ENROLLED
2017 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 55
BY REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON
A RESOLUTION
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Johnny Joseph Gauthier of
Mansura.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana House of Representatives have learned of the death of Johnny Joseph Gauthier of
Mansura on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at the age of seventy-four; and
WHEREAS, a veteran radio broadcaster in Avoyelles Parish, Johnny Gauthier was
a widely respected and admired member of his community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gauthier earned a first class license in radio broadcasting at Elkins
Institute of Broadcasting in Dallas, Texas, and his long and highly productive broadcasting
career began at KAPB in Marksville in 1964; and
WHEREAS, upon relocating to New Roads, Mr. Gauthier became the station
manager and chief engineer with KWRG; he later managed WLBI in Denham Springs and
served with distinction as an audio technician with WBRZ in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, as his family grew, Mr. Gauthier moved home to Mansura and worked
at Crick Insurance Agency in Pineville for sixteen years, specializing in commercial
insurance designed for nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, about twenty-five years ago, Mr. Gauthier's love for broadcasting led
him to KLIL in Moreauville; the community enjoyed waking up to the voice of
Mr. Gauthier, who was always a wealth of information, particularly with respect to
meteorology; for the past fifteen years, he and District Attorney Charles Riddle III chatted
on the radio every Thursday morning; and
WHEREAS, thanks in large part to Mr. Gauthier, who played an instrumental role
in the station's popularity and success, KLIL was named the Farm and Home Show Radio
Station of the Year for two consecutive years; and
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WHEREAS, in addition to his achievements in the professional realm, Mr. Gauthier
was a man devoted to his family and his faith, and he also enjoyed spending time in his "man
cave" with his historic photos and classic model cars; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gauthier is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Lydia Shippey
Gauthier; his children and their spouses, John Gauthier, Jr., Holly and Bo Smith, Joni
Gauthier, Charlie and Sheena Gauthier, Ben Gauthier, and Dale Gauthier; eleven
grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren; he was preceded in death by his parents, Guy
and Pennie Scallan Gauthier; his brothers, Maxie Gauthier and Brian Gauthier; and his
granddaughter, Erica Bernard Billiot; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Mr. Gauthier, Louisiana has lost one of her finest
citizens, a man who was loved by all whose lives he touched, who leaves behind a rich and
unique legacy, and who is profoundly missed; and
WHEREAS, although the death of Mr. Gauthier has left a tremendous void in his
community, his memory and his voice shall live forever in the minds and hearts of all who
knew and loved him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of Johnny Joseph Gauthier of Mansura; does hereby recognize and record for posterity
his singular accomplishments and contributions, particularly as a beloved broadcaster; and
does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the pride, honor, and joy that this extraordinary
gentleman will forever bring to his family and friends, the town of Mansura, Avoyelles
Parish, and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Johnny Joseph Gauthier.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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