CHIEF DONALD PAUL COUTURIER
Winter Springs, Florida
Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan
Donald, aka Don, Dad, Papa, Poppy, Donnie, Big D was born on July 16, 1943 son of Lester and Pearl Couturier in Traverse City, Michigan. He passed away on October 3, 2022, Advent Health Hospice, Seminole County, Florida. He was raised in Lake Leelanau, attending St Mary’s, and then on to serving his country in the US Army. A huge ambition would take him to reach Master Degree level from the University Of Western States in Fire Science. Training at the National Fire Academy, Emmetsburg, Maryland prepared him to be the City Fire/Arson Inspector/ Investigator. Many summers were spent freelancing fire inspections for DHS, State of Michigan. Yes, you could say he loved and dedicated his work life to Fire Service. He progressed through all ranks of the Saginaw Fire Department becoming Fire Chief; dedicated to serving the citizens of Saginaw with honor, pride and dignity. After his retirement in 1995, he selected a career in education. He began the Fire Science program at Delta College to provide certification and or associates degree to existing and future firefighters in Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. And developed the on line classes that allowed other states fire personnel to achieve their promotional goals. Once the program was established at Delta. He partnered with Northwood institute, Midland allowing Fire Science students to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Upon the second retirement, it was time to move to The Villages, Florida. He enjoyed many years playing Division IV softball, scoring, umpiring and serving as a board member. Many hours were spent at the coffee hour with players and friends. Cruising was one of his favorite modes of travel.
Left behind to cherish his memory; his spouse of 59 years Janell (Wiley), son Jeffrey (Chris), Oviedo Florida, daughter, Lisa Harris, Winter Springs, Florida, granddaughters, Autymn Erskine (Kyle) Saginaw, Michigan; Sydney Cheney Saginaw, Michigan and great granddaughter, Raeynah Mae Erskine, Saginaw,
Michigan. Extended family Duane Cheney. His four sisters, Audrey Fouch, Traverse City, Michigan; Millie (Bud) Perrault Kingsley, Michigan; Joyce (Ron) Korson Suttons Bay, Michigan and Janet Walters (Steve), Williamsburg, Michigan; many nieces and nephews; Brother in law Danny Wiley (Rosemary) Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma; Robert Wiley (Cathy) Columbia, Tennessee and Coy Wiley (Diane) Pavo, Georgia; many nieces and nephews; last but not least his Cav-a-Shon Wynter Skye a constant companion during the many months of his health challenge. Preceding him in death are his parents Lester and Pearl (St John) Couturier, brothers, Arnold, Larry Couturier and sister, Phyllis (Leonard) Denoyer.
His celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Saginaw Fire Department Chaplain William Howard will officiate. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Mausoleum-Garden of Honor with military honors rendered by V.F.W. Post #1859. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Our gratitude and appreciation for the care given by Watermark administration and nursing staff as well as Advent Health Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to local food banks or hospice.