Edmond P. CORMIER

Edmond P. Cormier, Aerospace Design Engineer and Local Folk Musician Edmond P. Cormier, a Senior Design Specialist at the former General Dynamics Convair Space Division, and a highly regarded San Diego Folk musician, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, after complications related to recent surgery. Mr. Cormier was a unique figure in the San Diego Folk Music Community. He was the past president of the San Diego Folk Song Society and founding member of the Continental Drifters String Band. Mr. Cormier also originated the Folk Mass at his parish church, Blessed Sacrament, in the early 1970s. For many years he led outdoor jams at the SDFH's Sam Hinton Folk Festival. Not only was he a gifted musician, but he was involved with social justice concerns for the disempowered and underprivileged. He served as a president of the Cardijn Center in Old Town, and on the board of directors for the Wesley Terrace Sr. Facility. Past president of the San Diego MG auto club registry, and member of the Blessed Sacrament Church vocal choir, Mr. Cormier had many interests such as music composing, art design, and book publishing. Mr. Cormier was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, October 14, 1930. He was the only child of Helena and Raymond Cormier. At an early age he discovered his love of art, and studied art at a local art museum. He attended St. John's High School, and later Villanova University where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for several Defense Contractors before being recruited by General Dynamics as a Design packaging specialist for Space Systems in San Diego. He was devoted to his wife, Mary, and his children: Mary Ann, Joan, Tony, and Eddie. His family was especially precious to him, because he was an only child. Mr. Cormier's four grandchildren brought him great delight, and he recently recorded and produced CD music of children's folk songs for them. Mr. Cormier was also the great grandfather of two. Services for Mr. Cormier will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church at 4540 El Cerrito Drive (El Cajon Boulevard between 56th and 58th) in San Diego on Thursday, December 29th, at 10:00 AM. Contributions can be made in Edmond's name to "Doctors Without Borders" at 333 7th Avenue, New York, NY. 10001 Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 12/25/2005.