Don Pierre Hébert of Oakland passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 21, 2024, after several months battling liver cancer.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin on July 26, 1962, to the late Stanley and Mary Lou Hébert, Don Pierre is the second-to-youngest of the Hébert siblings. The family soon after moved to Washington, DC where he spent his early years. Oakland, California became home to the Hébert family in 1972 where he attended Joaquin Miller Elementary School, Montera Junior High School, and Skyline High School. He participated in gymnastics, cross country, choir, and was a member of the Oakland Youth Chorus. He graduated with the Skyline Class of 1980.
Always a sharp dresser and great dancer, Don Pierre was popular and well-liked by a wide circle of people through school, including his time at Diablo Valley College, Merritt College, and U.C. Berkeley. He joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves after college, completing his basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas where he became a squad leader and sharpshooter before graduating with an assignment to the Air Force Special Police. In September 1986, Don Pierre welcomed a daughter, Vanessa. An unfortunate auto accident in 1988 nearly caused him to lose his left leg and the use of his right hand. His recovery was challenging and left him with a partial disability. Don Pierre found creative success with the Carol H. Williams Advertising Agency as a copywriter, however his tenure was cut short by another severe injury. His attitude remained positive, and he continued to work in a variety of areas including hospitality/food service, home construction, and banking. In March 1998 Don was the proud father of a son Gauthier.
Don Pierre is survived by his loving children, Vanessa of London, England and Gauthier of San Jose, CA.; his sister Luellen Eggleston (Terry), brothers Stanley III (Angela), Joseph, Jacques (Jessica), and Robert (Emiko); his aunt Adine Usher of New York, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 322 St. James Dr., Piedmont, CA 94611. Reception to follow at the Corpus Christi Gibson Center.
