Hector Gauthier
Hector Esdras Gauthier, age 78, died in his home on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011.
Hector Gauthier was born in Bottineau, N.D., on July 16, 1933, with a fraternal twin brother, Victor, one of four children to Isidore and Antoionette Gauthier of Willow City, N.D., originating from Quebec, Canada, and Rolette, N.D. Hector attended school in Willow City, at Notre Dame Academy, a Roman Catholic private school. Hector spoke fluent French. After graduating from high school in 1951, he attended Minot State Teacher’s College, and taught school for one year. In 1952, he began working in the oilfield, after hearing a radio ad about workers needed in the Tioga, N.D., area.
He was united in marriage to Betty Medalen on July 19, 1958. The first years of the marriage, they resided at Fort Riley Kansas Army Base, where he was training and serving in the Army Medical Corp. Thereafter, they moved to Watford City and made it their permanent home. Through their union, three children were born. Hector worked in the oilfield for approximately 30 years as a driller and tool pusher. He retired in 1984.
Hector was witty and articulate, with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed country and gospel music, played guitar and sang. He was a good cook, with his breakfast specialties being crepes and pancakes. He shared a love for cats with his wife, of which they had many through the years. He played cards, crosswords, and dabbled in oil painting.
He liked fishing with his children and friends, doing house and yard maintenance, and working in the garden and flowerbeds with his wife, Betty, along with being the king of backyard grilling.
He was a loving, generous, and giving father and husband. He was a loyal friend with a kind heart.
He is survived by three children; Debbie, Anita, and Carmen; three grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Helen and Elaine; along with nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, fraternal twin brother, Victor, and his wife, Betty Mae.
Per his request, cremation will take place. Inurnment of cremains will be at Schafer Cemetery in Watford City.