Aubrey Trebilcock

Herbert Aubrey Trebilcock, age 91 of Kentwood, passed peacefully to his eternal reward on July 1, 2022, while surrounded by his family. Aubrey, as he was known to friends and family, was born on February 7, 1931, to the late Jane (Curnow) and Claude Trebilcock. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff. He is survived by his wife, Laura; son, Craig (Terrie); daughter, Cindi (Doug); and son, David; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Aubrey was a proud Cornishman. Although born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada where his mother and father were living, he grew up with his six brothers and sisters in Newquay, Cornwall, England. His childhood was spent exploring the lanes and headlands of this Atlantic coast sea town. The family emigrated to the United States in 1952. His parents and siblings Peggy, Jennifer, Paul, Christopher, Mickey (Michael) and Sue (Gloria) settled in Muskegon, Michigan. As the eldest son, Aubrey came to America at age 17 in 1948, following his sister Peggy, a war bride who immigrated in 1945. Aubrey was soon in the military himself, serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Alaska during the Korean conflict, where he attained the rank of corporal. After his service, Aubrey made his career as an electrician, a trade he initially learned while working as an apprentice with his father in England. Aubrey became a U.S. citizen in the early 1970s.

He married his loving bride, Laura, in 2000 whom he met at a dance. Their life together began when Laura asked Aubrey to dance, and they never looked back. Among his many talents, Aubrey was recognized by everyone as a highly talented dancer.

Aubrey was much more than the sum of these chronologies, however. A brilliant mind, Aubrey was quick-witted with a terrific sense of humor that remained with him until the end. He was an artist, building his own kiln to produce beautiful award-winning bronze sculptures, some of which were recognized and displayed in the Hackley Art Gallery in Muskegon, Michigan. He was an inventor, improving upon numerous electronic and industrial processes, including receiving a patent from the U.S. government for an innovative process to quickly and accurately bend conduit by tradesman in the field. He possessed an inquisitive mind that was always seeking a better way to do things.

Those who had the pleasure of spending time with Aubrey will recall his inexhaustible supply of stories of his youth in England, his passion for his work, and his pride in his family. He was a caring, generous, and honorable man.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Cook Funeral and Cremation Services – Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation one hour prior to the service. In memory of Aubrey and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. The family welcome memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.