1929 – 2013

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Pierre Louis Robert Desjardins, 84, departed Earth for heaven on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Pierre was born on Aug. 25, 1929, in Auburn to Emil and Shirley Desjardins. He was the youngest of five children.

Pierre graduated from Edward Little High School and later received a bachlor’s degree from Westbrook College. Pierre served proudly in the U.S. Army for more than 22 years. He served in Korea and did three tours in Vietnam. Pierre spoke five languages. He received the Joint Service Commendation medal, the Army Commendation medal, and he was especially proud to receive the coveted Bronze Star. While in the Army, Pierre met his beautiful bride, Ruth May Paquette, and they were married in Germany. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

After many years in the Army, working in Army Intelligence, he retired as a master sergeant major. He later retired from Firemans Fund as a claims supervisor. Pierre was president of the St. Louis Parish Booster Club in New Auburn. He also served as a Eucharistic minister at his church in Florida. Pierre was president of the Sugamo Prison Reunion Association.

Pierre is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, Pierre L. R. Desjardins II; three daughters, Carol Parker, Kathy Cobb and Patricia Hutchins. Pierre has seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. He had great friends all over the world and was especially close to the Tripp Lake gang in Poland.