SHAPLEIGH – Robert N. Michaud, 84, of Shapleigh, left this world on May 12, 2023, at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in North Berwick, Maine, due to complications from OPMD and declining health.

He was born Aug. 15, 1938, to Raymond J. Michaud, Sr. and Jeannette Boucher Michaud, in their home on Harry Howes Rd., Sanford. He was a 1957 graduate of Sanford High School. At the time of his graduation, he worked for his dad at his ESSO gas station on the corner of Main and Winter Streets. That first summer following his graduation, he went to work for Charles Whiting, making and installing stained glass windows throughout the entire state of Maine, mostly in churches. In 1958, he worked for Alloy Products (where Tennford Weaving was located). When they closed, he went to work for Pioneer Plastics. In 1964, Bob opened an Amoco gas station on River Street, doing his own mechanics. In 1971, he went to work for Stratham Tire for nine years. In 1980, Bob went to work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in North Berwick, as a facility mechanic. He always considered this the job of his dreams, doing a combination of all the things he loved to do using the skills learned over a lifetime. He worked there until his retirement in June 1999.

In 1966, he started racing at Beech Ridge Speedway on a dirt track until 1972, winning three championships. In more recent years, he enjoyed traveling to various NASCAR races with family and friends.

Bob’s biggest passion was collecting and restoring antique autos, having acquired his very first in 1958, a 1931 Ford Model A coupe with rumble seat. He acquired many more through the years, favorites being his 1965 Buick, 1936 Ford phaeton conv., 1935 Chrysler coupe w/rumble seat, and 1927 Ford Model T pick-up. In most of these, Bob did the complete restorations from engine, paint, bodywork, and upholstery. He was a member of the Maine Obsolete Auto League and the Profile Auto League of New Hampshire.

Bob attended North Parish Congregational Church and was a member of Springvale Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Valley of Portland, Kora Shriners and Renegade Unit, York County Shrine Club, and Knights of Columbus.

His interests included gardening, following the Patriots and Red Sox, traveling on cruises, and visiting family in Florida. He enjoyed living on Square Pond.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Oscar, Albert, and Joseph Arthur Michaud. He is survived by his wife, Gale Marshall Michaud of Shapleigh, daughters, Cathy (Francis) Martineau of Sanford and Kristen (David) Gonzalez of Greenbelt, Md., and sons, Norman (Donna) Michaud of Acton and Lonnie (Marcia) Michaud of Berwick. Also, sisters, Irene (Calvin) Jones of Melbourne, Fla., and Celeste (Gary) Winton of North Berwick, and brothers Richard (Anita) Michaud of Kennebunk, and Raymond J. Michaud Jr.

He is survived by five grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicole, Amy, Kevin, and Addison, and five great-grandchildren, Alexis, Cameron, Blake, Brody, and Maximus.

Visiting hours will be from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, May 22 at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., on Tues., May 23 at North Parish Congregational Church, 895 Main St., Sanford.

Those with antique autos are encouraged to bring them.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence visit http://www.blackfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.



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