Phil Bauer passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on October 11, 2026, at the age of 77, according to an obituary.
Business Career and Craftsmanship
As a proud and dedicated business owner, Phil built Bauer’s Body & Fender into a trusted local body shop recognized by the slogan We Meet By Accident
. Regarded locally as the finest body technician around, his deepest enthusiasm lay in painting and restoring vintage automobiles, expertly breathing new life into weathered classics through careful precision, enduring patience, and meticulous attention to detail. Beyond the shop, he was known for a sharp mind, a deep love of antique collectables, historical facts, endless stories, and a wide appreciation for music with a song for everything. He also enjoyed playing epic pranks and jokes on those he held dear, and gave affectionate nicknames to his family members, including grandchildren lovingly known as Jughead (Cutie), Pie Face, Nag, Yellow Mop, Sister Golden Hair, and Marble Cake.
Family and Survivors
Phil was predeceased by his daughter Rhonda Lynn in 1973 and his parents, Gordon and Cecilia Bauer. He is survived by his daughters Shannon Clenighan (Shawn), Kim Bauer, and Nadine Bauer, alongside special mention of his favourite
niece Sharla Robitaille. He was Pépé to Jason Zack (Chelsea), David Bauer, Nathan Grandinetti, Brooke-Lynn Clenighan, Jillian Clenighan, and Myah Bauer, and Great Pépé to Colton Zack, Zahra Zack, and Acen Zack. He was a brother to eight siblings, a loving chosen brother of 64 years to Len Drouillard and his wife Kery—who was also his favourite Esquire Club date—and was lovingly remembered by his sister Claudette Argent. He is also remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as dearest friends Ray Lemay, Donnie Wierzbicki, and Becca Wilson-Pariseau.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorials
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home, located at 215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7 (telephone 705-759-8456), where condolences may be left at www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. Contributions in remembrance of Phil may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society, with payments accepted either via cheque or directly online on the charity’s website.