Arlene Vachon (Forrester)
I found this well-written obituary for Dennis. Proud to have been his classmate and friend!
Dennis Alan Thibodeau, age 73 of Sterling Heights, died Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Beaumont Hospital of Troy, Michigan. He was born December 23, 1944 in Royal Oak, son of the late Joseph Oscar and the late Beulah (nee: Henson) Thibodeau. With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Dennis for his service to our country during the Vietnam War era. As a soldier in our great U.S. Army, he wore the uniform proudly for just under 4 years with 1.5 of those years spent overseas. For his willingness to stand in harm's way, and for answering our nation's call with pride & patriotism, we honor Dennis' bravery and extend our posthumous gratitude for his services rendered and helping define the greatness of America,...in just one soul. Married for over 50 years to the love of his life, Marianne, Dennis absolutely adored his wife and extended the best parts of his compassion into caring for his bride throughout their entire lives together. He was her greatest caretaker and most devout friend, a true example of love in action. And not quite the same but equally special were the relationships he shared with a handful of his childhood buddies, companionships that stood the test of time,…right up until his passing. From the male bonding and fun they shared throughout the years,…to the friendships their wives forged in the process,…to the couples' entertaining they enjoyed as the friendships grew and deepened,…the story that Dennis and his friends share is not only a heartwarming one, but one that actually made the newspapers for its human intrigue and touching nature. How many of us share friendships that make the news? Dennis did. Friendship was obviously a huge aspect of Dennis' life, as additionally evidenced by his membership within the Catholic Church's, Knights of Columbus. Known for their Godly and charitable outreach to the community, Dennis also found great reward through the fraternal brotherhood he shared with his fellow men of faith and how it helped mold him into the man who touched countless hearts and lives along the way. A hard working man by nature, much of Dennis' career path was spent exercising his cerebrum and helping folks manage computer issues. So when the opportunity presented itself for spending time away from the job, Dennis certainly had a handful of favorite pastimes that he enjoyed. In his younger years, and for many of those, Dennis proudly donned the cap of Baseball Coach and helped many youngsters learn the importance of sportsmanship and team playing. He loved being a part of molding these young athletes and watching them come into their own,…right there on the ball diamond. While on the theme of sports, Dennis was also quite passionate about the games of golf and bowling, and spent countless hours throughout his life enjoying both. Whether he was chasing that little white ball around the links in search of that elusive "Hole-in-One,"…or taming the lanes with his bowling ball in hopes of that majestic "300 Game,"…either sport simply afforded Dennis the perfect opportunity of doing what he liked best,…being with his friends making memories to last a lifetime. And when it came time for coming off the field and into the house, there was always loads of fun to be had around the card table playing his favorite game, Euchre. Nothing says fun quite like getting some fellow card players together and tossin' some cards in a little friendly competition, and Dennis loved every minute of it. Yet of all that he loved in life, nothing could hold a candle to the matchless love he held for his precious family. A loving husband, father and grandfather, family was always Priority #1 to Dennis,…and they knew it. His word was golden, his actions were unselfish, and the legacy of love he leaves will forever be treasured. He will be missed immensely and loved beyond measure until we are all united again in Heaven. Rest in peace, dear brother. Dennis was the beloved husband of Marianne. Dear father of Alan (Kelly) Thibodeau and Scott (Jennifer) Thibodeau. Loving grandfather of Jared, Jenna, Jacey, Nick, and John. Brother of Robert (Ruth Ann) Thibodeau, Br. Harold Thibodeau, Wesley Towne, and Fred Towne. Visitation for Dennis will be held Wednesday, November 7th from 3-9 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. He will lie in state on Thursday from 10:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren. Following Mass, Military Honors will be performed in recognition of Dennis' service to our country in the United States Army. Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076 (www.cancer.org),...or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). Please share memories of Dennis at his guest book above.
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