Robert Lemieux

Robert Lemieux was a blessing to everyone he met throughout his rich and overflowing life. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and when he saw a need in his community, he did what he could to fill it without hesitation. Nothing meant more to Bob than holding his family and friends close. His dedication to caring for those around him allowed him to impact countless lives in more ways than he could have imagined, and no one was ever a stranger for long. Although he will be deeply missed, Bob leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will keep close for many years to come.

History remembers the early 1940s as some of the most tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the world. WWII cast a heavy shadow over much of the globe. During these years, however, there was a ray of hope for Clarence and Evangeline (Belliveau) Ferrin of Rochester, New York, as they awaited the arrival of their child. It was on December 16, 1944, that Robert was born in Rochester, but at only nine months old, he and his mother moved to New Brunswick, Canada, to settle down with his grandparents.

Marcel, Bob’s grandfather, had played for the Montreal Canadiens before WWI. Bob looked up to his grandfather and considered him to be his role model and hero from a young age, so it was no surprise when Bob followed in his grandpa’s footsteps. He excelled as an athlete and played all kinds of sports in school, including hockey, football, lacrosse, track and field, and baseball. Bob chose to pursue hockey professionally, and through lots of hard work, he rose to become the captain of the Montreal Junior Canadians. He also formed a lacrosse team to give kids a constructive outlet for their endless energy.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Bob as he met the young woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Mariette, and their story was nothing short of a fairy tale. The two first met on a blind date where Bob played baseball with Mariette’s brother-in-law. Though they didn’t speak the same language, there was an instant connection between them. Bob would ride his bike to see Mariette every day. They would practice each other’s languages, which helped strengthen their burgeoning relationship. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bob and Mariette were married in the presence of family and friends in May of 1966.

Bob’s greatest treasure in life was his family. Over the years, he and Mariette were overjoyed to welcome their two children, Annick “Nikki” and Daniel, into their hearts and home. Bob’s kids were his pride and joy. He took them to all his conferences and games to expose them to the history and culture of different areas, and he made sure they knew Wings Stadium inside and out including all the best hiding places. When Nikki was diagnosed with leukemia, Bob remained steadfast and focused on helping her in every way he could.

Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. Known affectionately as “Bampy,” Bob cherished his grandkids and often called them just to hear their voices. He enjoyed watching them in all their activities. He continued family traditions with his grandchildren, and when they were young, he would play “grabber monster” with them to make them laugh. Bob’s granddaughter, Emily, received a Chihuahua named Jack for her 13th birthday. After the dog stayed with him while the family went on vacation, Jack became Bob’s dog more than Emily’s! The two were inseparable and Jack became a loving companion for Bob’s many travels.

Bob truly made a name for himself in the athletic world. Over the course of his career, he played for the Montreal Junior Canadiens, Seattle Totems, Oakland Seals, and the Vancouver Canucks. In 1970, he joined the Detroit Red Wings organization and coached teams in Texas and Virginia. In 1974, along with his wife Mariette, Bob brought the Wings to Kalamazoo. Bob acted as the first coach and general manager of the K-Wings, leading them to a Turner Cup victory in 1979. After such a huge achievement, he decided he was ready for a change and joined the Fort Lauderdale Strikers soccer team as their general manager. Still, hockey forever held a special place in Bob’s heart. He had a passion for sports stats as well, and he would often make amazingly accurate predictions on games.

As a caring member of his community, Bob was always looking for ways to serve. Following Nikki’s diagnosis, he teamed up with her doctor to start Special Days Camps. Bob put his charismatic personality to good use through fundraising, and he volunteered there alongside his entire family. Throughout his life, he helped so many children, providing a home, guidance, and a listening ear to anyone in need. Bob was also an animal lover and treated every creature with respect and gentleness. He even fed the muskrats in the backyard and built a rock wall for the trout to help them catch flies. Bob loved taking photos and writing poems about animals as well.

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, times of plenty and want, Robert Lemieux never lost sight of what mattered most. He was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances. To Bob, life was the greatest adventure of all. A devoted family man, he considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Dearly missed, Bob will be forever loved, and his memory lives on.

Robert Lemieux of Portage, age 80, died on May 9, 2025. Bob was born on December 16, 1944, in Rochester, New York. He was preceded in death by his mother, Evangeline Belliveau Lemieux Ferrin; father, Clarence Ferrin; and stepfather, Yves Lemieux. Surviving are his wife, Mariette; children: Annick “Nikki” (Jerry) Smith and Daniel (Sarah) Lemieux; grandchildren: Emily (Matt) Szatkowski, Sarah (Michael) Smith-Moore, Paul (Alexander “Jack” McKenzie) Smith, Eric (Anna Dragan) Smith, Alyne Lemieux, Michael Lemieux, Elyse Lemieux; great-grandchildren: Emmett, Till, Rhys; aunt and uncle, Judith and Oswald Leblanc; and several cousins.

Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 3, at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St., Kalamazoo with visitation one-hour prior. A luncheon will follow in the gymnasium. Celebrate Bob’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Days Camps (specialdays.org/how-to-help/donations). Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.