Frank”T-Bear” Thibert, 71, of Houghton Lake passed awayne 18, 2016 at home with his loving family by his side.
He was born on April 23, 1945 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Omer`e and Loretta (Vallee`) . He moved from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada to the Houghton Lake area in 1968. Frank T-Bear, with his black hat and guitar, worked as a musician for all his life and was well known and thoroughly enjoyed throughout the area.
He drove mini bus for the Roscommon County Transit Authority for more than 20 years. On June 8, 1975 in Houghton Lake, Frank was married to Melody Ann Gearhart. He was active in his community and especially with the county fire departments.
Mr. Thibert served as Assistant Chief at the Roscommon Township Fire Department, served as Executive Director of the Roscommon Fire Departments Special Response Team, Assistant to the Director of Roscommon County Emergency Management, member of the Roscommon County Sheriff Posse, and worked as a first responder and driver for the Houghton Lake Ambulance Service. Frank received a tribute for being the 2015 County Person of the Year for Roscommon County.
Surviving are his loving wife of 41 years, Melody Ann Thibert of Houghton Lake; three sons, Chris (Sue) Kelly of Clare, Dan (Angel) Kelly of Farwell, and Josh Thibert of Houghton Lake; three grandsons, Seth Kelly of Saginaw, Zack (Jenner) Kelly of Mt. Pleasant, and Jake (Amber Pate) Kelly of Farwell; three granddaughters, Samantha (Brian) Burkett of Houghton Lake, Kayla (Cody Bauer) Kelly of Farwell, and Isabell Kelly of Clare; and four great-grandchildren, Madi, Reese, Brooklyn, and Maggie.
Also surviving are four sisters, Laura McMillan and Margaret (Kelly) McMillan, both of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Lorraine Gorham of Milan, and Sharlene Hunt of KY; two brothers, Craig”Bub” (Susan) Thibert of Birmingham, and Russ (Krysten) Thibert of Birmingham; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life Gathering for Frank T-Bear will be July 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 833 W. West Branch Road, Prudenville. At T-Bear’s request please come in casual dress and in lieu of flowers please give memorial contributions in his memory to the Roscommon Township Fire Department or Heartland Hospice.
Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family.
Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com
