Kayden, Gauthier Benard
It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Kayden Gauthier-Benard on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the young age of 11.
Kayden was the beloved son of Shane Benard and Kaylyn Gauthier, and the cherished big brother of Sylus Gauthier-Benard and Wesley Gauthier-Sasseville. He was a kind, funny, witty and incredibly smart boy with a heart just as special as he was. Kayden had a way of making people laugh and was caring and accepting of everyone he met. He didn't judge people; he gave everyone a chance and accepted them for who they were. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and anyone lucky enough to know him knew just how special he truly was.
More than anything, Kayden was truly born to be the oldest brother. The love he had for Sylus and Wesley and the way he looked out for them was like no other. He was protective, caring and proud to be their big brother. It was a role that came so naturally to him, and the love between them was something incredibly special. He may have only had 11 years, but he gave his brothers a lifetime of love and memories to hold onto forever.
Kayden had a big personality and so many things that brought him joy. He was a huge Star Wars fan, an avid gamer who loved playing Fortnite, and a true master of LEGO, always building, creating and bringing his imagination to life. He loved sports and was really beginning to find a passion for baseball and basketball.
One of the places that became especially meaningful to Kayden was Camp Tillicum. He spent his final summer there making memories, having adventures and forming some wonderful friendships. He loved his time at camp and was looking forward to becoming a Junior Camp Counsellor, excited for the chance to return to a place that had become so special to him.
Kayden packed so much love, laughter and life into his 11 years. He was an amazing son and big brother, a cherished grandson, great grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, a gamer, a LEGO master, a Star Wars fan, an athlete, and above all, a caring boy who saw the good in people and gave everyone a chance. His life was far too short, but the love he gave, the friendships he made and the memories he created will last a lifetime.
Kayden's caring spirit will continue to live on through the gift of organ donation. Even after his passing, he was able to give others hope and a chance at life — one final reflection of the kind and giving boy he was.
Kayden will be forever loved and deeply missed by his family, friends and everyone whose life he touched. His laugh, his quick wit, his kind heart and everything that made him so uniquely Kayden will never be forgotten.
The family will be receiving visitors at McGuinty Funeral Home in North Bay on Monday, September 7, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
A service for Kayden will be held at the McGuinty Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Monetary donations in Kayden's memory may be made to Kid's Sports North Bay . Kayden believed everyone deserved a chance, and his family knows he would want every child to have the opportunity to play sports, dance, make friends and simply enjoy being a kid, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. Helping another child have that opportunity is a beautiful way to honor Kayden and carry his caring spirit forward.
