Paul Gauthier

Paul was born on June 13, 1940, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was the son of Florence Gauthier. Paul graduated from Houghton High School in 1958, graduated from Michigan Tech, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial management, and earned a master’s degree in logistics management from Central Michigan University.

After college, Paul joined the Air Force and served for 21 years. He was stationed at various bases around the world, including Texas, New Mexico, Turkey, Spain, Nebraska, Thailand, Ohio and Virginia. His assignments included working as a logistician, as part of the Inspector General team, and flying the Looking Glass.

Paul retired from the Air Force in 1984 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. After retiring from the Air Force, Paul began a second career working in the defense contracting field as a systems analyst. He was very active in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, for over 50 years.

Paul earned the 4th degree and was a charter member of the St. Mary of Sorrows council, holding various leadership positions, including Grand Knight of his local council.

Paul was also active in the Rotary Club of Fairfax for many years. Paul served as president and was awarded the Service Above Self Award, Rotarian of the Year, and was bestowed the Paul Harris award multiple times. He enjoyed giving his time to the community and lived the Service Above Self ideals helping many people over the years.

Paul was a lifelong car enthusiast. He owned and enjoyed restoring several classic cars, including 1929 and 1930 Ford Model A cars. Paul was a member of the Model A Ford Club of America, George Washington Chapter, and often participated in car shows and rallies.

Paul was a kind and generous man who always put others before himself. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laurel, his children, Pauline (Burkett) and Renee (Schaefer), and four grandsons, Kyle, Clark, Drew and Grant.

Paul will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Historic Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, Virginia, followed by a gathering in the adjacent hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) – Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, 888-557-7177.