‘One of a kind:’ Friends, family mourn Victoria man found dead on Hillside Avenue

CHEK

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Joe Gauthier, who was found dead in Victoria on Saturday.

Victoria police were called to the 1400-block of Hillside Avenue for a disturbance early Saturday morning. Unconfirmed reports say Gauthier was stabbed and police have said the public is not at risk. One neighbour said he heard screaming and yelling around 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

The family has identified the victim as Gauthier, a father of four kids. They released a statement on Monday that said:

“Joseph Gauthier was one of a kind. He was the wild child with the biggest heart. As rough and tough as he looked on the outside, he was certainly the biggest softy on the inside.

Joe was loved unconditionally which at this moment seems by the whole world! The outpour of support and love from everyone is amazingly overwhelming. It just goes to show how many lives Joe touch and will continue to touch each and every day.

Joe left behind four beautiful children who he loved more than the world itself. The woman that meant everything to him – his mother, three brothers who he always kept close to his heart, hundreds of friends, a huge family here on the island and back home in Winnipeg.

We would like to thank everybody for all the beautiful words!”

Jonathan Poppitt, head coach of the Saanich Wolverines, said Gauthier rarely missed a game.

“He had a real loud gravelly voice, so you could always hear him across the field cheering his son on,” Poppitt said.

“He was very supportive of him there. He’d come out and run the sticks and volunteer with other parents, so he put a lot of effort in to be there for Joey and I thought it was great. I just can’t imagine what Joey’s going through, it’s hard, he’s lost his father and it’s pretty sad.”

Memorial flowers have also been placed on a utility pole near the crime scene on Hillside Avenue. Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning to call them.

Joe Gauthier pictured. Photo courtesy of GoFundMe

Joe Gauthier pictured. Photo courtesy of GoFundMe

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