Robert F. Baribeau

Robert Francis Baribeau peacefully joined his wife and daughter in heaven on January 12, 2013. Bob was born in Enderlin, North Dakota, on July 13, 1921 to Mary and Thomas Baribeau. He attended North Dakota State School of Science and was selected for a Civilian Pilots Training Course. In 1944 he was commissioned into the Army Air Corps as a second lieutenant and served as a flight instructor, training pilots for World War II at Hicks Field in Fort Worth and Randolph AFB in San Antonio. After separation from the Air Corps in 1945, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until 1952.

Robert and Vivian Christianson were married on September 2, 1942, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Enderlin, ND. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2007. Besides their time in San Antonio, they lived in Enderlin, ND, Ranchester, WY, and Lusk, WY, where they raised seven children. After the Air Corps, Bob operated an auto repair shop in Enderlin. In 1949 they moved to Ranchester, WY where Bob began his career working for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. The family moved to Lusk, WY, in 1960. While in Lusk, he was active in the American Legion and served as a volunteer fireman. He retired with the SCS in 1977, and they settled in San Antonio in their later years. Micke and Bob especially enjoyed their years at the Villa de San Antonio Retirement Community. Bob lit up a room when he walked in. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and was loved by everyone who knew him. His children and grandchildren adored him, and he was extremely proud of all his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Susan Lewitz, parents and brother.

Survivors include sons Dr. Mike Baribeau and wife Xochitl, Dr. Alan Baribeau and wife Paulette, Col. Steve Baribeau (ret.) and wife Margy, Thom Baribeau and wife Carolyn, and daughters Christine Thompson and Michele Rose and husband Jim. Bob had 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Anthony Chapel, Villa de San Antonio.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anthony Chapel, Villa de San Antonio, 8104 North Hollow, with Father Jim Rutkowski presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bob’s favorite charity, Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research, www.alzinfo.org.