Arthur Paul "Ap" Cormier

We say goodbye to a great man today, loved by so many.  AP was a larger-than-life presence.  Anyone who knew him knows that he was always a force to be reckoned with.  Quick with a joke, he commanded attention from all who gathered so frequently at his home when he started telling one of his hilarious stories.

Born in Lake Charles, he was the first son of Arthelus “Noon” and Maria Cormier.  In true AP fashion, he never failed to pull a prank on his siblings while growing up.  Or, as they would put it, scaring the life out of them!  Eventually, he joined the Navy, serving in Vietnam, where he was a boxer.  After his service, he continued boxing, winning a Golden Glove which he proudly displayed that plaque for all to see.  He married and enjoyed a happy life with Tammy Jo Ford.

Over the years, he was a master of several ventures.  He was a horse racing jockey, health club owner, bodybuilder, personal trainer, nutritionist, tree surgeon and firewood expert as well as owner of The Tree Amigos Tree & Firewood Services, state certified arborist, carpenter, insulator, and most importantly, a father and mentor.

Throughout his life and his illness, nothing brought a bigger smile to his face and sparkle to his eyes more that seeing his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He will forever be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, in addition to being a strong, proud, hilarious, crazy father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is preceded in death by his son, Clay Allen, his father, Arthelus “Noon” Cormier, and his mother, Maria Cano Cormier, and one granddaughter, Samantha Kidwell. 

Those left to forever cherish his memory are his wife of 32 years, Tammy Ford Cormier; sons, Paul, Joshua and wife Jennifer, Adam and wife Missy, Travis Johnson and wife Kristen, Benny and wife Amanda; daughters, Brandy, and Colleen Trahan and husband Rick; 18 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings, Antonia “Tonia” Pesson and husband Terry, Vivia Cheramie and husband Harry, AnnaMae Magee and husband Ed; Clark Cormier and wife Madina, Dr. Leopold Cormier and wife Kim, Carmen Stutton and husband Mark, and Dr. Sandra Cano Cormier.

The family has arranged with The Vineyard Church in Grand Lake to have a visitation on Saturday September 18, 2021, beginning at 10:30 AM until the memorial service begins at 11:00 AM.  There will be a celebration of life gathering at the church following the service.