About the Author

Tom Gauthier has written nearly every form of communication, published on various subjects in newspapers, and national and international journals, and has authored, produced, and directed four plays. His first novel, Code Name: ORION’S EYE, was released in 2008 and has become something of a cult favorite with World War II veterans and their families – especially those who fought in the South Pacific.

Tom’s second novel, A VOYAGE BEYOND REASON, has received a “Notable Award for Literary Fiction” in the 17th Annual International Writer’s Digest Book Award competition (2009). Tom was introduced on national television during the finale of the CBS TV series, Survivor-Tocantins by the subject of his book, Benjamin Wade – a star (“coach”) of the TV show.

Tom was born in 1940 in California, and grew up after the war in Santa Barbara. As he writes, “Growing up in the 40’s and 50’s in Santa Barbara was a real life episode of Happy Days.” He is the oldest of five children of Donovan and Velma Gauthier.  After high school, Tom served first in the US Army as a combat intelligence analyst, and later in the Air Force Reserve as a Load Master on a C-119, “Flying Boxcar”.  Tom married young, and by his middle twenties had three children. In 1966 he finished his military career and began a civilian career that took him to every corner of the U.S. and Canada, and 20 countries. In the middle seventies he divorced, remarried, and added a fourth child to the mix. Tom also decided to catch up on the education he’d never started. In the ensuing years he completed a Bachelor of Science in Management, an M.B.A., and a Master of Science and Doctorate in Psychology. He is a member of Delta Epsilon Tau, an international honors society.

In retirement he is busier than ever. Besides making novel writing a primary focus, Tom serves on the local Airport Commission, the local hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also continues to consult with companies and government on organizational and communications issues. Tom is a private pilot, a member of the Elks Lodge, and the American Legion.

Tom and his wife of over thirty five years, Marlene, have built their dream home on a small ranch in the eastern High Sierras of Northern California, and enjoy the visits of thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.