Raymond Eugene Robicheau

Raymond Eugene Robicheau lived out his final days in the way he had lived most of his life - sure about what he wanted and absolutely determined about how to get it.

On August 28, at the age of 103, he passed away as he wanted, in his own bedroom, in his own house, at Westport, Brier Island.

During his life, our father was many things.

He was a man who loved Brier Island, the place of his birth.

He was a man extremely proud of his service as a gunner in 2nd Antitank Division during WWII, fighting through Europe and aiding in the liberation of the Netherlands.

He was a life-long entrepreneur. As a child, he sold frostfish door-to-door. After the war, he started out with a single small store and quickly expanded in multiple directions. Despite some hard times and tough competition, R.E. Robicheau Ltd. today is still the retail core of the island.

He was a man who loved nothing more than meeting a stranger and making him a friend. As a result, he had friends all over the world.

Mr. Westport - An icon of the Island - A remarkable man - A force of nature on the Island - A real patriarch for Brier Island - His presence filled the room - End of an era - One of a kind - A legend - A father-figure to so many.

These are a few of the well-deserved accolades we have received on his behalf in the last few days.

But to us he was just Dad, the man who worked long hours to support his growing family - ultimately seven girls and two boys - with long days in the fish plant, and evenings in the store while still managing to make time for us.

We all have memories of travelling up the Valley in the back of a pick-up truck to trade dried fish for apples and potatoes, or crossing the Bay of Fundy in a fourteen-foot speedboat to check on a business he owned on Grand Manan Island.

Dad’s leisure hours were few and far between, but he spent them with us. We remember Sunday walks and picnics on the Island, wiener roasts at Pond Cove, and who can forget that memorable road trip to Expo 67, twelve people packed into one station wagon (we even brought along a family friend)!

Dad is survived by his proud children, Ben (Randi), Rikki (Ralph), Amara (Jeff), Judy, Virginia, Janet (Jeff), Ruth (Tim), Joyce (Wouter), and John (Vinola); and by 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

He was predeceased by his wife of 77 years, Hendrika "Riekie" Berendina Robicheau, sisters, Louise, Florence, and Bernice, nephew Blair Brown, niece Deena Brooks; and grandson Simon Bolstad.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced later. For anyone wishing to make a gesture in memory of Raymond Robicheau, it would be appreciated if donations could be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92, 182 Water St. Freeport, N.S., B0V 1B0

The family would like to express their appreciation to the VON, Homecare, and Nurse-Practitioner Courtney Highleyman for their excellent care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St. 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com