Memories and condolences pour in with news that Fall River icon “Happy Hec” Gauthier has passed away

A Fall River institution is gone.

According to multiple reports, Hector Gauthier, a morning radio host at WSAR for several decades has passed away suddenly.

Affectionately known as “Happy Hec” for good reason, Gauthier’s voice is how the public first began to know him in the 1960s, however, the type of man that he was and his imprint he left on his community is his lasting legacy.

He has earned countless awards for his professionalism, his community work, and for being a special human being. It is no wonder that memories and condolences began to pour in on social media on Friday once word spread of the life-long Fall River native’s passing.

Carole Fiola

“The sudden passing of one of the nicest humans ever has left a serious void. Rest in peace Happy Hector Gauthier. I will miss your kindness, your morning magic and having you for a friend. Deepest sympathies to Maureen, Lisa, Maggie, your entire WSAR family and to each of us who were better because we knew you. The mold has been broken. There’s not another like you.”

Cliff Ponte Jr.

“Every morning when I was in middle school, then high school, my mom would have 1480 WSAR on. I heard Happy Hec on every single morning. Listening in to see if school was cancelled on snow days. I remember clearly — Happy Hec & Holiday morning show was the first I remember — Then it was Happy Hec and Mike Moran for years. Then, while getting into radio (which I first thought would have been my career) I was the morning show producer and morning news anchor with Hec & Keri Rodrigues for the Bristol County Breakfast Club. I’ll never forget our conversations about radio, sports, music and will miss texting you when you played a Country song on the morning show. When I first met you — I thought I met a celebrity! After getting to know you — I did not only meet a celebrity but a true legend. May you rest in peace!”

Nancy Duncan

“Saddened to hear of the passing of my former cohost at WSAR. I knew Hector Gauthier long before I ever met him as his was the voice we would listen intently to every
snow day to see if we would hear him say our towns name. When I did meet him, I found him to be one of the kindest, funniest, most humble and most genuine human beings I have ever known. He and I shared many laughs on air and so many more off air that we could never repeat on air! Happy Hec you are a legend in the Southcoast and will be missed! RIP my friend.”

Father Michael Racine

“I usually don’t post my personal losses but today I lost a good friend of over 20 years. Hector Gauthier (Happy Hec) from WSAR in Fall River. I met him when I did a commentary of a Funeral Mass for a Fall River Police officer who died in the line of duty, and it was a friendship forever. He taught me how to make my first commercial for our Fall Festival when I was in Assonet. It was a lot of fun along with being in studio with him a few times and come and do remotes for the festival and looked forward to it each year. He introduced me to Rob Carolan the morning weather person (and many others) and we went up to visit him in NH and I blessed the new weather center. He enjoyed that trip. Many times, Hec would call me for some thoughts in church related topics and special times during the year. There’s a lot more I could say but that describes who he was just a great guy who loved his work and the people. To his wife and family my prayers and sympathies and was so honored to pray with his family this afternoon before he was called home as well as his parish priest who also visited with him this morning. So glad we’ were able to fit lunch in a couple of weeks ago.”

Laura Eaton

“My heart is saddened to hear this news today. One of the best coworkers/friend anyone could ever have!! Many years of walking the Fall River Christmas Parade along the side of him. Walking into the radio station every morning greeting me with the biggest “Good Morning Sunshine”!! Your heart was pure, and you will forever hold a special place in my heart. RIP Hector Gauthier Until we meet again my friend!”

Erik Tolley

“Legend. You did what you loved, and you loved what you did. Your passion will never be duplicated.”

Holly McNamara

“I am so sad to hear this news. He was always happy — always pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable. Always the good ones gone too soon. 🤍🙏🏻🩵 May you rest in peace.”

Services for Gauthier have yet to be announced.