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Henri Pellissier Obituary

PELLISSIER, Henri Fidel

Henri Fidel Pellissier, a longtime Whittier, CA citizen and community leader, died on July 4, 2017 at the University Retirement Community in Davis. He was 89 years old.
Born February 25, 1928 to Leon and Gladys Pellissier, in Upland, CA., Henri spent his boyhood on the Pellissier family ranch in Chino, moving to Whittier to attend Whittier High School, graduating in 1946. With plans to work in the family business, Pellissier Dairy Farms, he attended college at the UC Berkeley and Davis campuses, studied Dairy Science and Economics, and graduated with a BS in Agriculture in 1951. During this time he and Dianne Johnson met and they were married on June 24, 1951, in her hometown of Palo Alto, CA. Having joined ROTC while at UC, he then served in the Korean War, seeing combat as a 1st lieutenant in the Army. Dianne, at home with her parents, gave birth to twins.
Returning from Korea in 1952, the young family settled back in Whittier where Henri worked for Pellissier Dairy Farms. Five more children followed in the next 10 years.
At the Dairy, Henri started as a milkman, followed by 10 years as manager of operations and the 400 cow herd. After the Dairy sold in 1970, he spent 15 years overseeing the Pellissier properties, including the California Country Club in the City of Industry.
As the children grew up, Henri developed a sincere commitment to community service, beginning with St. Mary's Parents Club and then PTA president of Whittier High School. He was active in Rotary Club of Whittier, serving as President, and had 39 years of perfect attendance. He was member and a Commander of his American Legion Post for 30+ years, as well as 30+ years with the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce.
Henri's leadership and integrity led to his election to the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees (1973-1985)and he served on the LA County Committee for School District Reorganization (1981-1988). With his extensive business experience he also served on LAFCO, the Local Agency Formation Commission for LA County. When he retired from LAFCO in 2014, after 34 years of distinguished and committed service, he was highly commended for his dedication to the public. Henri also had a keen interest in the water issues of the San Gabriel Basin and spent decades involved with Watermaster, assisting with long term water management actions.
Henri especially enjoyed spending time with family, camping & fishing, and visiting life long friends on the West Coast. His tremendous generosity, fairness, honesty, and acute sense of responsibility were a blessing to family and non-family in his life.
In 2014, sensing health issues, Henri and Dianne decided to leave their beloved Whittier, and relocate to URC in Davis. He had often told his friends, "Move before you have to", and he decided to take his own advice. His greatest concern was always for Dianne, that she be safe, secure, and close to family.
Henri died on the Fourth of July, a date of death shared with three other patriots: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. He is survived by his wife of 66 yrs, Dianne, and seven children: Dede, Hank, Robert, Elise, Rene, Pierre, and Chrissie, plus 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The Pellissier Family extends their gratitude to all the staff and residents at URC for their attentiveness and loving care of Henri.

Published by Whittier Daily News on Jul. 16, 2017.
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To The Pellissier Family ❤

Robert Granado

October 14, 2019

Oh Henri,
I'm so sorry to hear of your passing. It was always so fun when you and Dianne visited us in CO. Have fun with Jim on the other side of the river.
Love Dianne McQuaid

February 24, 2018

Chrissie sorry for the loss of your father.

Sandra Tristan

July 26, 2017

I worked at C.C.C. for 20 years and Henri was a really nice guy, enjoyed knowing him for all those years. Our condolences to his wife Diane and family. Jane Yobaccio

July 24, 2017

I just learned of Mr. Pellissier's passing. To the entire Pellissier family I offer my prayers that God will carry you through this time of great loss. To Dede and Henri, your Dad was a kind, faithful, and loving father. I know how very proud you must be of the man you called "Dad". May God watch over you during this time of sadness.

Mark Schon

July 19, 2017

Worked for this sweet gentleman at CCC and will always remember the family atmosphere we enjoyed. We were truly blessed knowing him Uplifting prayers for wife and family at this time.

PATSY PETRUS

July 19, 2017

A giant in the community. Very inspiring reading of his community involvement. So few Americans take in interest in their community as Henri. An inspiration for his family, I am sure, but for others as well.

Trent Benedetti

July 18, 2017

My Condolences to the Pellissier Family.
I went to school with Pierre and Rene at Whittier High school. A Lovely Family!! Obviously due to Wonderful Parents!
God Bless you all!
Jenny Kistler

Jenny Kistler

July 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV.17:17

KELLEY

July 17, 2017

So sorry for your loss. I went to Whittier H.S. with Rene. Prayers to you and your family. He sounds like a wonderful man and father.

Kelly Mulligan Jamieson

July 17, 2017

He was a wonderful asset for the city of Whittier and the County as well. Your entire family is synonymous with the city. I count myself lucky to have met two of you at Whittier High; Rene & Elise. Jim Pellisier coordinated the photography at my wedding. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and all of your family.

Randi Jorgensen

July 16, 2017

Dede Voss

July 16, 2017

Dede Voss

July 16, 2017

Dede Voss

July 16, 2017

Dad was 'the best' Dad, a wise man with great integrity, a dedicated public servant, and he had wonderful, sincere enthusiasm for each and every day. I miss him immensely.

Dede Voss

July 16, 2017

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