Clovis A. "Toby" Gauthier, 75, of Acushnet passed away peacefully on Friday January 29, 2010 surrounded by his family at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the former husband of the late Priscilla (Ashley) Lafferty and the late Beverly (Paulino) Brito.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joseph A. and Mae A. (DeMoranville) Gauthier, he lived in New Bedford most of his life before moving to Acushnet.
In 1959, Toby joined the New Bedford Police Department and served as a Detective Sergeant. During the 1970's, he became Commander of the Organized Crime Intelligence Unit. He was a member of the Bristol County Narcotic Enforcement Association. He later was promoted as the Police-appointed Prosecutor of the Third District Court in New Bedford and served until his retirement.
For half a century, he was affiliated with the Sixth Bristol Club of New Bedford serving as President and for many years as the Club General Manager until his retirement in February 2009. During the years, he was instrumental with the Club's Community activities and fundraising, especially the "Christmas Neediest Family Fund".
He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving on the USS Antietam, having one of the country's first angled flight deck.
He enjoyed fishing, especially with his son, and spending time with his three dogs, Molly, Shuki and Dawson.
Survivors include a son, David Gauthier and his wife Linda of Rochester and their children, Justin Gauthier and his wife Katherine of El Paso, TX and Connor Gauthier of Rochester; a daughter, Cindy Nichols and her husband Bruce of North Fort Myers, FL and their children, Joshua Charbonneau and his wife Monica of New Bedford and Jennifer Rucker of North Fort Myers, FL; five great-grandchildren, Kasey, Morgan, Caitlyn, Kendel and Angela; a daughter by marriage, Cheryl Morey of Mattapoisett; a brother, Robert V. Gauthier and his wife Julie of North Dartmouth; a sister, Colette Brightman and her husband Donald of Acushnet; his beloved companion of 17 years, Bette Thomas of Acushnet and her son, Michael Thomas and his wife Michelle and their children, Lily Rose and Abigail, her daughter, Kristen Lancaster and her husband James and their children Kyle and Kathryn, and her daughter Susan Moreira and her husband Paul and their daughter Brooke; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
He was the brother of the late Ulderic Masse and Mary Slowik.
Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, February 2nd from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. His Funeral Service and burial on Wednesday will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Animal Rescue League of New Bedford, 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth, MA 02747.