Joseph Cordonier III

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San Diego State University

Joseph III Obituary

Joseph Christopher Cordonier III, of Tulelake, Calif., died in his home Sept. 2, 2015, at the age of 61, surrounded by his family after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Joe is survived by Donna Cordonier, his wife of 35 years; his children, Patti K. Cordonier and partner, Bob Miller, Daniel W. Cordonier and Joe C. and wife, Lana M. Cordonier; grandchildren, Chris D. and wife, Marina R., Ane M. and Savanna O. Rodriguez; and great-grandchild, Sylas D. Rodriguez. Joe was born on Adak Navy Base, Adak, Alaska, on Oct. 1, 1953, and raised in Chula Vista, Calif., by his parents, Joseph Christopher Cordonier II and Louise Cordonier. He graduated from San Diego State University in 1976 with a B.A. degree in art. He worked in California and Oregon schools as a substitute teacher so he had time to hunt and guide, ran Cier's Waterfowl Processing in Tulelake, dedicated over two decades as city clerk of Tulelake and later as a ranger at Lava Beds National Monument near Tulelake. Joe was a devoted husband of 35 years, dedicated father, and an avid hunter. He enjoyed fishing and game hunting, but his real love was duck hunting. At Joe's request, no memorial or services will be held.

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Published by Herald And News on Sep. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph III

8 Entries

Tara & Mike Spence

September 11, 2015

We didn't know Joe for a long time, but the brief time we did get to spend with him at Joey and Lana's wedding confirmed the stories that we'd heard about him: that he was a strong man, a kind person, and a wonderful father. We wish we'd had a chance to know you better, Joe. We feel blessed to know the family you have raised and to be able to now call them our own. Rest in peace.

David Misso

September 9, 2015

My first encounter with Joe was while we both worked at the starch/flake plant. It was a treat to hear him tell a story about a hunt as his knowledge of wildlife seemed limitless. The story about Donna and Joe was a classic and the crew teased him a lot.
When Joe was a substitute teacher the students found him to be pretty laid back but they always enjoyed his offering of some little known fact.
Joe was elected at the TuleLake City Clerk and did his job for over 20 years with due diligence and dedication even after the City Council cut his pay to almost nothing! He stayed at it even in the face of almost unending criticism. He had pride in his position and pride in his community and country.
It was a treat for me a few years ago to be on the TES bus with the third grade for the Lava Beds Timeline Event. The students and adults on the bus were treated to his historic tales and as I sat and had lunch with him he explained way more than I ever wanted to know about bats.
Joe was a good citizen, and good person. So long its been good to know you.

Cindy Oden

September 9, 2015

Donna, Patty, Danny & Joey my heart goes out to you all. Joe was a wonderful part of our family and he will be dearly missed. Love you all and as the days go by without Joe remember the great times you all had together.

A. H.

September 9, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 8, 2015

We met you in the radiation room at the cancer center. Gary and I are so sorry for your families loss. He is now in a place with no chemo, radiation, or pain. God bless you and your family! Gary (head and neck cancer) and Nanci Dill

Matthew Rokes

September 6, 2015

I have known Joe for 32 years. He was a dear friend that I will miss tremendously. Joe was a unique man with the most honorable soul I have ever known. He was a devoted Husband, Father and friend. He had an ethical standard that I have never seen in anyone else I have ever known. As Tulelake City Clerk he set an ethical standard that will never be matched. He protected the citizens of Tulelake by his attention to detail and executing his duties as Clerk with utmost responsibility and never faltered in his devotion to doing the right thing always. Joe demonstrated his ethical standard in everything he did. He was to me the purest hunter I have ever known. In that I mean he knew everything about his prey and knew the Fish and Game code better than the any game warden. He could easily identify the species and sex of a flying duck from any distance. I will forever be in his debt for the skills he imparted to me on our many hunting trips. He taught me patience is a hunters best asset. Joe was also a school teacher. He used his teaching skills to help others. I can honestly say I am a better person having known him. He was a generous person with a true heart of gold. He most enjoyed taking his wife Donna and his Kids Patty, Daniel and Joey on hunts in many different states. Joe created a trophy room second to none. And, he could tell you every detail of what it took to bag any of his many trophies. I am proud to say I was with him when he got many of them and I will miss sitting in a duck blind with him and watching him paste a mallard cutting across the decoys with the wind at break neck speed. Ducks everywhere will sigh a breath of relief at the word of his passing...until they find out his boys are just as good and will be setting dekes in the marsh very soon...

September 6, 2015

I will miss you Joe. You raised a wonderful family and I'm happy to be part of it.

John

September 6, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Know that you are not alone, may the God of all comfort grant you peace as you fondly remember your dear loved one

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