Tom Courtemanche, owner of top horses, dies

Tom Courtemanche, 66, who together with his brother Dan campaigned the big winners Bobnoxious, Earl's Glider, NF Quotable, Jake's Nordic and Jojo N Goliath, died Monday, Dec. 31, at his home in Kawkawlin, Mich., with his family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer.

 

Born in Bay City, Mich., to the late Arthur and Lucille Courtemanche, Tom came to follow harness racing by going to the races with his father. He was a graduate of the St Michael School in Pinconning, Mich.

 

Tom had many enjoyments in life. He was passionate about his profession of building and designing golf courses which were Green Hills in Pinconning, The Dream & Nightmare in West Branch, Mich., and major renovation of Gladwin Heights, Gladwin, Mich.  He loved horses and harness racing as both an owner and spectator. He also loved being with his family and friends, going fishing, bowling, golfing, hunting, playing cards and trips to the casinos.

 

He was the former co-owner of dePepper Mill and dePepper Mill Lanes, Past President of Northern Michigan Turf Grass Assocication, member of the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association, a past Golden Glove Boxer, Pinconning K of C's, Linwood Lions Club and Linwood Good fellows.

 

Tom held a 12 year World Fishing Record for the largest Burbot caught in 1980. He would share with friends that he was the only man he had ever met that bowled a 300 game, shot a hole in one, and held a world fishing record.

He is survived by his children Darcy and Mary Filipeck Courtemanche, Dan and Cori Courtemanche and Darla and Dave Luptowski; grandchildren Gabe, Frankie, Jace, Sophia, Lucas, Quinn, Lydia and Lucy; special Papa to Jack, Colton, Addison and Ben; his devoted and loving companion Carole Barber; brother Dan (Darice) Courtemanche; and two sisters, LuAnn (Herb) Hornbacher and Jann (John) Schumacher. He was preceded in death by a sister Ann Courtemanche.

 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 4, at 11 am at St. Anne Church with Rev. Fr. Nicholas Coffaro, Rev. Fr. Chester Pilarski and Rev. Fr. Thomas Bok concelebrating with inurnment at St. Anne Cemetery. Friends may call at the Rivertown Funeral Chapel on Thursday from 1-8 pm and a Vigil Service and a K of C Bible presentation will be held at 7 pm Thursday. On Friday Tom will lie in state at the church from 10 am until time of Mass. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Joseph School, West Branch or St. Anne Church Building Fund, Linwood, Mich.