FATHER PAUL-EMILE CÔTÉ
Father Paul-Emile Côté peacefully passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014 at the age of 101 in the infirmary at the Sisters of the Presentation in Prince Albert. Father Côté was born on April 6, 1913 in St-Pierre-Jolys Manitoba. At the age of 20, he entered the “Clers de Saint-Viateur” and remained with them for 33 years. He had a BA from the school of Fine Art at the University of Manitoba and a certificate of Advanced Studies in Quebec. He also studied art at Banff School of Fine Arts and at Fordham University, New York. As a Brother, he taught science, literature, history and art to both elementary and high school students for 20 years. After being called to the priesthood, he left the “Clers de Saint-Viateur” to study with the Jesuits and then the Oblates at St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford. He was ordained at the age of 55 at St-Pierre-Jolys by Bishop Morin on December 28, 1968. He served as pastor in Prince Albert, Melfort, Tisdale, Rosthern, North Battleford, and St. Louis as well as replacing in many parishes until 1989. Father Côté is well-known for his “Uneek Art” mainly done in shoe polish. He painted over 2000 landscapes, portraits, abstracts, still life, and roses using some 90 different colors of shoe polish and cream from some 20 different brands. He would say, “I want to help Canadians become aware of the dormant artistic talent hidden in their soul.” Father Côte prayed with his Bible, and was inspired by the Word of God that he so deeply loved to proclaim and preach. He was known for his sense of beauty and his generous joyful spirit. Father Côte will be lovingly remembered by Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. and his many brother priests, his family, and friends. The prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert. Interment will take place in South Hill Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Diocesan Tanzania African Mission Trip c/o RC Diocese of Prince Albert, 1415 4 Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5H1. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Donald M. Moriarty, Funeral Director