Cdr. Robert Edward GUILBAULT Sr.

GUILBAULT, Cdr. Robert Edward Sr. -- Bob passed on to "the great aircraft carrier in the sky," at home May 18, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 14, 1925 in Hamtramck to Walker and Florence (Huber) Guilbault. His childhood dream came true when he became a Navy carrier pilot. He enlisted in 1942, and earned his gold flight wings in 1946. During his time in the Navy, he flew many aircraft, including the Stearman PT-17, the SNJ trainer, the F-4 Wildcat, the F-6 Hellcat, the F4U Corsair, the F-1 Phantom jet (1st jet off a carrier), SB2C Helldiver torpedo bomber, the SBD Douglas divebomber, the AD Skyraider, and the S2F Submarine Tracker. It was in the S2F that he commanded squadron VS-733 searching for submarines and Russian ships that were armed with nuclear weapons around Cuba in 1962, during the Cuban missile crises. He returned home to a heroes' welcome when the situation cooled down. He retired, as a full Commander from the Navy and the Reserves after 32 years of proud service. Bob married Madeline Frechette in Flint on December 28, 1946. They were married for 40 years and had 6 children. Maddie passed in 1987. On March 22, 1991, Bob and Joyce Nowlin were married in Fenton, where they've lived for 21 years. Following his father into the jewelry business, Bob worked as a diamond sales rep for Orange Blossom, Traub Mfg, Jostens, and Kirchners for 44 years. His integrity and sincerity served him well, and helped earn him many accolades. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton. Also, he and Maddie were a team couple for Marriage Encounter and helped many couples over the years. Having been raised in the town of Calumet, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula, Bob always had a strong connection with nature. This love for outdoors and his fondness for sports was passed on to his children. For more than 50 years he enjoyed the campfires, deer camp, the freedom, and the camaraderie up north in the woods with his friends and family. Robert is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children, David (Karen) of Saskatchewan, Canada, Stephen (Cinda) of Fenton, Robert Jr. (Mary Beth) of Fenton, Jeannine (Jeff) Dickerson of Marion, Massachusetts, Dianne Guilbault (Mark Zauel) of Ann Arbor; Joyce's children, Bret (Mary) Nowlin of Brighton and Terri (Randy) Weishaus of Bloomfield Hills; sister, Barb (Paul) Wright of Park Ridge, Illinois; 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne; parents; 2 sisters and 1 brother. Bob was a loving and dedicated father and husband. His courage, his fairness and his honesty was known by all. Bob, you were loved and looked up to by everyone whose lives you touched. We will be forever grateful to you for having known you. See you on the flight deck! Funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, May 21, 2012 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 North Adelaide Street, Fenton. Father David Harvey Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2-9 PM Sunday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, with a scripture service at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flower, think of Wounded Warriors, a very worthy organization that helps support soldiers who have been injured in war. Sincere thanks to the staff at Caretel Rehab Center of Linden, and to McLaren Hospice for their professional and loving care. Online tributes may be posted to the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Sunday, May 20, 2012 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States