Donald "Yip" Gauthier, 51, of Hallettsville, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008. He was born August 3, 1956 to Alfred Eugene Roland Gauthier and Mary Louis Deader, in Gillette Wyoming.

Yip was a member of the American Mountain Men Association, The Texas Association of Buckskinners, and was associated with Crossroads of Texas Living History Association. He enjoyed outdoor events including fishing, canoeing, historical reenactments, and spending time with his grandchildren, wife, and friends. He loved to play pranks on fellow friends and family. He made friends wherever he went; he never met a stranger. He was a loving husband, stern but loving daddy, and a fun PoPo.

Yip is survived by wife of 26 years, Linda "Steffek" Gauthier; daughters Devana Redding, Debbie Redding, Kissha Brown; 4 grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Jessica, and Jayden; mother Mary Gauthier of Moorcroft, Wyoming; brother Frank Lauters and wife Jean of Montgomery, Texas; twin brother Ronald Gauthier and wife Annie of Portland, Oregon; and sister Pattie Jackson and husband Ron of Sugarland, Texas.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date for the scattering of his ashes. Donations can be made to the Lavaca County EMS, Pioneer Village in Gonzales, Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, the Crossroads of Living History Association, or Donor's Choice.