Douglas G. Cloutier

Douglas G. Cloutier,75, passed away Sept.28,2019 after a short and difficult struggle with esophageal cancer. He was born June 26, 1944 to the late Shirley and Clarence Cloutier, one of five children, two sisters older and two younger. He graduated from Denby High School in 1962 and attended Ferris State college. After college, he was drafted into the army; completing basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Subsequently was shipped to Vietnam for thirteen months, becoming a sergeant in charge of ten men in his platoon. He was a fair and dedicated leader, had a great knack for solving problems, had a great sense of humor; received the army commendation medal for service above -and beyond. In 1970 he married Catherine Bartos at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Midland and was married for forty nine happy years. They had two sons, Kenneth (Shelly) Bryan, granddaughter, Isla Harrris. After his time in the service, he became an apprentice in the tool and die program; received his journeyman’s card as a die maker. He was employed by Active Tool and Manufacturing Co. drawing up and reading blueprints in the try out Dept. When the plant closed, he transferred to Tower Automotive in the die repair dept until his retirement in 2010. At work he had many friends; was always willing to help and guide the apprentices. In retirement he was just as active as he was in his work, enjoying hunting, fishing, boating gardening, crossword puzzles. His great love (besides his wife!) was his Thompson hardtop boat enjoying many fishing trips, catching walleye, perch, bass, carp, Muskie, blue gills. It didn’t matter who caught the first or biggest fish, as long as someone was catching them. The annual fishing trip with his sons was one of the high lights of the year, either on Lake St. Clair or Lake Erie. He and Catherine enjoyed many boat trips to Metro, Algonac, Lexington Belle River, Ontario, having a fun and relaxing time. What great summers they were! He had a great creative spark; was a talented wood carver; making over two hundred birdhouses, all using recycled wood. Also carved Santa’s, ducks, treasure boxes, pumpkins, wagons, rocking chairs, wheelbarrows, candle holders. . He will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you!

Douglas G. Cloutier

June 26, 1944 - September 28, 2019