Herman passed quietly in his sleep, September 6, 2009.
Herman was born October 25, 1926 in Lac-Au-Saumon, Matapédia, Québec to Albert Couillard and Andrea Devin.
Herman enlisted in the army in 1942 and fought in Sicily and Italy with the Royal 22nd Regiment.
After the war he re-enlisted, choosing a military career. He was sent to Manitoba as a parachute instructor, where he met and married Florence Stewart Sly.
Herman’s career took him back to Québec, New Brunswick, Germany, Peacekeeping in Cyprus; and nearing retirement requested a final posting to Manitoba so that Florence could be near her family after decades away.
After retirement Herman enjoyed scuba diving, was a scuba instructor, Red Cross swimming instructor, and spent many rewarding hours teaching special needs children and adults swimming and water safety.
Herman was forced out of retirement by numerous requests from Ottawa, to take command of the Queens own Cameron Highlanders in Winnipeg.
After completing his duty with the Camerons, and Florence’s retirement, they moved to Qualicum Beach, where Herman continued to teach scuba and swimming.
He enjoyed cutting his own firewood, swimming at the beach, curling, diving the coastal waters and exploring the island with Florence.
Herman had a great love of music and singing, and a passion for the “Royal and Ancient Game”, golf. His golf companions and the comradery at the golf course were a joy and comfort to him.
Herman was predeceased by his parents, six brothers, four sisters and his best friend, the love of his life, his wife Florence.
Herman is survived by his son David, grandsons Thomas and Jean-Pierre, daughter Karen, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and their families.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Pieter Swart, Dr. Zeid Mohamedali, Dr. Jorg Michels, Dr. Wendy Johnsen, Dr. Marback and the Home Care Palliative Nurses and Personal Care Attendants whose extraordinary efforts made Herman’s final months bearable.
At Herman’s request, there was no service. Internment was at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens.
Donations in Herman’s memory may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.