Darrell “Joe” Couillard, age 54, of 8395 P.5 Road, Gladstone, MI died unexpectedly Thursday March 9, 2006 at the University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. Joe was born January 1, 1952 in Eckerman, MI the son of Oliver and Delores (Kesick) Couillard. He was raised in the Perkins area and was a 1970 graduate of Perkins High School. While at Perkins High he excelled at basketball and scored over 1000 career points. After working for a few years, Joe attended Northern Michigan University.
Joe was united in marriage to the former Victoria LaFave on December 29, 1970 in Marquette and they made their home in Gladstone. From 1984 to 1986 they resided in Memphis, TN until they relocated to Flagstaff, AZ where Joe was employed as a Terminal Manager with Ruan Trucking and Leasing Co. Joe had to retire in 1998 due to illness. In 2004 they returned to the Gladstone area to be close to friends and family.
Joe’s passion in life was spending time with his family, especially his four (4) grandchildren whom he adored. His other passion in life was hunting. The pinnacle of his hunting career was being drawn for a prestigious big horn sheep hunt in the rugged desert of Arizona. There is a less than 1% chance of being selected for this hunt and Joe got his trophy sheep. Joe was a lifetime member of the N.R.A., a member of Ducks Unlimited, and a member of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.
In addition to his beloved wife Victoria, survivors include:
2 Sons: Joseph (Laura) Couillard of Yorktown, VA; Jeremy (Gina) Couillard of Flagstaff, AZ
6 Brothers: Dwayne (Cheryl) Couillard of Perkins, MI; Larry (Cindy) Couillard of Soo Hill, MI; Allan (Judy) Kesick of Rapid River, MI; William Dunlop of Escanaba, MI; Dan Dunlop of Marinette, WI; Gary Dunlop of Escanaba, MI
3 Sisters: Cheryl (Marty) Sagataw of Harris, MI; Francine (Marc) Loper of Petosky, MI; Louise (Chris) Beauchamp of Soo Hill, MI
The light of Joe
Anonymous
March 31, 2006
To the Family of
Mr. Darrell “Joe” Couillard ’84
Dear Couillard Family:
It was with sincere regret that I learned of the death of Joe. He was a valued member of our NMU family and will be missed.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. May it comfort you to know that our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Leslie E. Wong
Marquette, MI
While I wasn’t able to attend the wake or funeral please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and in the future.
With love.
Sophie Scholer
Gladstone, MI
Dearest Vicky, Jo-ge,Jeremy
Tom and I feel so bad about the sudden loss of a classmate, friend. We understand he was one tough trooper. He went thru so much in his short lived 54 years.It was good to know that he was able to fit so much in. The hunting trips, getting to see and live in a few places other than the U.P. And I am sooo glad he was able to experience being a grandparent, the ultimate. I always called him dad, because when this 90# weakling got picked on at school, he would take care of the situation. AND No One messed with Joe. That’s why he was so loved by so many, lest we forget that smile…ear to ear. Vicky, we(Tom and Bev)will always kick ourselves for not stopping while you were back in town. You will be in our thoughts daily.
Take Care, we love you………..See you on the other side Dad.
Tom and Bev Lippens
Rock, MI
Joe supplied me with many good hard belly laughs that have always gone unsurpassed. I will always remember him for his honesty and opinions of people, and his courage to share it with them. Like it or not. Thank you Joe for giving me the opportunity to accompany you in work, the outdoors, and friendship. Your friend, Jason.
Mr. Jason Conklin And Family
Flagstaff, AZ
To Vicki, Joe and Jeremy, Karen and I were shocked and saddened to read about the passing of Joe, devoted husband and father from the Arizona Daily Sun. We have fond memories of our visits and the stories of Kurt and Joe’s football at Coconino HS and their activities at BSA Camp Raymond. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Bob and Karen Braatz
Flagstaff, AZ
Dear Vicky and extended family,
I was shocked when I opened my newspaper this morning and saw the terrible news about Joe. You must be devestated by this unexpected event. Please accept Kay and my deepest sympathy for your loss. I always liked Joe and his sense of humor. Again, our hearts are with you today. Manley and Kay.
Manley William Crawford
Flagstaff, AZ
Vicky, Joe and Jeremy
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. We will always remember the “good old days” in the CHS booster club, especially the laughter and fun we had with you. It was always fun to be by Joe because he always had a smile on his face, a good joke, and of course a good hunting tale. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family.
Marv and Jean Mansfield
Flagstaff, AZ
Vic
Sorry about Joe. I just can’t believe it. I wanted to come but we have a previous commitment. I wanted to let you and your sons know that your in my thoughts and prayers today and in the future. Take Care and God Bless. Hope to come see you soon.
Love,
Brenda
Brenda (Micheau) Wigger
Vulcan, MI
To the family of Joe Couillard,
We were saddened this morning to hear of Joe’s passing. We have such fond memories of Joe during Jeremy’s time in CHS football. Our hearts go out to all of the family during this time.
God bless.
“Coach” David and Mrs. Jannie Turner
Flagstaff, AZ
Vicky, Joe, Jeremy,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe has been a lifelong friend and will be greatly missed. It was great when Joe, Dwayne, Vern Nelson and I had breakfast last fall and by the time we got done bs’ing it was 3 hours later and alot of great times rehashed. Joe had this rough exterior but had a heart as big as the outdoors he loved.I can’t be home for the services but Joe and all his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Van Damme
Perkins, MI
Dear Vick and family,
I’ve had you in my thoughts and prayers for a long time, I will continue. I’m sending my love to all of you, God bless you.
I’m sure Chuck will be there to see you, you may know I’m in Florida or I’d be there for sure!
Hugs,
Kathleen Seronko
Gladstone, MI
Vicki, Joe and Jermy,
I can’t tell you how saddened I was to hear about your husband and dad, what a lifetime friend, I’m punishing myself for not seeing him last summer.I can’t remember what I did two days ago, but Vicki, I can remember it as clear as it just happened ten minutes ago that night at the Legion in Perkins when Joe asked me what I thought of this girl from Gladstone he’d just met.Boys, I’ll tell you all you need to know about your dad, he pulled about stakes and left Gladstone because he wanted something better for his family. I wish I could be there to pay my respects, but I’ve been thinking about him since I heard and Joe knows what I thought of him.
Take care,
Art Van Damme
Naples, FL