CEDAR — Scott Gauthier, 48, of Traverse City, died Sept. 15, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. Scott was born on May 13, 1963, the son of John and Ruth (Schaub) Gauthier, in Traverse City. At a young age Scott began working at Gauthier's Shoe and Repair. He was a national award-winning orthopedic technician who helped a countless number of people throughout his career. He loved his job and dedicated his life to it. On Sept. 13, 2003, atop a hill overlooking South Lake Leelanau, Scott married the former Mikki Buford. After being set up by Mikki's mother, the two became best friends and shared everything together. In his spare time Scott loved to hunt, fish, target practice and play with his kids. He also loved his dogs and had a sled team of eight Samoyeds. His family meant the world to him and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Scott is survived by his wife, Mikki; parents, John and Ruth; sons, Eric Elliott and Ryan Gauthier; daughter, Teisha Gauthier (Josh Newman); grandson, Orion Scott Newman; sister, Debbie (David) Enger; sister, Tina Martin; brother, Kevin Gauthier; sister, Dawn (Chris) Lund; brother-in-law, Brian Everett; sister-in-law, Dani (Rob) Sudekum; sister-in-law, Patti (Bill) Kitchin; and several other relatives and friends. Scott had a heart of gold and accepted everyone he met. Please join the family in celebrating Scott's life on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at 3 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to his family. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.