Obituary of ROBERT JAMES PERRAULT

End of a Journey Robert J. Perrault (Bob, S. O. B. Sweet Ole’ Bob) December 5, 1928- January 2, 2018, Age 89 yrs. Our Dad completed life’s Journey Tuesday, January 2nd 2018 at 5:pm in the evening. At the time of journey’s end he was escorted to heaven during a brilliant sunset in the home of his caring and beloved daughter Jeanne Atkinson, surrounded by family. He was peaceful at the time of his passing. Bob later known as ( Sweet Ole’ Bob) began his journey in Pittsfield Massachusetts on December 5th 1928. He was born to Gideon France Perrault, a millwright and carpenter and Nellie Louise (Vosburg) Perrault a millworker and homemaker. In 1932, during the midst of the depression, the Perrault family moved to Danby New York in the vicinity of Ithaca to begin life on a dairy farm. During those early years he learned the “ hard work” ethic that would keep him in good stead his entire life. In taking a break in his daily chores he began riding the stock horses. Thus he started his life long relationship with horses. Due to his excellent athletic ability he rode horses in various local parades, competed in local rodeo events including bronc riding, and became an accomplished trick rider and horse trainer. After he graduated from Ithaca High School in 1946 he decided to forgo a life on the farm and took up several different occupations. While working at the General Electric Plant in Ithaca he met the love of his life Hazel Jean “Jeanne” Boyce. They were married on May 28th 1950, a blessed marriage that would last nearly 62 years until Hazel Jean passed in February 2012. During the early part of their marriage they lived in Danby New York and were blessed with four children, Bob Jr. Jeanne, Bert and Kimberly. Supporting his young family, Bob was a car salesman and a bread truck driver. Always the entrepreneur, he operated a food truck, at night, “ Louie’s Lunch Wagon” which catered to the late night eating habits of the Cornell University student body. Louie’s Lunch Wagon is still an icon business today on the university campus and continues to serve the student body. In 1962, seeking a new life and a better climate Bob and Jeanne moved their young family to Southern California ultimately settling in Simi Valley in Ventura County. In1964 He joined the California State Police Force on the campus of what was to become California State University at Northridge. He served as a member of State Police until 1978 when he retired from that profession with the rank of sergeant. While a Police Officer he obtained an Associate of the Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. As a police officer he dealt with several student protests, sometimes violent, during the turbulent times of the late 60’s and early 70’s. In fact it was Bob that first reported the takeover of the University’s Admin building and the holding of 28 hostages in 1968. Bob was always very proud of his days as a member of the State Police Finest. After his retirement from law enforcement Bob became a realtor and Real Estate Broker in Simi Valley where he successfully helped thousands of Californians to obtain the “American Dream of Home Ownership”. In 1994 he decided to retire for the second time and He and Jeanne decided to move to their “little bit of paradise” Camino / Pollock Pines in Eldorado County to be closer to daughter Jeanne and son Bert. Bob and Jeanne fully enjoyed their life in the Sierra Foot Hills and quickly became members of the fabric of the Community. Both Bob and Jeanne were active member s of the Placerville Moose Lodge Organization where their days were filled with picnics, Barbeques dinners, special events and fabulous annual Christmas Dinners. Almost every Saturday Bob or (S. O. B.) could be found participating in the afternoon poker game. The final interpretation of S. O. B. would depend on how he fared at Poker. Bob was also a member of the local SIRS chapter and the fishing club. He loved fraternal organizations, was a founding member of the Pirates Club in Danby New York and a Life Member of the Simi Valley Elks. Throughout his life he had many interests: In addition to being an excellent horseman, he was an expert shot and hunter and an excellent fisherman. (He was known to boast about his successes) Later in life he went to Alaska fishing, and Idaho hunting. He was always looking for the best local tip as to where a “buck might be hanging out”. Much to his daughter’s chagrin he was a Dodgers Fan, lately a Patriots Fan and followed NASCAR. Prior to giving up Alcohol he was an occasional Jameson’s drinker. He claimed his drinking was due to his “Irish Heritage” but with a name like Perrault the “Irish Heritage” was hard to place, because he was a Canadian Frenchman, by birthright. Above all else he enjoyed his children and grandchildren, always having time for them and taking pride in their accomplishments. Since wife Jeanne’s passing he deeply appreciated the hospitality and care demonstrated by daughter Jeanne and son in-law Barry. He looked forward to the daily calls from daughter Kimberly, her periodic visits always brought a smile to his face. The occasional visits from the boys were also appreciated. Bob was preceded in death by his Father Gideon, Mother Nellie and Brother Richard and his beloved wife Hazel Jean. He is survived by his loving care giver daughter Jeanne (Barry) Atkinson, constant supporter daughter Kimberly ( Tom) Drake, his thinker/artist/ cabinetmaker Bert (Cathy) Perrault and his eldest son and horseman Bob Jr. (Debbie) Perrault. Eight Grandchildren include; Philip, Gina, Joy, Roy, Jake, John, David and Jessica and also sixteen Great Grandchildren including Alyssa, Austin, Lylah, Korban, Levi, Mirella, Justin, Lexi, Payton, Cale, Tristan, Caden, Raylan, Hunter, Hudson and Mason. On behalf of the family we would like to thank Snowline Hospice for their months of assisting Dad in making the end of life as comfortable as possible. We encourage donations to be sent in his memory to Snowline Hospice. Distribution of ashes will be done privately at a later date.. “ Old Cowboys never die they just ride off into the Sunset” That’s what Bob (S. O. B.) did and is now dancing with his Jeanne beyond the stars.