Emmett John Robitaille Jr.

He was born on July 26, 1936 in Montreal, Canada to Emmett John Robitaille, Sr. and Anne (McDonald) Robitaille.

He is preceded in death by parents and son, Robert Robitaille.

Emmett is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kaye (Yeager) Robitaille; sons; Charles Robitaille; Steven (Anna) Robitaille; Keith Barkman; Daughter; Kristen-Barkman (Brady) Bowling; Grandchildren-8; Great Grandchildren-3; Brothers; Dan Robitaille; Frank Robitaille

Following the family’s move from Canada, he was raised in southern California and graduated in 1954 from Saint Anthony High School, Long Beach. After graduation he attended Santa Clara University for a short period of time. He later decided, after working for a number of years at North American Avionics, he would pursue completing his degree. Emmett graduated from Cal State University, Los Angeles where he was on the Dean’s List and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

In the late 70’s Emmett transferred from North American Aviation, Autonetics Division, Anaheim, California to plant new roots with Rockwell International, Richardson, Texas as Manager, Quality Assurance Division. It was during this time at Rockwell, he met and married Kaye. After retiring from Rockwell, he continued contract work with Alcatel for several years. After 30 years, he officially retired in 1998-1999 and moved from Lucas, Texas to Lindale, now Hideaway, Texas. In 2006 the decision was made to relocate back to the Metroplex to be near family.

Emmett was an avid sports enthusiast, especially hockey and soccer. He played on an adult recreational soccer team where he met some of his dearest friends. Traveling, photography, hiking, playing bridge, RV camping, square dancing, genealogy and studying foreign language brought him great joy. Emmett never met a stranger and, especially when meeting new people of a different culture and language, he was always fascinated, curious, and wanted to know more. Emmett had a way of making others feel important just by inquiring about them and genuinely getting to know them.

His family, friends, and Catholic faith, were very dear to him. Emmett was always up for gatherings to celebrate special occasions. He is known for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and at times mischievous demeanor. He would often offer comfort to others with a hug and reassurance that whatever problem it may be that it was in God’s hands. He could be heard saying “C’est la vie” often and he believed it.

The family would like to extend special thanks to his caretakers, New Century Hospice and, Dallas, Texas and BeeHive Nursing Facility, Frisco, Texas.

Memorial services will be held at a later date and time.

The family requests donations be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Hope Cemetery, Henrietta,Texas