Robert George Thibault

Our Dad, Robert George Thibault, while really hoping for (and promising us) 100 years,

instead called his family and friends to say his goodbyes a day before passing

peacefully in his sleep on June 11, 2023 at the age of 92.

His blaze of glory came later at the Rose Chapel Mortuary and Crematory in Paradise,

California, and now his ashes remain at home in Magalia until he is joined by his wife

Georgia, when they will both be interred at the beautiful and peaceful Skyway Memorial

Park in Magalia, California.

Born on February 21, 1931 to Georges and Imelda (Gagne) Thibault, he was raised in

Fall River, Massachusetts and lived all of his 33,713 days in keeping with his life's

philosophy of “One Day at a Time" and led a life packed with experiences.

After graduating in 1949 from the Diman Vocational High School Machinist program, he

embarked on a military career, first with an 18-month stint in the Naval Reserve, then for

22 years with the US Air Force where he proudly attained the rank of Senior Master

Sergeant. When retiring in 1971, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal

for meritorious service for his role in leading the 21st Avionics Maintenance Squadron in

support of the Alaska Air Command.

He was married twice: first for 24 years to Olga Gimbel with whom he had two sons

and three daughters, then for 45 years to Georgia (Bell) Taylor who brought two

stepdaughters and a stepson into his life.

Dad was the kind of person who was ever optimistic, always curious, and always

ready for a new adventure. After leaving the military he worked at Wien Air Alaska, then

Alaska Airlines before retiring a second time. He learned to fly, took up real estate, took

classes in Transcendental Meditation before it was fashionable, and earned a certificate

in Herbalism. He loved gold panning and searched for the mother lode whenever he

could. In Hawaii, he went snorkeling for the first time when he was 81.

He was a Master Fixer. He could fix and/or improve just about anything - a trait we

children have inherited. He loved new technology but wanted to know how it worked.

After we bought him his first computer, the first thing he did was take it apart.

He could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere - on the elevator, in the

restaurant, in the stores. He spent his later years with Georgia staging yard sales, not

for making a profit, but for having fun and meeting new people. He made lifelong

friends. He had a great sense of humor, was a good listener and great storyteller.

With Georgia, he volunteered in his communities and churches to help those in need.

They received “Person of the Year” award in South Bend, Washington for their

volunteer service. After moving to Magalia, CA, they volunteered at the local thrift store

repairing jewelry and watches, and helped cook and serve hundreds of Thanksgiving

turkeys at their church until the Camp Fire event shut it down.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his youngest brother Maurice, his sister Cecile

Garant, and his step-son Larry Taylor.

He is survived by his brother Adrien Thibault of Largo, Florida, his sister Irene Gauvin of

North Dartmouth, Massachusetts; his five children: Michelle Koblas of Los Altos

California, Robert Thibault, David Thibault (Pam), Jeanne Dorshkind (Brian), all in

Anchorage, Alaska, and Theresa Thibault (Martin Stanford) in Ketchikan, Alaska. His

wife of 45 years Georgia Thibault of Magalia, California also survives him, as do step[1]daughters Debbie Taylor, of Magalia, California and Sandy Taylor in Denver, Colorado,

along with many (including step) grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and

nephews across the continent.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Anchorage, Alaska on a date yet chosen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert George Thibault, please visit our floral store.