took care of my vehicles for years, always smiling. Condolences to the family
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results