Courtois, Eugene

Other Events:

• Obituary: 24 Jan 2018; APC

Notes:

Obituary:
San Francisco - Eugene Courtois of San Francisco departed this life from natural causes Tuesday morning January 16th to re-join his beloved Diane, just after his 85th birthday following a short illness. Born January 10, 1933 to Cecilia and Benedict Courtois of Appleton Wisconsin, Gene grew up their 2nd of 3 sons and 3rd child, graduating from the local high school in 1951 with an already blossoming interest in art and photography that led to entering the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. His academic career was interrupted by a a draft board notice to join the Army and man the anti-aircraft defenses of Pittsburgh, where his talents marked him out for developing graphic aids and other visual materials.
After release, he returned to Milwaukee to complete his studies where he met the love of his life Diane (nee' Schaefer) who was completing her education degree from the University of Wisconsin. Married in 1959, they moved to the Bay area where she began a distinguished career teaching at Piedmont High School, and he established a successful career as a commercial photographer and artist, with several group and solo exhibitions of his works over the years.
After experiencing San Francisco's changing culture of the 60's and early 70's, they settled into their home of many years on Whitney Street in Noe Valley, where their hospitality, great cooking, and Gene's always changing art projects entertained many friends and the occasional family visitors.
Avid traveler,Gene enjoyed many trips to Europe, Quebec and throughout the US, especially after her retirement in the early 90's. He continued his interests in art and travel, although to a lesser degree, after Diane's death in 2007.
He will be greatly missed for his creativity, friendship, and love of the beauty and good things in this life.
He was preceded into the light by Diane, his brothers Wes and John, sister Ethel (Keller), sisters in law Dorothy and Barbara, and brother in law Jack. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Disposition arrangements are being handled by the San Francisco Columbarium and Funeral Home in partnership with the Neptune Society. Memorial service plans are pending. Gene would want any potential contributions to be made to any local performing arts organizations.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Jan. 24, 2018

Eugene married Schaefer, Diane Abt 1959. Diane was born 10 Sep 1932; died 14 Sep 2007, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. [Group Sheet]