Robert Bique, Sr.

Robert Eugene Bique, Sr.   80

Robert E. Bique, 80, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Good Shepherd Hospice, in Auburndale, Florida.

He was born on December 15, 1935 in East Lansing, Michigan to the late Romaine J. Bonnell Alexander.  Robert was a resident of Winter Haven, Florida for over 19 years, having moved there from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Robert was a retired United States Naval Officer (CWO 3) and served dutifully for over 21 years.  He loved traveling the ‘Seven Seas’ and was a proud ‘Shellback’ having endured the Equator crossing ceremony.

He is survived by, his children;  Kathryn Bique, Minneapolis, MN; James Bique, Jacksonville, FL; Theresa DiMercurio, Jacksonville, FL; Cheryl DeZouche (Fred), Kingsland, GA, Helen Coleman (John), Williamsburg, VA,  Ellen Dees (Brian), Mulberry, FL , his sister, Ej Rohrlich (John), Denver, CO.  In addition, Robert is survived by 10 grandchildren,  five great-grandsons and his extended New York family.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years Dolores M. Bique, his son, Robert E. Bique, II, grandsons, Justin R. Bique and Ryan DeZouche and many other family and friends.

He met the love of his life, Dolores, as they both walked down Broadway Street in New York’s Time Square after she and her girlfriend saw the classic movie ‘Love is a Many Splendored Thing’.  For Robert and Dolores, indeed, it was.

Robert was an avid fisherman and loved to take off at all hours of the day and night to catch the next “big one’.  He also enjoyed his time as a Hunt Station Watchman in his beloved Florida. He spent the hours wandering the nature preserve and enjoying the beautiful scenery.  He took great pride in keeping and running a ‘tight ship’ both during his career and home life.  He loved being outside tending his garden and lawn.  He was known throughout his life for his ability to tell a good story.  There were many hours his children would sit enthralled listening to the stories he made up for them.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Marion-Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, Florida at 10:00 a.m. followed by Military Burial at Bushnell National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.  Family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society in honor of Robert, Dolores and Robert II’s memory.