Victoria, B.C. – Nearly 60 years after Pierre Elliott Gauthier made his debut as an impresario in the big leagues of national film exhibition, the closing credits have rolled on the life of Canada’s longest-reigning movie theatre manager.
Pierre died from cancer complications on May 29 at age 87.
A larger-than-life character known as much for his generosity and kindness as his flamboyance and passion for delivering the quintessential moviegoing experience, Pierre lived up to his reputation as “the last showman” until he retired in 2018 as general manager of the Odeon, Cineplex Entertainment’s flagship Yates street multiplex.
Born in Stewart, B.C., Pierre was raised in Quesnel by his parents Paul and Mabel. His rough-and-tumble childhood there is said to have ignited his sense of adventure and devil may-care attitude. He came from a movie theatre lineage. His grandfather purchased the Rex, Quesnel’s only movie theatre, in 1918, and Pierre’s father Paul went on to build the town’s Carib theatre and Casbar drive-in.
Pierre and his late wife Velma worked in the theatre business together since the early 1960s. His jobs included selling encyclopedias and vacuum cleaners after moving to Calgary, where he went on to manage the Grand Theatre for 20 years and worked with Velma.
They managed several theatres between them, including the Odeon, Haida and Towne Cinema, after moving to Victoria in 1981.
Pierre’s motto as a theatre operator was to “treat every customer as if they were your grandparents.” When he wasn’t tearing tickets and greeting customers, he followed other pursuits.
A big fan of country music and western movies, Pierre had an avid passion for western style riding. He excelled in sports including golf, and motorcycle riding. His physical and mental tenacity to survive many serious accidents was a testament to his eclectic character. Pierre’s life was well lived as he personified a favourite saying: “You’ve just gotta grab the bull by the horns.”
Pierre is survived by son Lance (Krishna) Neale and grandsons Grayson and Sam; siblings Diane (David) Jackson, Colette (Lyle) Sopel, and John Gauthier; nephews Rene (Deborah) and Kurtis (Bianca); nieces Nicole (Steve) and Julie (Jack), and many great and grand nephews and nieces.
He is pre-deceased by his parents Paul and Mabel, stepmother Kay, his wife Velma, brother Michael (Carol) and nephew Andre (Brenda).
A public Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal Street, Victoria, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, a donation made in Pierre’s name to Victoria Therapeutic Riding Club, Kiwanis Youth Club or a charity of your own choosing would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Gauthier” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Helen
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Da Ye Chun My deepest condolences for Pierre’s family, who Pierre always spoke of so fondly and with such affection, especially whenever he was talking about his son Lance and grandkids.
Pierre and Velma were my first bosses as working in their box office was my first real job. Pierre was also one of my dad’s best friends and neighbors as he managed the convenience store next to Odeon on Yates for 20 years. Rough around the edges but with softest heart (with particular soft spot for strawberry twizzlers), Pierre will always be remembered as true one of a kind who was an integral part of our family’s time in Victoria. Since my parents moved out of Victoria they all missed one another so much, only getting to meet again once afterwards before my dad passed… hope now they can be in each other’s company enjoying endless games of golf and chat. Rest in peace my dear Pierre. You will be sorely missed.
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Al Planiden I was saddened to hear of Pierre’s passing. I never really knew him except for meeting him one time, but it was one of those rare encounters that I will never forget, and that left me with a happy memory and story that I often share.
Many years ago the movie “Borat” came out and was playing at the Odeon.
I thought there was a late afternoon showing of the film, so I asked my wife to drive in to town and I would get off work early and meet her at the theatre. I was looking forward to some raunchy humor with a lot of people laughing with me in the seats.
Standing alone outside the theatre I realized that I had messed up the time and there was no showing until that evening.
This fellow walks out of the theatre and says “Can I help you?” I said I was wanting to see “Borat”, but I screwed up the time. He asked where we were from, and I said Sooke. “Figures” he said gruffly and then “ …well come on”, and leads us into the theatre. I didn’t know what was happening so I asked. “You wanted to see the film didn’t you? So you’re going to see it!” Surprised as I could be, I asked where we could pay. “Does it look like we’re open?” he said sarcastically.
Next thing I know he is yelling to someone to roll “Borat” on #2.
My wife and me saw the film without another person in the place, with mostly me laughing!
I found out later that the man responsible for everything was Pierre.
As other people have said, he was one of a kind, and a great guy in my books! It’s stuff like this that people do in your life that makes them unforgettable. Thank you.
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Amelia We are absolutely saddened to hear about Pierre’s passing. Being neighbors for the past 10 years, he was always gruff around the edges, yet was always thoughtful – he sure had a soft spot for my daughter Apolline, and she would always run to him with arms outstretched.
We would sometimes wake up to treats on our mailbox – from movie popcorn to donuts, candy or purdy’s chocolates – anything to make my sweet girl smile.
I enjoyed our daily afternoon chats, and seeing him speed-walking throughout our neighborhood (man he was fast!!) and will absolutely miss him dearly.
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Nicole Laflamme I would like to express our Sincère Condolences to Diane, Colette John and familles for the death of Pierre. We will always remembrer him for his kindness and happiness when we first met him . in Calgary, Victoria, Montréal when he visited us in Quebec .
Nicole, late husband Jacques Laflamme, André jr. Céline.
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Tara Culham My sincere condolences to family and friends of Pierre Gauthier. Pierre was my mentor and friend since the ‘70’s in Calgary and in BC. He will be missed by many.
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Brad LaDouceur I first met Pierre when I moved to Calgary in 1994. I was overseeing Western Canada for Cineplex over four years and a trip to Victoria was always a treat. Pierre treated me like family and my team at that time was stronger because of the wisdom he shared with myself and his peers. I will continue to miss both Pierre and Velma and they will forever be in my heart and a part of my life.
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John Barron Very sorry to hear of Pierre’s passing. I knew him well when he worked in Calgary for my grandfather. There was no one quite like him. Rest in peace. John Barron
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Dann koller As many will say, one of a kind! We worked well on Yates back in the day, Dean, our doorman, 6.4 250, worked well with Pierre , fun memories. Character, big heart and a fun guy to debate with. Golf handicap? Jeez, Dann, Dominion Hotel
Pierre was one of a kind.My movie partner called him my boyfriend because I was always leaving things in my seat, and I would always get them back, thanks to pierre (she said I was doing it deliberately but I wasn’t!) But he really went out of his way when I left my wallet at the concession. It had cash,a cheque with my old address,and a receipt from Oak Bay Optometry. He went to my old address first,then he contacted oak bay optometry and told them to call me and tell me that he had my wallet. They did,and I went to the Odeon to retrieve it from Pierre. And everything was in there. He really went out of his way and I so appreciated it.