Donald Thibodeau

Donald J. Thibodeau was a kind and caring man with a big heart. He was intelligent , talented and used his skills in a variety of ways. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, willing to help his loved ones in any way he could.

The year 1925 fit the mold of that decade. Actress Jan Clayton of 1950s television fame “Lassie” was born and Army Lieutenant Jimmy Doolittle would capture the prestigious Schneider Cup for seaplanes averaging 232 mph over the Chesapeake Bay. History was made in Detroit, Michigan that same year as Albert J. and Lea (Cormier) Thibodeau welcomed son Donald Joseph into the world on November 27th. The Thibodeau household was filled with love and laughter created by seven children: Marie, Ann, Virginia, Arnold, Ed, Alan and Don.

When Don was merely two, the family moved to Ypsilanti, where he and his siblings attended the St. John the Baptist Catholic Schools. Like many young boys, he took great interest in cars and the mechanics of engines. Don started high school at about the same time the United States entered World War II. Soon he joined many other proud young American men by leaving school after the tenth grade to enlist in the United States Navy. Proudly he served on the USS Babbitt and USS Burleigh during the war as a cook.

Don was honorably discharged in 1946, and returned home to his family. Soon thereafter his life took a new direction when he was introduced to a young lady named Florence “Flo” Tanner, through her sister May. Over the next two years and nine months, their love for each other blossomed and they were married on November 24, 1949, in Ypsilanti. The newlyweds established their first home together in Willow Run Village, where they joyfully welcomed the birth of their first child, Carol. Three years later, they moved to a house on South Street, which was next to the lumberyard where Don worked. Soon Don and Flo were doubly blessed with the arrival of twin sons, Dan and Donald Jr., who along with big sister Carol, brought great joy and happiness to the household.

A strong provider, Don worked at a variety of lumberyards including Hartwick-Westcott Lumber and Fingerle’s Lumber, while Flo stayed at home caring for the children. Aside from being a hard worker, Don was a very talented man and could tell you how to build something right down to the last nut and bolt. He was a certified kitchen designer and put these skills to good use working in the cabinet industry until his retirement in 2001.

Don never let his work get in the way of being there for his children, and would help in anyway he could. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love for cars and motorized toys with his boys. Once old enough, he bought them go-carts to run around the neighborhood. This passion was again passed on to yet another generation when Don Jr. was blessed with a son, Brendon, who also took an interest in motorized toys.

But life was not all work and no play for Don. He took great pride in taking care of his house, car and lawn and, in fact, found it quite relaxing to mow his lawn. Some other ways he relaxed was watching old World War II movies and reading. He enjoyed the comfort of his home, where his favorite chair was always waiting. Don adored his grandson Brendon and they loved spending time together. If they weren’t fishing or snowboarding in ten-degree weather, then Don was usually boasting about his wonderful grandson to someone. Don’s daughter-in-law, Sherry, also held a special place in his heart and he treasured their relationship. Don was a long-time member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

The simple pleasures in life were what satisfied Don the most. He was happy with a hard days work, coming home to dinner on the table and surrounded by the smiles and laughter of his family. He was a stable, thorough and dependable man who never had a bad thing to say about anyone. It was his incredibly kind heart that made him the man people were proud to know.

Donald J. Thibodeau of Ypsilanti Twp. died on Monday, September 20, 2004, at his home surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ed and Alan Thibodeau. Don’s family includes his wife, Florence Thibodeau; three children: Carol (Greg) Hansen of Sebastian, FL, Dan Thibodeau of Ypsilanti and Don Jr. (Sherry) Thibodeau of Chelsea; one grandson, Brendon; three sisters: Virginia (Marlin) Reber, Ann Bellows and Marie LeBlanc; and one brother, Arnold (Wanda) Thibodeau.

Friends may spend time with Don’s family on Wednesday, September 22, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home ,2400 Carpenter Rd. A scripture service will be held at the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, September 23, at 10 a.m. from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti with Rev. Fr. Edmond Ertzbischoff, celebrant. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday at 9 a.m. until time of service. Entombment will be in Washtenong Memorial Park Cemetery. Please visit Don’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, or the American Red Cross, 2729 Packard, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Don will be remembered by those who loved him as an intelligent, creative and caring man who always gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.