IN MEMORIAM: Pierre Weidemann, 57;
Pursued Interests In Film, Theater, Art
COOPERSTOWN – Pierre Bernard Weidemann, a beloved son, brother, and uncle, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, at his home in Schuyler Lake. He was 57.
Born Dec. 11, 1962, in Montreal, Canada, Pierre was the son of Marie Andrée Trempe Weidemann and the late Manfred Bernard Weidemann, a photographer and long-time owner of Pioneer Photo in Cooperstown. Pierre grew up in Newfoundland, N.J. and graduated from West Milford High School in 1980.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Pierre worked most of his life as a freelance photographer and film producer. He excelled in digital media.
For many years, Pierre lived in southern California, where he worked as an assistant producer on an extensive list of Hollywood films, including “The Mask of Zorro” and “Collateral Damage”. After moving to the Cooperstown area for a brief time after his father’s passing, Pierre moved to New Jersey and lived in various places throughout Hudson County, including Weehawken and Union City. He resided many years in Hoboken. In 2010, he was the producer of Algonquin Theater Productions’ musical comedy “National Pastime,” performed in the Grandstand Theater at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A project dear to Pierre during his time in Hoboken was “State of Grace,” a collection of oil paintings depicting the lives of burn victims by New York-area artist Doug Auld. Pierre worked with Auld to help illustrate those who have suffered significant burn injuries and help redefine society’s standards of beauty.
Pierre had more recently moved back to the Cooperstown area and for a time worked at the Cooperstown Beverage Exchange. He was currently working in digital media for the Bassett Healthcare Network.
Pierre was a hardworking and creative man. He was self-taught, learning his trade by experience. He had a warm presence in any room and couldn’t be ignored. He was interested in people around him, unafraid to strike up conversation on a litany of topics if only to fuel his curiosity. A family prankster, jokes were his currency – his humor will be missed by his family, more than ever in the weeks following his passing. He enjoyed working on both professional and domestic projects, recently building beautiful garden beds for his mother. He enjoyed rock climbing, music (especially The Beatles) and had watched just about every movie ever made – his favorite likely the original “Blade Runner.”
Pierre is survived by his mother, Andrée Weidemann of Schuyler Lake; his sister, Carina Franck and her husband, Patrick, of Cooperstown; a nephew, Thomas Franck of New York City; and a niece, Katie Franck of Cooperstown. He is further survived by one cousin, Andrew Ruch of Munich, Germany, and the deWaal family – friends as close as family, who knew him since childhood. The Weidemann family is grateful to one of Pierre’s best friends, Mark Elliott, who contributed to his obituary.
He was preceded in death by his father, Manfred, who died Dec. 23, 2004, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a gathering in memory of Pierre will be held at a later time. For now, please remember the times you spent with Pierre, smile, and know that he is at peace.
One way to remember and honor Pierre would be to make someone laugh today.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
wonderful short summary of a good soul and friend . yes he did love to laugh and had a big heart to go with it.
I have many a fond memory of Pierre, Mark and myself rollerblading all over town. HE WILL BE MISSED.
I heard of this today and I am so sad and shocked. I grew up with Pierre in Newfoundland, NJ. I am a few years older, Pierre was closer in age to my brothers but we all played sports or music together. I spoke with Pierre a couple years ago and he sounded like just like the old days, not like we had not seen each other in decades. Mrs. Weidemann and Carina I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you both and you are in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss, I went to High School with Pierre, your description put a smile on my face, he was warm and funny.
Him and me used to talk back in 7th grade at maple road school bout being a comedy duo someday which I would wind up doin and still doin. Sounds like he didn’t stray far from that original plan either. We’d have em in the aisles in the cafeteria back then. I wound up as a songwriter and musician in nashville, dabbled in acting in n.y. and worked all over as a professional photographer. Guess we both picked our same paths together early on. Separately but paralleled. RIP Pierre
Dear Andree and Corina,
I am heartbroken to hear of Pierre’s passing. I send my condolences.
And love. I regret that I am not with you at this time.
Linda Metzger
My condolences to Mrs. Weidemann and Family. I grew up in Newfoundland, living across the street from the Weidemann’s. I have nothing but fond memories of Pierre and his Family. So sorry for your loss. LeeAnn Sclafani
I worked with Pierre on National Pastime and truly enjoyed his company and his talent. His passing comes as quite a shock
to me, I cant even imagine how those closest to Pierre are taking this. Please know I will be praying for you during this time of grief to get thru this. I will alway remember Pierre for his beautiful smile and his wonderful presence when in a room he always made it feel lighter during such a tough time getting a show up and running. Pierre you will be missed and remembered fondly. RIP
Our condolences to your whole family! May all sentient beings be freed from suffering. Our hearts are filled with your shock and sorrow, and the hope that Grace will envelop you all in this sorrowful time.
Very sad to hear this news, my heart goes out to all those that loved him. Pierre, was always hilarious and often aggravating in that pursuit when we were children. Once, he defied adult instructions and reaped the worst fate a kid in those days could – he stepped on a nail. That was on the top of the list of the things we all feared, along with molten lava, piranhas, and quicksand. As he was whisked to the ER, the rest of us lost out on a chance to swim in the pool. The resentment quickly dissipated as he returned, a hero, for having triumphed over one of our most feared catastrophes and having the cool scar to prove it (also, the sneaker, which was like Bonnie and Clyde’s car to us).
I only saw him once, since our teenage years, and I was impressed with the mature, laid back man he had become – it was a bit of contrast to the teen, I remembered. I don’t think I had changed so dramatically, or positively at the time. I was also impressed with how he channeled his creativity to achieve things that brought so much to so many. We lost touch long ago, but I will still miss him, and mourn his loss and know the world is diminished with his passing.
My sincere condolences. What a great guy — I can remember his beaming smile and contagious laugh! I’m sorry we lost touch since our school days. I’m sure he made lots of people happy through his laughter and creativity.
Such terrible news of a life cut short. I’m so sorry Corine, Andrée and family.
Sandra Peevers
My love for the Beatles was nurtured (and enforced, in all honesty) by Pierre. He was unique and sincere, and always true to not only himself, but to his work, family, and friends. Godspeed, Pierre. And condolences to Mrs. Weidemann, Carina, his entire family, and all of his friends.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Deborah
We are stricken to see that you lost your Son, Brother, and Uncle.
Dan and I are holding you in our hearts. Love, Jan and Dan Jock
Dear Andrée, Karina and Family! With very saddening hearts we just read about Pierre’s sudden passing! Our deepest condolences and pray for comfort and strength as you mourn during this difficult time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! With our love and affectionate hugs from us! Hela and Ernie Meyer-Pflug and Luiza Rudelbach!