Pierre Maurice Olivier

Pierre Henri Denis Maurice Olivier, 90, who lived a long, healthy and extraordinary life, passed away Thursday evening, August 3, 2017, at 7:20 P.M. at St Joseph's Hospital in Savannah surrounded by love ones.



Born in Ch??tellerault, France on February 7, 1927, Pierre was the only child of Cecile Jeanne Grenier and Henri Olivier. During World War II, while Pierre's mother Cecile worked in 'occupied' Paris raising her son and supporting the French Resistance, Pierre learned valuable survival skills. As a young child, traveling between Paris and Ch??tellerault of the 'Coeur de France', he spent time with his grandparents on the family farm. He often recalled cooking with his grandmother who shared her culinary skills with Pierre - teaching him the finest of French cuisine that he would practice his entire life. Cultivating his adventurous side, while travelling back and forth by bicycle between Lencro??tre and Ch??tellerault visiting his father, he would also courier secret messages for the French Resistance.



At the conclusion of the war, Pierre landed his first job as a teenager working under the guidance of Maxell Broom at the successful Monoprix department store chain where he quickly rose the ranks to store manager using his strong wit, charm and nascent sales acumen. Following his mother to America in his early 20's, he was quickly hired at the well-known cosmetics company, Coty Inc. Pierre then had the opportunity to head up Faberge Canada in Toronto introducing the famous Brut fragrance to the world while working along side celebrities, such as Hugh Hefner and Cary Grant. Continuing his climb to success, Pierre joined Orlane as President in his 40's. After retiring from the corporate world of cosmetics, he established himself as a successful entrepreneur in many businesses ranging from art import, ladies combs and hair accessories to ladies fashions. He also had an eye for real estate, investing in beautiful homes in Tiburon, Savannah and his most precious, the Ch??teau Belle Roche in Amboise, France.



Pierre's successful career allowed him to live life to the fullest. While Pierre travelled the world for both work and pleasure, he lived in many cities, including St. Louis, St. Petersburg, Houston, Toronto, NYC, San Francisco, Amboise and Savannah (twice). Pierre also loved risk-- he flew planes (and even survived a plane crash), he sailed boats (and got lost at sea), and 'skied' which meant sipping cocktails while others hit the slopes. Pierre also loved fancy cars, of which he owned many and crashed a few. He enjoyed the celebrity of driving around town-- even down the narrowest streets of Paris, Amboise and Savannah in his Excalibur or Rolls Royce, proudly flying the French flag as he travelled to all his favorite cafes.



Pierre also had a love for the finer things in life. Food, wine, and most importantly, the women he cherished. While riding an elevator in a NYC department store, he met his first wife, Marie Elena Olmo Plaza, who he later married and with whom he had two sons, Pierre Jr. and Jean Paul. Many years later, Pierre swept Catherine Lynne Robbins off her feet in Savannah and they married. The two of them travelled, appreciated good food, art and culture with friends and family for 25 years.



Pierre touched the lives of many by sharing his passions. Pierre was a gatherer, one who loved to celebrate with friends from all walks of life, sharing his gourmet food, wine, life stories and boundless French 'joie de vivre'- joy of life!



Pierre is survived by his wife Catherine Lynne Robbins Olivier, of Savannah, Georgia and his 2 sons, Pierre Michel Olivier, Jr., his wife, Shelley Anne Arnold Olivier, two grandchildren, Lauren Elena Cecile and Liam Jean Paul Olivier, all of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; and Jean Paul Olivier, his wife, Michele Anderson Olivier, and two granddaughters Elle Ruby and Lilyanna Uma of Seattle, Washington.



The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o\'clock Monday August 7 at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue.



Funeral service will be held at 7 o\'clock Monday evening in the chapel of Gamble Funeral Service conducted by The Reverend Dr. Dewain E. Smith. Internment will be in the family cemetery in St. Cyr, France.



Remembrances: In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the two organizations Pierre loved to support- St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 and the ASPCA of Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.