Year Born: 1891
Year Died: 1970
Year of Induction: 1986
Pioneer – Member of CAB Hall of Fame
Gauthier, Alphée (1891-1970)
Born in Olga, North Dakota, Alphée Gauthier was the son of Wilfrid Gauthier and Donalda Auger, both of Canadian origin. The family moved to Canada when Alphee was eight year old. In 1908, he graduated from the Byrne Business College in Levis with the highest honours.
Following his marriage to Alice Couture, he settled in Montreal where, until 1934, he was active in the oil and rubber business. Moving to Sherbrooke, he was appointed General Manager of “La Tribune”, owned by his brother-in-law, Senator Jacob Nicol.
In 1937, CHLT-Radio came on the air, followed in 1946 by CKTS. In 1955, Alphée became Vice-President and co-owner with Paul Desruisseaux who was President.
In 1956, Alphée’s dream of many years became a reality when CHLT-TV (channel 7) was inaugurated.
At the age of 70, Alphée retired, selling his interest in radio, television and the newspaper to Senator Desruisseaux. Two years later, he assisted in founding the BCP Agency in Montreal and served as Chairman of the Board. He died on December 25, 1970.
Alphée Gauthier was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1986.
Written by J. Lyman Potts – September, 1996