Robert Henri Deschamps

Born in Saint-Marc, Haiti, Robert was instrumental in transforming the family’s well-known publishing business (Maison Henri Deschamps) into a thriving enterprise providing textbooks to children, and jobs and security to the Haitian community. After emigrating to the United States with his wife Josette in the late 1950’s, Robert founded several successful businesses. As a result of his extensive knowledge of the Latin American business climate, Robert was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as one of the “First Five Hundred” – a group of private citizens who advised the president on Latin American affairs.

In 1983, Robert began writing the first of 6 political intrigue novels and play adaptations for the Florida Shakespeare Festival. His adaptation of Julius Caesar became a hit in Miami when he set the play in Cuba with Fidel Castro as Julius Caesar! The play garnered international rave reviews from the press and was also recognized by the prestigious Shakespeare Quarterly. In 1985, Robert built The Minorca Playhouse in Coral Gables, Florida.

In 1991, Robert moved to Rome, Georgia with his second wife Gail, where he continued to write, co-author plays and musicals, and translate French Classics into English. Together with Gail, he wrote the novel, Buried Demons and founded GMT Productions, a Georgia theatrical company that toured educational classic productions throughout the Eastern United States.

Known for his intellectual curiosity and genuine concern for others, Robert endeared himself to all that crossed his path—easily forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Robert was a unique character—funny, warm and caring—one not easily forgotten. He had a booming voice, which was beautiful when he spoke and full of life when he laughed. A kind, generous man with a sweet disposition and hearty laugh, Robert was admired and respected for his honor, humility and integrity by all who met him.

Robert is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 38 years, Gail; his sons Henri (Marie Henriette) Valle Crucis, NC and Alexander (Jessie) San Francisco, CA and his daughters Josiane Deschamps Abel (Ron Sandrin-Litt) Miami, FL; Maryline Kruger (Doug) Orlando, FL; Dominique Sloan, Atlanta, GA; Mychelle Deschamps (David Amann) Pacific Palisades, CA; Brigitte Stock (John) Miami, FL; and four step children: Clark Smith, Sean Smith, Kathleen Smith, and Angus Smith. He has nine adoring grandchildren: Jourdan Abel, Sandra Siano, Danielle Stabler, Clara and Devin Kruger, Luke and Evan Sloan, Christopher and Olivia Amann, Dalton and Dillon Maturo-Smith, and two great grand-children, Nicolas and Alexander Siano. He is also survived by his sister, Janine Brandt, and extended families Deschamps, Frisch, Brandt, Deimunsch and Gros.

Funeral Mass was held on Monday, November 9, 2015 at Noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with celebrant Father Joseph Morris. The family received friends at the church at 10:30 a.m. until the service time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation Lucienne Deschamps whose mission is to provide school books and medical help for the poor in Haiti. Donations can be sent to: Lucienne Deschamps Foundation, 317 E. 4th Street, Rome, GA 30161