Richard (Rick) Phillip Thibodeau, 71, passed away on July 21, 2010 at Gulfside Regional Hospice in Trinity, Florida. Rick was born October 21, 1938 to Phillip and Adelaide (Leask) Thibodeau (both deceased) in Pontiac, Michigan. He sailed the Great Lakes in Michigan, even on the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald, before serving his country in the Army over in Vietnam where he suffered lifelong, debilitating injuries. He worked for Livingston County as a building and electrical inspector before retiring to the Tampa Bay area in 1985. He was a proud member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and was very vocal with his political insights and views on alternative therapies. He was an avid collector of stamps and coins, was a member of a metal detecting club, and shared a great love for all animals, especially horses.
Rick is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mickey, his children Vicki (Mike) Garvey, Nicki Thibodeau, Richard (Tamara) Knurek, Richard (Marcy) Senkowski; grandchildren Torrance Garvey, Tyler and Scott Knurek; siblings Loree (Louis) St. Amour, Phyllis Rickert, Louella (Marshall) Spang, Marilyn Thibodeau, Alfred Thibodeau; loving caregivers Candy Aster, Hannah Padovano, Melissa Graham, Mable Griffith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Nelson Thibodeau, sister Doloris Syrjala, and nephew Karl Rickert.
Military services will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Arrangements by www.veteransfuneralcare.com.
Rick will be missed, by me and many others.
Our deepest sympathy to you, and your children. Rick suffered a long time, and now he is resting with God. You know we are always there for you.
Love ya
May the love of God help to ease your pain at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We knew Rick for such a short time, but he was one nice guy.
Love yah,
I just had the privilege of visiting Rick at his home in New Port Richey Floridia in May of this year…. So Glad I took the time to make the trip. Rick and I talked on the phone on a regular basis but actually talking in person was a real blessing…. I’ll miss our phone chats in the future but knowing he’s in a better place without the poor quality of life he was living is some comfort… My thoughts and prayers are with Rick’s wife and children as they go through this chapter in their lives….
My deepest sympathy to all of u! I am so lucky to have worked with and known such a great guy!He gave me his opinion if i wanted it or not and he was usually right! I will miss hearing him call me blondie when I walked in the door and his smile when ever he saw me! I really felt like part of the family and all of u have been great to me!My last kiss on ur forehead as always to say good-bye RIP RICK
Rick and I hung around and grew up together in Detroit. Although we went our separate ways, we did reconnect through phone calls over the past couple of years. My wife and I admired his spirit and positive attitude despite all his difficulties. We were glad we had the chance to visit him in Florida last April. Our sympathy to the Thibodeau family.
Rick will always be a hero in our hearts. Rick and his family were always gracious and supporting of my family, helping us out when times were hard…Rick gave my wife her first job. We will miss Rick, but know that the Thibodeau family will always hold a fond place in our hearts
I remember when I was but a child and visiting your home. You always made me feel welcomed and were constantly checking on our every want and need. Your heart was so beautiful and your love was so kind. I want to thank you and your family for these precious childhood memories. We on earth will miss your beloved soul but heaven will be rejoicing to receive such a magnificent gift. Rest in peace my loved friend; we will miss your presence here on earth but your pain is no more.
God’s Garden
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, ‘Peace bethine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Anon
Rick and I spoke all the time on the phone,he would give me advice and guide me evan from his bed. He was a great teacher and a good step father. I will miss you, rest in peace.