Robert Trudeau

Robert James Trudeau

EAST BROOKFIELD - Robert James Trudeau, aka "Red Ryder", 73, mounted up his mule for one final ride. He passed peacefully at home under the guidance of Southern Worcester County Hospice, after a 17 year painful battle with metastatic prostate cancer. His devoted, loving wife and daughter were at his bed side holding his hand. His faithful border collie and close family friends were also present.

He was born the son of Robert Trudeau and Gertrude Raymond in Webster MA. He leaves his wife Stella Catherine (Esposito) Trudeau just short of their 50yr wedding anniversary in July; his daughter Darcie Trudeau 46, of Haverhill; his sister Brenda Comstock of West Brookfield; brother Mark Green of Stafford Springs CT; his sister in law Mary Esposito of Bradford VT; his brother in law Howard Esposito of East Douglas; nieces Renee White and Emily Matchem; nephews Thomas Greene and Jason Cook Troynel; many grand nieces and nephews.

He had a fondness of horses and began riding at a very young age. He was living in Spencer MA and graduated David Prouty High School in 1963, which is where he noticed and met his high school sweetheart, with the spotless white sneakers and they were engaged. He enjoyed spending time with his bride to be in Bailey Island ME. He served his country in the US Army for 3 years following high school. He was stationed in Germany, was an expert marksman and worked with requisition radar. Upon return home he went on to marry his high school sweetheart July 13th, 1968. His love for horses grew and he became an avid horseman, pursuing a career as a farrier at Orono College in ME, where he received his diploma, he then went to the Bob Gurkin school of horseshoeing in Houston Tx. He became a certified farrier in the Central Mass area for over 45 years and also worked full time at United Parcel Service for 30 years.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 138, Teamsters Local 170, and American Farriers Association. Once retired, he and his wife were finally able to live their dream of trailering their horses on journeys cross country to majestic places like Montana, Wyoming, and the Black Hills of South Dakota where they rode, camped and enjoyed nature and it's beauty on mules and horseback.

All are invited to gather and support his family and friends on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11:00AM for a Memorial Mass in St John the Baptist Catholic Church 121 Blaine Ave, East Brookfield. A period of Calling hours will be held 9:30-10:45 am in the church. Flowers can be sent to St John the Baptist Catholic Church or Donations can be made to Happy Trails Childrens' Foundation online at www.happytrails.org, or to umassmemorialhealthcare.org. Go to make a gift, put in gift amount under cancer center as a Honorary/Memorial for Robert Trudeau. Pillsbury Funeral Home 3 West Brookfield Rd. Brookfield is directing arrangements.For an online tribute please visit: Pillsburyfuneralhome.com