THIBERT, Romeo

Posted: February 2nd, 2021

ROMEO THIBERT

Romeo Armand Thibert left us on January 27, 2021, at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, Carol, daughter Jaclyn (Jackie) Doherty and son-in-law, Ryan and son Cory Thibert and daughter-in-law, Carrie, his four grandkids, Quin and Isla Doherty and Tate and Wynne Thibert, as well as his sisters and brother and families, Lauraine and John Law, Corinne Palmer and Rob and Lori Thibert, sister-in-law, Agnes Thibert and mother in law, Margaret Sears and Carol’s family, Ken and Barb Sears, Murray and Eulana Sears and Shelley Davies. He was pre-deceased by his mom and dad, Romeo and Juliet Thibert, Carol’s dad, Steve Sears, brother, Gerry Thibert and brothers in law, Ken Palmer and Kirk Davies.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Rome knew he lived for his family and was loved by so many more. In fact, his favourite thing about his smartphone was the ‘find my friend’ app, which in his case should have been called ‘find my family.’ It was not uncommon to get a random call from him just to tell us, “ I see you are still at work,” or “ Looks like you are just passing Claresholm, coffee is on if you want to stop by for a visit!”. At the time, these little dad-isms would surely have garnered an eye roll from whoever was on the receiving end. However, we also knew it was his way of checking in and making sure we were all ok.

Romeo supported us in absolutely everything we endeavoured to do and be. This, all while quietly pursuing his black belt in karate, becoming a coach and master official for junior swimming, an official for cycling and a volunteer for many, many sporting events, as well as the arts when he served on the Empress Theatre board. He would greet his grandkids at the bus stop after school, join them in their swimming lessons, and be the first to run errands for his family when someone forgot their backpack or lunch, needed an oil change, or something from the grocery store. Even when he was no longer driving a car but riding his bike all over town, it was not unusual for him to cycle even as far as Costco and then call his kids to see if there was anything he could cram into his panniers. These are the wonderful little imperfections that make us miss him the most.

He did love his bike. This affection sustained him in later years as his health declined and he was no longer able to drive a car, but it began long before that. His first adventures on his coveted tandem took him and Carol to the east and west coasts and many points between. He then moved on to e-bikes, which he pioneered until the rest of us figured out that he just might be on to something. He loved the many adventures, often in a tent, he and Carol took with family and friends including Canada from coast to coast to coast, the United States, Asia and Europe.

Perhaps the only thing that would take him away from family gatherings were his coffee dates. For this, the Thibert house had a revolving door…his Sunday morning breakfast group, his Telus buddies, his cycling companions and his life-long friendships with those special people that were testament to his loyalty as a friend.

The comment that always rises to the surface when describing Rome is that he was a really good guy. He was a loving husband, father and grandpa or “grumpy” (though few would ever be more congenial). He will be missed.

Romeo, we love you and we will always celebrate your life. We will get together with all of those who were lucky enough to know you and love you once we are able to gather again.

Our family wants to extend our heartfelt thanks to Doctor Wong and the team at the Renal Unit, the doctors and nurses in the Lethbridge and Calgary ICUs, and the air ambulance team that travelled with him to Calgary.

For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com

or call 403-501-1010

13 Condolences for “THIBERT, Romeo”

  1. Ev Doherty says:

    A very kind & thoughtful man. Val and I were very lucky to have both Romeo and Carol as my son’s in-laws and We soon grew to know Rome as a friend. He will be truly missed

  2. Terry, Darlene, Mitch & Amanda (Moroz) says:

    Fond memories of a caring co-worker, coach and family friend.

  3. Agnes Thibert says:

    Having known Romeo since his childhood he was always more a brother to me than a brother-in-law. I have many fond memories of his time here at the farm in those early years.
    His illness robbed him of so much and yet he maintained his positive attitude and enthusiasm for life. He will be remembered with love.

  4. Corinne Palmer says:

    He will be missed so much – wonderful fellow.

