Robert Banville

Robert Matthew Banville “Bondo Bob”, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away Friday morning April 15, 2016 at his home on Beaver Island.
Born February 23, 1942 in Elyria Ohio, Bob was full of life with a larger than life personality. “Can’t do” was not part of his vocabulary.  He was always curious and eager to experience life.  Bob completed the 1000 mile Iditarod, rode a camel in Saudi Arabia, drove race cars, and served in the US Army in Ethiopia where some of his favorite stories came from.  He was passionate about his faith, his family, hunting on Garden Island, fishing, boating, flying, cooking and eating, and most of all storytelling or talking!  Bob had a huge presence in so many lives.  It is a void that could never be filled.
Bob started his career as a flight instructor, then a pilot for FedEx.  He also was a Captain for Piedmont Airlines.  Next, Bob opened RMB Automotive Body Shop.  He retired in 1996 and moved to Beaver Island to fulfill his dream of building a log home and opening Shanoule B & B.  In 2000 he married Joan LaFreniere and became a part of a family who loved him dearly.  Bob was the president of the Beaver Island Wildlife Club, a member and usher at Holy Cross Parish, and served 10 years on the Board of Directors at the Beaver Island Community Center where he was instrumental in the reconstruction of the original façade of the building.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert Matthew Banville, sister Barbara Banville Acosta, mother Mary Louise (Bolly) Banville, and his beloved dogs Barney and Russell.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Joan LaFreniere of 16 years, son Ian (Holli) Becker, daughter Rachel Becker, grand children Rhiannon Becker and Broghan Becker, honorary grandchildren Nora and Hazel, sister Pat (Banville) Dick, nieces and nephews who were very special to him, countless friends that he loved spending time with, and his beloved cat, Bobbalou.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday April 23, 2016 at Holy Cross Catholic Church on his beloved Beaver Island.  A vigil will be held at Holy Cross on Friday April 22, from 6 – 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to Forest View Retirement Community or the Beaver Island Community Center.