Real Gille Gauvin

Real Gille Gauvin, 87, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was born on September 19, 1938, in Waterloo, Quebec, Canada. In the later years of his life, Real made his home in Asheville with his daughter, Diane, who had the privilege of helping care for him and sharing many meaningful moments with him during that time.

Real lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, service, and devotion to family. Throughout his life, he worked as both a tool maker and a farmer, bringing skill, pride, steadiness, and determination to everything he did. He also served in the Canadian Army and Air Force, reflecting a lifelong sense of duty and responsibility. One of the milestones he held especially dear was becoming a United States citizen in 1972 while living in Connecticut, an accomplishment of which he was deeply proud.

Beyond his work and accomplishments, Real will be remembered most for the life he shared with the people he loved and for the simple things that brought him happiness. He enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, and he loved building and creating things with his hands—a reflection of the patience, skill, and determination that were so much a part of who he was. He had a deep love for Mother Nature and found joy in being outdoors, among the trees, flowers, and beauty of the natural world. He also treasured playing a game of 500 with family, enjoying a slice of apple pie or chocolate cake, telling a story, explaining something with complete seriousness, and then breaking into a smile or laugh. Those simple, everyday moments became some of the memories his family will treasure most.

Family remained at the center of Real’s life. In his final months, he continued to be surrounded by visits, conversations, laughter, shared meals, card games, walks, and the loving presence of those closest to him. His life leaves behind not only a story of perseverance and hard work, but also a reminder that love is often found in simply being present for one another.

He is survived by his children: Daniel Gauvin and his wife, Rosalee Theroux; David Gauvin; Diane Simpson; and Ronnie Gauvin and his wife, Ericka. His memory will also be cherished by his grandchildren, Zachary, Danielle, Kristina, Eric, Meghan, Jesse, Alec, and Cortney, and by his five beloved great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brothers, Normand Gauvin, Richard Gauvin, and Claude Gauvin; and by his sisters, Denise Gauvin and Helene Cordeau. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Gauvin; his brother, Paul Gauvin; and by his parents, Noe Gauvin and Marie Anna Dulude Gauvin.

On September 19, 2026—what would have been Real’s 88th birthday—his son, David, will have the honor of accompanying his father on his final journey home to Vermont. Once home, Real’s sons and daughter will accompany their father together to Saint Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell, Vermont, where they will lay him to rest beside his beloved wife, Beatrice Gauvin. There is something especially meaningful in Real returning home on the day of his birth, surrounded by his sons and daughter for this final journey. After a lifetime of work, family, service, memories, and miles traveled, his sons and daughter will bring their father to his final resting place beside the woman with whom he shared so much of his life.

A Celebration of Life will follow later in the fall, when close family and friends will gather to share stories, remember his laughter, honor the life he lived, and celebrate the love he leaves behind.

Real Gille Gauvin will be remembered as a hardworking and proud man, a father and grandfather, a man of perseverance, and someone whose presence became part of the everyday memories his family will carry with them for generations.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Gauvin family.