Loss of an Inspirational FIRST mentor

[Dylan Gramlich]

This past Monday, Team SparX 1126 lost one of its most inspirational mentors. He was 77 years young, and he sure acted that way. Leon Cormier was always cheering people up and helping people out when they needed it most. As a mentor in FIRST he taught everyone he met more than just how to use tools. Just being around Leon you could see how much he loved life and lived everyday to the fullest. Whenever Leon worked he would keep working till his task was finished, even if it meant being late to dinner. But our friend Leon was not always serious, he could crack a joke and get everyone around him to laugh and smile. Leon taught our team so many lessons and instilled in us so many values. Mr. Cormier was gracious professionalism, and he lived it every day of his life. This next season will be our first without Leon as part of our team. It will not be an easy season for our team but we will continue on with the ideals he has shown us. Please pray for Alex Cormier and his entire family and remember, each of our lives will influence others, so always live and act with gracious professionalism as Leon Cormier did.


I have also posted a picture of our friend and inspiration Leon.

[Koko Ed]

This past Monday, Team SparX 1126 lost one of its most inspirational mentors. He was 77 years young, and he sure acted that way. Leon Cormier was always cheering people up and helping people out when they needed it most. As a mentor in FIRST he taught everyone he met more than just how to use tools. Just being around Leon you could see how much he loved life and lived everyday to the fullest. Whenever Leon worked he would keep working till his task was finished, even if it meant being late to dinner. But our friend Leon was not always serious, he could crack a joke and get everyone around him to laugh and smile. Leon taught our team so many lessons and instilled in us so many values. Mr. Cormier was gracious professionalism, and he lived it every day of his life. This next season will be our first without Leon as part of our team. It will not be an easy season for our team but we will continue on with the ideals he has shown us. Please pray for Alex Cormier and his entire family and remember, each of our lives will influence others, so always live and act with gracious professionalism as Leon Cormier did.


I have also posted a picture of our friend and inspiration Leon.

Alex my prayers go out to you and your family. Leon was a pleasure to know over the years. He will truly be missed.

[Akash Rastogi]

Condolences to Alex and his entire family. Remember your grandfather as he was- a hero to your team, your family, and to FIRST.

[Josh Fox]

On behalf of myself and Team RUSH I send my condolences. I'm sure times are hard and I wish you only the best. Your team and family members are in my prayers.

[jax1488]

Best wishes, i am very sorry for your loss and what seems like a very great man. god bless

[BandChick]

My condolences to Alex and his family, and of course 1126 on the loss of a truly inspirational mentor. My heart goes out to you in this time of need.

[Alex Cormier]

Firstly I would like to thank everyone who has said something and everyone who will.

If you talked to 1 or 100 people about my grandfather, they would all tell you the same thing. He was simply the best and are shocked to see he is gone and miss him dearly. If you wanted him to do something, you would actually have to call him a week ahead of time to see if there was time in his busy schedule. I do not recall a day where he would actually sit down for more then 10 minutes at a time (unless he was injured, but thats a whole other story about how he wouldn't sit still) and just relax. He was the type of person who loved life and lived it to the fullest. I had a dislocated hip in 2002 which resulted in a pin in my hip and was not allowed to play contact sports anymore. That had ended my football and wrestling career. If you talk to anyone else with my type of story for no more contact sports, you would get a story of disappointment. Not at all for me, now that he has passed, I have reflected upon our times together. I am actually happy that my hip was messed up, if it wasn't for my hip being messed up I would not have joined the robotics team. In 2003, my rookie year and SparX's rookie year, they asked for us to find people to help build the field. I knew a man, a man perfect for the job. That man was my grandfather. Ever since day one, the team loved him. I feel closer to him due to robotics. He was there every meeting along side and enjoyed every minute of it. He traveled with the team to every competition. In all of the team photos, you can't miss him down in front with a huge smile on his face or holding one of the numerous trophies. It was like the trophies were attracted to him and the smile just came with it. I am honored to have the last name and same middle name as him. Even when I left SparX in 2006, he kept coming back and the team had no issues. Next year will actually be the very first year SparX does not have Leon around and I don't know what will happen. I do know that robotics will not be the same to me. All I can hope is I am 1/10th of a gentleman as he was. Grandpa, I Love You and you will truly be missed.

