Dominique Diatta

Dominique Diatta passed away on May 21, 2026. He is remembered as a gentle family man who never lost his curiosity and his love of learning. Dominique was born on June 11, 1946, to Tafounou and Emmanuel Diatta at Madaoua, Niger. At age 3 he went to Ziguinchor, Senegal, to live with his Grandpa Boula. All his life he had an affinity for Ziguinchor and his first language, Creole. At age 10, his father sent him and 2 brothers Edouard and Joseph (les trois amigos) to France to attend a Catholic boarding school College de Notre Dame de Garrison near Lourdes. Thus, his perfect French! At age 17, he returned to Niger, where he found a big family and he became the understanding and fun big brother and uncle. At age 22, he joined the Niger Army and achieved the rank of Sargeant. He worked in logistics and budget. During his 6 years he visited other African countries for training-- he loved telling these stories. After the army, which included a stellar career playing for the National soccer team, he worked as an accountant for the French company Somair.

In 1972 Dominique met Diann Hoffman, who was a Peace Corps volunteer in Dogondoutchi where his father lived. They married in 1974 and had a son Daniel in 1976. In 1978 they moved to the states - Billings, MT. He quickly learned English, got his American GED, his driver's license, began college at Montana State University to study business. He enjoyed meeting new family members and other foreign students.

In 1996 he and Diann moved to Longmont, CO. He enjoyed teaching French - over the years at elementary, high school and university levels. Several of his family members visited us in Billings and Longmont. He enjoyed some African meals. Some trips to Senegal and Niger were highlights. When Dan came to live in Longmont, he was thrilled...they shared a love of music, movies, tennis, and ping pong. Best Buddies.

A funeral mass will take place at 10 am on June 11, 2026, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont.