Robert Edward Thibodeau

About

Boston College Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of California Los Angeles

Robert Thibodeau Obituary

THIBODEAU, Robert Edward 73, passed away at his Los Angeles home October 17th, 2010. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer with grace & dignity. Bob was born April 10, 1937, in Lynn, MA, to Rita & Edward Thibodeau. He was the youngest of five children: Earl, Ruth, Emily & David. Bob attended Lynn Classical H.S. and briefly attended M.I.T. prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He met his wife of 20 years, Lillian Jean Kortjohn, in Boston. Bob and Lillian moved to San Francisco in 1963 where they had two sons, Robert Jr. & Michael. The 60's inspired Bob to embrace volunteerism. He was proud to march in the name of Peace and Free Speech. In 1969, Bob & his family moved to Massachusetts where he completed advanced studies in Economics at Boston College. He remained in Cambridge for twenty years, working as an economist for the Department of Transportation. He was instrumental in the deregulation of the trucking industry and integration of the FAAs computing systems. He also led fellow employees to create an ESL program, for which Bob was named Cambridges Citizen of the Year. Bob was passionate about running and went on to complete five marathons. Later in life he embraced hiking and mountain climbing. When asked what his greatest adventure was, he recounted "climbing the mountains outside Mexico city (Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl) and entering the cave of the Aztec Jaguar Priest. Every moment was filled with a sense of mysticism." His love of the mountains and Native American culture enticed him to live in Durango before moving to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, Bob volunteered time at UCLA and was a docent at the Los Angeles Public Library. He was an active member of the Plato Society, taking part in studies in art, politics & culture. Bob was a natural storyteller and endeared people with his enthusiasm, wit & charm. He loved to share details of his chance meeting with Jazz great Billie Holiday in 1954, and of seeing Elvis & Johnny Cash in 1959. Bob is survived by sons Robert E. Thibodeau Jr. & Michael E. Thibodeau, daughter-in-law Yasi Vafai, grandchildren Max, Mia & Lucas, sister Emily Ceglowski, brother Dave Thibodeau & many nieces & nephews whom he loved very much. A memorial service will be held Nov. 13th, 2:00-3:30, in the Childrens Courtyard of the L.A. Public Librarys Central Branch. An online memorial is locatedat www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/ret

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Thibodeau

5 Entries

Sherry Borener

November 4, 2010

Bob was a big part of my life and a true friend. Many of the happiest parts of my everyday life resulted from the things I learned from and as a result of Bob and I am truly saddened by this loss. I know that his family understands his legacy to them; but it extends so far beyond all of us and it is a tribute to his character and resilience.

Mike Rossetti

November 2, 2010

This is both sad and shocking news to me. I spoke with Bob often by phone, most recently about two months ago, but he never mentioned the pancreatic cancer. He was a true friend, great colleague, and an honest, down-to earth guy at heart. We did a lot of hikes in the White Mountains, anguished over the BC football team, and shared lots of laughs about life's ironies. He suffered a stroke about a year ago, and seemed to be making such a good recovery. I just can't believe he's gone. My heart goes out to his family. Your Dad was truly a unique individual with so many good qualities.

Paul Zebe

November 2, 2010

I worked many years with Bob at the Volpe Center and was privileged to share in his private life. He was a great guy!

Judy Yahoodik

November 2, 2010

I had the privilege of working with Bob at the Volpe Center on several projects. He was a consummate professional, a true gentleman, and a Renaissance Man. We shared conversations of our mutual love for jazz music. I have thought of him often since his retirement. I will miss him.

Lynn Murray

November 2, 2010

I worked for many years at the Volpe Center with Bob. As one of the founders of the Center's ESL program, he contributed greatly to the literacy of many immigrants in the Cambridge area. I remember Bob best as witty, thoughtful, and always a gentleman.

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