[Dolan]

Alex my grandfather and yours where alot alike from the sound of it and I know what its like to lose someone like that so I know your pain but don`t let his death get to you just think of all the fun you had and if team Sparx comes back to the Buckeye Regional I`m with team 1590 the Rambots just ask for Dolan and you will find me fast. Hope to see you guys in March.

[ttldomination]

Team 1261 gives its respects to Alex's grandfather and a great mentor to 1126.

I know it must hurt. I and the team would be devastated if anything happened to any of our mentors.

[Wayne Doenges]

Rest in Peace Leon Cormier. You mentored a great team and you will surely be missed.
Leon Cormier and Jerry Smyth, our mentor (Passed May 2007) had allot in common. They inspired greatness.

[bmusser]

Condolences from team 1504

[Al Skierkiewicz]

To Alex and all of your family and team, our deepest condolences. Your tribute here is a monument to his stature in this organization.

[JaneYoung]

Next year will actually be the very first year SparX does not have Leon around and I don't know what will happen.

Inspiration is tough and it endures, Alex. Through stories, memories, and recognition.
Your tribute has made me cry. The tears are filled with respect, awe, and inspiration.

My thoughts are with you, your family, and with SparX.
Jane

[GaryVoshol]

My condolences to Alex, the rest of the family, and to Sparx 1126.

It sounds like my life was lessened by not having met Leon Cormier.

[cooker52]

Losing a mentor is hard, but when it is a grandfather, it's even worse. But what he has done for you and your team is more valuable than winning all the Chairmen's Awards for the next 10 years. It will be hard and awkward to start the next year without him, but remember what he has done for you and work the way he worked and in his beliefs, that is the best way to honor him.

You, your team, and Leon will all be in my prayers.
Seth

[JayLopez191]

I never got a chance to meet Mr. Cormier, but I remember noticing how incredibly happy he appeared to be at competitions, always with a huge grin on his face. My condolences go out to Alex and the rest of the Sparx in these hard times.

[Team371All]

On behalf of team 371, our condolences goes out to alex and his family.

[Mr MOE]

Alex, may your grandfather's story inspire us all and all those after us.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Be well.

[SSMike]

My condolences to you Alex, your family, and your team for your loss

[Karibou]

My condolences to Alex, his family, and Team 1126 for the loss of a truly amazing mentor and grandfather. All who are affected; you are in my prayers :[

[Hiteak]

My condolences to Alex, his family, and Team 1126 and everyone who knew him. I believe I met at one of the Ruckuses.

[mark johnson]

Sorry for the loss of a great mentor for your team. I wish i could of met him ,Leon sounds like a fun person to be around. The best way to honor Leon, is for team Sparx to continue to be the great team that you already are .GOD SPEED LEON!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jagman2882]

here is a page on our website with a slideshow that we made into a book for his family


http://www.gosparx.org/leon.cfm

[MishraArtificer]

I usually post a quote from Les Miserables in threads paying tribute to our FIRST Fallen, but this seems better...

NO DAY BUT TODAY!

LONG LIVE LEON!

[LeelandS]

R.I.P. Leon... Thank you for all you hard work and support.

Thank you everyone for your kind words.

[cmirags]

its the 2nd week into the 2009 season and its been so hard without seeing leon in the halls or helping out the new students. He was such a great man, who you couldnt help but love. I miss him so much and i know team sparx does too. its so sad that so many people never got to meet him, cuz believe me all of you who never did would have loved him. he just always had a way of putting a smile on your face regardless of the day you were having.

RIP Leon cormier
Forever and always a Sparx!!!

love,
Courtney <3

[dpeterson3]

1178 sends their condolences. We will remeber him in our prayers. Sorry for your loss.