OLD TOWN – Robert H. Thibodeau, 71, beloved husband, father, grampy and friend, died peacefully July 16, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at his home, after a stoic battle with cancer. He was born May 17, 1938, in Old Town, a son of the late Freeman Thibodeau and Jeanette Sleeper Bailey. Robert proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958. He was an avid brook trout fisherman, taking more than 20 trips to Labrador, many with his good friend, Kevin Geroux. He enjoyed spending time with his sons, grandsons and friends at his hunting camp at Crocker Turn. Bob will be remembered as a quick-witted man with a kind and generous spirit, who always put family first. Bob fought hard right up to the very end and he continued to do the things he loved: spending time with family; 5 a.m. trips to McDonald’s with his brother, Kenny, to meet his coffee buddies; a fishing trip just six days ago with his son, Bobby and daughter-in-law, Yvonne; and a recent trip to Bar Harbor with daughter, Tiffany and grandchildren, Lauren, Riley and Nate. He was so happy being wheeled through downtown Bar Harbor with his young grandsons on either side of him holding his hands. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jane; his first wife and dear friend, Linda Millard; four sons, Robert and his wife, Yvonne, David, Lawrence and his girlfriend, Jen Moore, and Timothy and his wife, Dana; three daughters, Laurie Jackson, Tammy Roland and her husband, Jon, and Tiffany Tibbits and her husband, James; grandchildren, Justin, Kacey, Adam, Allison and Cailie Thibodeau, Joshua Talucci, Jared, Justine and Jennifer Jackson, Brittany, Shelby, Craig, Claudia and Haley Roland, Hope McLaughlin, Renee, Eliza, Lauren, Riley and Nathan Tibbits; a brother, Kenneth; a sister, June Costain; many special friends, George St. Peter, Kenny St. John, Gary Bolduc, Kevin Geroux, Harold Fortier, Vern and Dorothy Buckley; numerous others; and his Yorkie Lacey, who was always on his lap. Bob said, “I love them all.” Robert was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Freeman, Gordon and Dennis; and an infant son, Kim. A special thank you to the many friends and visitors that remained constant, and Dr. Giordano and New Hope Hospice for their care. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday. Graveside committal services with military honors will be held afterward at St. Joseph Cemetery. Immediately after the services at the cemetery, all are invited to Knights of Columbus Hall for a celebration of Bob’s life. Memorial contributions may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401-5606 or 207-942-8902. Those who wish to view an online memorial or post a personal tribute may do so through www.mem.com.
ROBERT H. THIBODEAU
