Obituary: Remillard, Earl David “Frenchie”
Age 93
He died January 11th, 2013 with his loving Sofia at his side.
Ear was one of seven children born to Augustus and Amelia Remillard on a farm in Gill, MA.
He graduated from Turner Falls High School in 1937.
After high school Earl joined the Navy in 1939.
He retired after 30 years of faithful and honorable service.
28 of those years were spent in the submarine forces.
During his service he was on nine war patrols in the Pacific during WWII, many of which were extremely significant to the defense and safety of the USA.
His last ship during the war was the USS Cobia (SS245).
“She was a beauty” Earl would say.
On the Cobia he served in six war patrols.
While in the Navy Earl turned down commissioned officer twice (not his cup of tea).
He accepted Chief on January 1, 1945.
Earl was highly respected by all members of his boat crew, due to his work ethic and his devotion to duty.
Earl received many awards and accommodations throughout his Navy career.
He would later recall the Navy years as some of the best days of his life.
In 1961 Earl met and fell in love with Sofia Kowalchuk.
They were later married on February 3rd, 1962.
He and Sofia enjoyed 50 years of marriage.
They loved attending the Retired Sub Vet conventions, where they would catch up with all their old friends.
After retiring from the Navy Earl and Sofia remained in the San Diego area for 12 years.
Earl worked as a Malignance Manager in one of the largest wholesale floral nurseries in the country.
In 1981 Earl and Sofia moved to Spokane where they currently reside.
One of Earl’s favorite pastimes was feeding the birds off their back deck.
He trained a robin to come in and get grapes.
They also had the most beautiful hummingbirds that would return year after year.
Earl was a very kind man, the type who would give you the shirt off his back.
Earl is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sofia; two brothers; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a member of the Retired Submarine Vets of World War II and the Fleet Reserve.
Special thanks to Dr. Sean Hurley and the intensive care staff at Holy Family Hospital.
Your care and kindness will not be forgotten.
“SAILOR REST YOUR OAR” Services will be held at SPOKANE CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICE, 2832 N. RUBY, SPOKANE, WA 99207 on Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00 PM.
Interment to follow at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery.