Donald Cormier
October 06, 1935 - November 07, 2021
Obituary
Born October 6, 1935, in Billings MT, the eldest of five children of Joseph A. Cormier and Margaret (Roberts) Cormier. Died of cancer in Great Falls MT on November 7, 2021.
In his early years, Gene was raised on the farm-ranch on Blue Creek Road south of Billings. When younger brother, Gary, started 1st grade, the Cormier's moved into Billings. Gene and his younger brothers Gary, Gordon, and Gerald, all attended Fratt Elementary School and Billings Central High School. Gene attended the University of Portland for two years, and then went on active duty with the Navy Seabees. He was stationed first on Midway Island, and then the next two years Gene was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, where he drove a semi-truck with the Naval Supply Depot. Gene returned to college at the University of California-Berkeley and graduated in 1963. That same year, he attended San Jose State College to obtain a special teaching certificate for community college level.
Gene was married, and during this time, he accepted a teaching position at Mt Vernon Community College in Illinois where he taught for three years. After his divorce, Gene moved back to California hoping (unsuccessfully) to secure a teaching position at another community college. Meanwhile, he worked installing drapes during the 1970's residential construction boom. Gene returned to Billings, MT in 1980 until 1991, when he moved to Great Falls, MT.
During his life, Gene continued to have a fondness for his time overseas, and he traveled a great deal to the Philippines and to Japan, bringing back many souvenirs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Margaret Cormier, his younger sister, Lee Ann, and each of his younger brothers, Gary, Gordon, and Gerald (Jerry) Cormier.
His memorial service will be scheduled in the Spring of 2022. Remembrances may be made to the Billings Area Catholic Education Trust (BACET) or to the charity of your choice.
In his early years, Gene was raised on the farm-ranch on Blue Creek Road south of Billings. When younger brother, Gary, started 1st grade, the Cormier's moved into Billings. Gene and his younger brothers Gary, Gordon, and Gerald, all attended Fratt Elementary School and Billings Central High School. Gene attended the University of Portland for two years, and then went on active duty with the Navy Seabees. He was stationed first on Midway Island, and then the next two years Gene was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, where he drove a semi-truck with the Naval Supply Depot. Gene returned to college at the University of California-Berkeley and graduated in 1963. That same year, he attended San Jose State College to obtain a special teaching certificate for community college level.
Gene was married, and during this time, he accepted a teaching position at Mt Vernon Community College in Illinois where he taught for three years. After his divorce, Gene moved back to California hoping (unsuccessfully) to secure a teaching position at another community college. Meanwhile, he worked installing drapes during the 1970's residential construction boom. Gene returned to Billings, MT in 1980 until 1991, when he moved to Great Falls, MT.
During his life, Gene continued to have a fondness for his time overseas, and he traveled a great deal to the Philippines and to Japan, bringing back many souvenirs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Margaret Cormier, his younger sister, Lee Ann, and each of his younger brothers, Gary, Gordon, and Gerald (Jerry) Cormier.
His memorial service will be scheduled in the Spring of 2022. Remembrances may be made to the Billings Area Catholic Education Trust (BACET) or to the charity of your choice.
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MC
Marilynn (Mari) Cormier
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Gene and I remained in touch for many years. I always loved receiving his letters and Christmas cards...all recycled a little difficult to read but always a joy to receive. Years ago when he visited me he wanted to go to a thrift store (imagine that). We were kindred souls as I always buy recycled. My daughter and i had a road trip in the fall of 2016 and spent a few days with Gene and he treated us to a wonderful dinner at his favorite dinner club. I spoke to Gene a few days before his death but we had a bad connection so the conversation was brief...sorry Gene. I missed his Christmas card last year. We all have baggage in our lives as did Gene but I loved him and am happy he is finally free!