  5. Ken and Kathy Lewis says:

    Hello Carol and family,
    We are very sorry to hear of Romeo’s passing. In our limited but very valuable experience with Romeo, he was always ready and willing to share his knowledge and expertise with us. He let us know that we were not alone in our struggle with chronic disease.
    He will be missed by all who knew him and especially by those who were lucky enough to share in his insight, wisdom and experience.
    Sincerely,
    Ken and Kathy Lewis

  6. Ian and Mavis Dyson says:

    No stilted conversation, never a pregnant pause, an uncomfortable silence. Or a pause of any sort. Ever. Just a joyful outpouring of stories, anecdotes, reminiscences. Romeo was the quintessential raconteur. Our lives today are much less rich without him. But much richer because of him.

    Not defined by his health, but by his spirit, Romeo, together with the ‘go getter’ love of his life, grabbed life with both hands, filled it with places and people and lived it to the full. This was a guy who loved much. And his greatest love was poured out on his wife, kids and grandkids.

    Carol, Corey, Jackie and families, we are so very sorry. This sucks. Sadly we know all too well what it is to be bereft, to face a yawning abyss. Our hearts go out to you all. We wish you moments of peace and comfort amidst your anguish. There is no comfort, but this. Love never dies.

    God bless Romeo. You were one of the good guys.

    Ian and Mavis

  7. Nina and Stephen Thornhill, Maureen Preston and Tony Preston says:

    We have wonderful and happy memories of Romeo from his visits to the UK and from our visits to Alberta. Romeo was so warm and kind, calm and interested in everybody. We will greatly miss him.

  8. Lana Vandesteeg says:

    My deepest sympathy Carol, Jackie and all your family. Romeo’s passing will leave a hole in your lives but not in your hearts. He will be there forever providing love and support.

  9. Bernie and Emilie Schell says:

    Our deepest sympathy Carol and family for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Romeo for many years and he did love family, bike riding and the outdoors. I remember him asking me to stop a bike shop in Crowsnest Pass where he found a tandem bike for sale. I was surprised when he was quoted a price and he said I’ll take it. Then we had to make room in our company truck to haul it home. In the years to follow, I realized how important a find that was, as he told of the trips he and you made.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  10. Barry and Allison Adams says:

    We send our deepest sympathies Carol, Jackie and Corey. We were so privileged to know Romeo. Our friendship with he and Carol grew through our annual cycle trips in Idaho or delightful evenings together sharing a meal at the Silver Grill and a concert at the Empress Theatre. We think of Romeo as one of the most sociable people we have ever known. We drew inspiration from Romeo who, despite health challenges, modelled a rich and fully engaged life. Conversations over coffee at the Penny, his reliable advice on the latest building project, meeting him on the bike trail as he wheeled around town on his beloved Iron Horse, all special memories of him. He will be deeply missed. We send our love to you all in your time of loss.

  11. Sheila and Alan Matson says:

    Dear Carol and family,

    We heard from Brian and Doreen. Entz of Romeos passing. It brought to mind our trip to Visit the Mertz’s when they moved to Prince Albert, and we met at Elkwater on the Saskatchewan side for a weekend of camping and companionship.

    Romeo was filled with all the best that life had to offer, full of fun, with a smile from ear to ear. We know how much you’ll miss that joie de vivre.

    Our deepest condolences and love,
    He’ll be in our hearts forever.

    Blessings,

  12. Wayne Liddell says:

    I am so sorry to hear about Romeo. I knew him when we were kids in Coleman and later our paths crossed many times in Lethbridge. He was always ready to engage in some trivial banter whether we were at sporting event, the gym or passing at A&W. The world has lost a good person. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Carol.

  13. Aarol Penny Pattenden says:

    I just saw this notice and felt compelled to send my sympathies. Romeo and I were good buddies back in 1969/70. I was at U of L and he was at the college which shared the same buildings. We were like brother and sister baving long talks together. I left and our lives drifted apart but of all the people I met in my life Romeo was never forgotten. It saddens me to think of him gone but I was so happy to read that he had a wonderful life filled with love and family. He was a true blessing.

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