Anthony Lucien Dobert

Anthony L. Dobert, known by family and friends as Tony, took flight on his next great adventure, July 5, 2024.
During his 77 ½ years, his greatest joy was flying. His first true love was a blue and white Citabria 7GCBC tandem airplane that he had for 47 years. Her tail number was N2677Z, and he called her ZULU. His greatest adventure was traveling through life with his wife Gail, and his three children April, Adler, and Skyler.
Tony grew up in Manchester, Tennessee with his parents, August (Gus) and Dorothy, and his brother August. They were an active family with many interests and hobbies, including aviation (Tony earned his private pilot's license at age 17), circus's acts, gymnastics, gardening, 4-H, Boy Scouts, woodworking the list goes on! He was well prepared for his adventurous life!
Tony graduated from Middle Tennessee University with a Bachelor of Science, went on to join the US Coast Guard and was accepted to Officer Candidate School (OCS). After graduating from OCS as an Ensign, he worked as a vessel inspector and dive officer at the Captain Of The Port in San Francisco, CA. After serving there for four years, and advancing to Lieutenant Junior Grade, he left the Coast Guard to pursue his life-long dream of being a professional pilot. He headed to Alaska and became a true Alaskan Bush Pilot for the next 40 years. He named his business "Eagle Wings" as he flew with the eagles over the most beautiful waters and mountains in the world.
With Zulu, Tony owned and operated Eagle Wings as a fish spotter for Alaskan commercial fisherman, along with providing banner-towing services. During his 40-year career as a pilot in Alaska, Tony also flew multiple aircraft for several small aircraft companies across the state transporting people, products, and goods in the harsh, yet beautiful wilderness of the Last Frontier.
While in Alaska he found his true calling as a loving, steadfast, and true family man. Some of their most notable family adventures include taking his family (including the dog) flying in ZULU, loading up and driving with his family from Alaska down through the "Lower Forty-Eight" during multiple adventures in the family's trusty Suburban which Tony converted to a "family camper", staking out 40 acres of land while dodging black bears grazing on nearby blueberries. Regardless of where the whole family moved to, Alaska was always home in their hearts. Through his unconventional life he always carried with him strong family values, and a creative mind for building family projects. He was the type of Father and Husband to build a toy before buying one. To repair something broken before replacing it. And most importantly to enthusiastically pass on, share, and teach his vast knowledge, skills, and life experiences with his loved ones.
He leaves his family; Wife Gail (Ormes) Dobert and his three children April Hodge, Adler Dobert, and Skyler Dobert. Brother, August W. Dobert, wife Estella Dobert, nephew, Marcus Dobert and wife Michelle Dobert, their children, Savannah, Taylor and Aubrey.
He was preceded in death by his parents August F. Dobert, Dorothy A. Dobert (Hauff), and a very special nephew, August (Augie) F. Dobert. Also, several beloved Aunts and cousins.
A cremation has taken place per his wishes and a memorial service will be held at 2pm on July 13, 2024 at Unity of Bay City 3736 State Street Rd, Bay City, MI 48706. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available through the church's Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider your local Special Olympics Foundation in his honor.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dobert family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.