David R. Tessier, age 72, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Littleton Adventist Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. It is with heavy hearts that we announce this passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
David was born on January 18, 1941 to the late Edmond and Laura Tessier in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He was a 1959 graduate of Forster Collegiate High School in Windsor, Ontario and then married Sandra Elizabeth St. Antoine on June 6, 1959 in Windsor.
David gave twenty two years of his life to his country in military service, receiving numerous commendations including: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze star Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal w/4th Award, Meritarious Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon(3) and Non-Comissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-3. David served with the 11th Armored Cavalry during his tour of Vietnam.
After his retirement from the Army, Dave went on to work at Pikes Peak Community College and also attended classes there. He earned his Associates Degree in Social Services and Graphic Arts in 1994 and later retired after twenty years of service.
Dave was a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer and could be seen on a golf course several times a week. He was a true fisherman and caught his share of Copper River Salmon in Alaska. He was a natural at teaching and coaching and helped his sons in numerous sporting activities. He also loved to travel. David and his wife had many wonderful adventures together. Most of all, David loved his family and could never spend enough time with his beloved granddaughters. He was committed to living life to its fullest and will be remembered dearly by all who met him.
He is survived by his beloved wife: Sandra of Littleton, Colorado; his sons: Thomas (wife, Terry) Tessier of Louisville, Colorado; and Dave (wife, Pam) Tessier of Lakewood, Colorado. He is also survived by his wonderful granddaughters: Kelsey, Mckenna, Elizabeth and Caitlin; and his precious sisters: Loretta (husband, Norm) Renaud of Berkley, Michigan and Theresa Meloche of Windsor, Ontario and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services with Army Honors will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 1, 2013 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A reception will follow the services at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 S. Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in Littleton.