Philip Erwin Cormier

DULUTH, Minn. - Philip Erwin Cormier, 82, was booked at The Great Gig in the Sky on June 16, 2015, in Duluth, with his family at his side.

He was born to Erwin "Erv" P. and Weda S. (Mattson) Cormier on Nov. 1, 1932, in Wakefield, Mich. The baby of the family, he was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Meryle and Adele; a brother, James; and a daughter-in-law, Eileen Rohmer.

A lifelong resident of Wakefield, Phil attended Wakefield Public Schools and graduated in 1950.

Phil reported for active duty in the U.S. Army in July 1956 and received his honorable discharge in July 1962.

He was very active in various musical activities throughout his life and was known most notably for his wonderful swing (touch, feel) on the drums.

Phil married the former Alice M. Oja in 1961. She survives.

Phil was the co-owner/operator of Cormier's Service which offered various services throughout the years such as taxicab, ambulance, wrecker, buses, gas station, tire repair, bus storage, auto and truck repair, and lunchtime live music jams, along with other activities.

Practically everyone in Wakefield from that era has a story or two about "Phil and the cab," "Phil and the ambulance," "Phil and the station," or "Phil and his drums." He certainly touched a lot of people's lives.

Phil always seemed to have "that smile" and a positive attitude.

After closing the station in the mid 1980's he continued his service career as a parts man at Gogebic Auto/Northwestern Auto in Bessemer until his retirement.

Upon retiring he was given the opportunity to enjoy time with all of his grandchildren whom he loved so much. The grandchildren all have stories of "jammin' in grandpa's van" or just cruising to get coffee and dippings.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Alice; his three sons, Chris (Marion) of Hendersonville, N.C., Dave (Joy) of Wakefield, and Keith of Oakland, Calif .; and a daughter, Alisa (Rich) Roberts of Davenport, Fla. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Adam Cormier, Hannah and Sarah Cormier, James, Dylan and Dakota Alexandroni, Caitlyn and Brynna Roberts; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phil Cormier's memory to the Wakefield-Marenisco School Music Department at 715 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968.

Phil's family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2015. from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Wakefield United Methodist Church. Funeral services celebrating the life of Phil Cormier will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Ted Trudgeon officiating. Lunch will be served following the funeral at Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084.

Online condolences can be expressed at lakesidememorialchapel.com.