Robert Cantrell Gauthier

Robert “Rob” Cantrell Gauthier passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after a difficult struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 81 years old. Rob was born on November 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, to Victor Arthur Gauthier Jr. and Mary Richardson Gauthier. The oldest of four children, he grew up primarily in Alexandria, Virginia. As the son of a US State Department employee, Rob spent two years living in Turkey before returning to the states and graduating from Hammond High School. A naturally athletic young man, Rob participated in many sports including basketball, football, and track, where he particularly excelled in pole vaulting. His competitive spirit and determination were qualities that would stay with him throughout his life. Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in business from American University in 1968 and was an active member of his fraternity, ATO. Following graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army as an intelligence officer during the Vietnam War. Rob married Karen Fisher in 1969 and settled in Columbia, Maryland, where they raised their children. Rob built a long and successful career as an executive recruiter. He co-founded Columbia Consulting Group in 1978, helping countless professionals find meaningful careers. In 2008 he and Shirl Nelson co-founded The Aurelius Group, a workforce assessment consulting firm with clients in the federal, science, and academic sectors. Rob and Shirl married in 2012. They moved to Sarasota, Florida, in 2016 and have enjoyed an active life in the community since retirement. Rob will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, and the pride he took in serving his country. He held a lasting passion for history and a curiosity about the world. Above all else, he was devoted to his family. Rob took great pride in being an active and supportive husband, father, and grandfather, rarely missing an opportunity to be involved in the milestones and everyday moments of his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Rob is survived by his devoted wife Shirl Gauthier; his children and step-children, Tatum (Bill) Liguori, Tania (Andres) Moran, Trevor (Misty) Gauthier, Taryn (Tim) Hiteshew, Robert & Julia Hoffman, CAPT Kerri (Jonny) Chase, USN, and Christopher Lattimore Carter; his grandchildren Taylor, Billy & Ben Liguori, Alba & Bixby Moran, Mason & Austin Gauthier, Kealan Hiteshew (due May 2026) and Chloe & Landon Chase; and his former spouse Karen Gauthier. He also leaves behind siblings Richard Gauthier, Mary Dixon Gauthier, and Frank (Dana Vance) Gauthier. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery. Following the service there will be a celebration of Rob’s life at the Bayso Condominium, 301 Quay Commons, Sarasota, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to the Hospice Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a Veterans group of choice.

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Robert Cantrell Gauthier

November 5, 1944 - March 5, 2026