I’m looking up family history, and just learned of his passing My Grandfather was Vincent “Pete” Robitaille from SC. My Father is Tod Robitaille.  I’ll never forget coming back to Michigan to his cabin and fishing as a child.  Wish we could reconnect...

Carol and family
We will miss Russ's  quick wit and his penchant for jokes. We had great times together and we will miss him dearly.   You are in our heart and prayers.


My Deepest Sympathies to Carol and all of his family.
Russ has been a great friend for so many years, always supportive and more like a brother than a friend.
Blessings 
JD 

Dear Scott, Sherye and family, 
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Bob & Pam Cline

Russ was always a joy to be with. I started making my yearly trip to Bois Blanc Island in 1964 with him , Dave and Jim. Over the years we stayed and Hanks Cabin, the North Shore, the island hotel and Dave’s Cabin. The journey up and back sometimes included a stop at his family cabin on the Black River. I purchased my generator from Russ to build my house in South Lyon in 1977 it still runs today. As we all grew older his sons became part of some of our trips north. Those are memorable years for all with successful hunts, laughs, hunting disappointment, a few drinks shared, the exciting boat trips across to the island. We had the joy of working at the Sun after a wonderful dinner at their beautiful home. May the family and friends find peace in these times of sorrow. Rest In Peace my friend in arms, you are truly missed. To your family stay safe and healthy.     Wayne & Pat Bailey


Cousin Russell was always good for a laugh and will be remembered with a big smile on my face.  My parents were Aunt Gen and Uncle Jim Patrick.  Carol and Russ were the closest thing we had left to that generation of the Esslin clan.  This is a sad to have to say goodbye. 
Carol and the family are in my thoughts. 


Deepest Sympathy to the Robitaille family. Your father was a great man!  Take care...

Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!  Russ was an amazing man, we shared many great times up north with him, Carol and the family.  Russ always had a smile and his face and loved to make everyone laugh.  I remember all the silly stories and jokes he would tell when we were together.  He was generous with everything he had from private showings at the movie theater, sharing the cabin, boat, snowmobiles,  and the list goes on.  Some of our families favorite memories include our time together with the Robitaille family, we will always treasure those times.  What a legacy he has left behind!

 


Thank you, Mr. Robitaille, for your unconditional love for all those who had the pleasure of knowing you.  What a true leader in our community. 
I was fortunate to see him recently in Williamston after years of living out of Michigan- I thanked him for some of the greatest childhood memories (as you don't forget a man like Mr. Robitaille even after 40 years).  He was one of a kind and will be sadly missed.  I have always remembered the time he pulled me behind the counter of the Sun Theater and taught me how to count change back to customers by counting "up" to the next dollar instead of subtracting the total due from the payment made -"so much easier to add than subtract under pressure" he said.  Wow did that small lessen keep on giving!  That stuck with me for the rest of my life..including the warm feeling it gave me that he took the time out of his busy work schedule to teach me.  I passed it forward so many times always telling each person about him and how the little things (and lessons) matter!  He made ALL of us feel like we were special and a part of his family...including when he had to get after us for "making out" or creating chaos upstairs in the "quiet family/baby room" portion of the theater...lol you didn't mess with Mr. Robitaille because we all had so much respect for him- plus he would “ground us from the theater” if we didn’t listen and maybe worse call our parents!   So many wonderful memories with him at the Sun.  Again, how very lucky we were to have him in our community.  Cheers to the brilliant life you lead Mr. Robitaille.
My deepest condolences to the Robitaille family for your loss- May you celebrate the life of a great man and find peace in his passing.  -with love Deborah Trelstad


I remember  seeing a movie that was not bad in any way ( @ 1976-77) but it had some violence in it and I was young 6-8th grade. He called my mom.  Pat he said, its not that bad but wanted you to know what was in the movie.  Not only did he know everyone's kid by name and greeted them with a smile every night,  but can you imagine a business owner having enough respect for the kids and their parent's, that they would call and make sure it was OK.  Not just take the money and turn a blind eye. He didn't do it to make anyone look or feel bad, he did it because he truly cared!!  Some of my Greatest childhood memory's  revolve around the Sun! That is in large part because of this truly Great man!  See you in the movie's Mr. R!

Mr. Robitaille had a personality that always made you feel welcomed and that you had known him forever!!! For three generations, our family has loved going to the Sun.  I would call once a week to find out what movie was playing and we still quote him, “and remember folks, television is not counted as a night out.”
Prayers lifted for you all.  God bless. 

Some of the greatest memories I have growing up are going to the sun theater. MR. Robitaille was always so kind and always seemed genuinely happy to see people come through his theater. The very inexpensive popcorn and candy was just icing on the cake, we were all truly blessed in Williamton to have him in his business in the heart of our town ❤️ 
Prayers and love to the family.

Mr. Robitaille played a huge role in my childhood in Williamston.  His smile was infectious.  When I went away to college in 1985, I would call the Sun (long distance!) whenever I was homesick for Williamston and listen to the recording.  Pretty soon my roommates could quote it too:  “And remember this, folks.  An evening of television is not counted as a night out!”

Sending love to the whole family.  

Linda Terry Coberly 

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Robitaille. Both my husband Dean and I, along with our son Jake, wish you prayers of comfort during this time.  He was such a huge part of our childhood memories, often letting me sneak in for free after the movie started at the Sun, or letting us wait inside where it was warm for our parents to pick us up, (joking with us the whole time). He was just the best. Our thoughts are with you all. 
Love
Barb, Dean, and Jake Monette 

OBITUARY

Russell M Robitaille Jr.

September 17, 1934 – February 19, 2021

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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