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Robert "Bob" Joseph L'Heureux
Born: 11/4/1929
Died: 2/9/2026
Age: 96
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Robert Joseph “Bob” L’Heureux
November 4, 1929 – February 9, 2026
Robert Joseph L’Heureux—known to all as "Bob"—passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 96. A man of immense grit and infectious positivity, Bob resided in Grand Blanc for 62 years in the very home he helped build and where he raised his family.
A Life of Resilience Born to French Canadian parents who emigrated from Quebec to Detroit in 1927, Bob grew up in the French neighborhood at Junction and Christiansey. His childhood was marked by early hardship; after his mother passed away during childbirth, a young Bob worked to pay his own way through parochial school at Holy Redeemer, filling inkwells and cleaning blackboards every day after class. Despite these challenges, the nuns nicknamed him “Sunshine” for his unwavering positive attitude.
On his own by age fifteen, Bob balanced a paper route with a job at Mocer’s fruit stand, earning 25 cents an hour to pay his weekly rent and complete his education at Mackenzie High School. It was at that fruit stand where he developed a lifelong mastery of mental arithmetic and the philosophy he lived by: “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Service and Career Bob’s love of machinery began early; he bought his first car, a 1927 Oldsmobile Convertible Coupe, for $90 at just fourteen years old. After a brief stint at Detroit Edison, he chose to volunteer for the Army during the Korean War before his draft number was called. He served from 1951 to 1953, including ten months in a combat zone with the Ammo Ordnance supplying the front lines, and serving stateside as an anti-aircraft gunner with the rank of Corporal.
Following his service, Bob moved to Flint and began a 40-year career with AC Spark Plug. In a true testament to his work ethic, he started as a janitor and rose through the ranks to become the first hourly employee promoted to Plant Superintendent. A "people person" who never met a stranger, Bob completed management courses at GMI and dedicated his career to developing others and making a positive impact on their lives.
Family and "Sunshine" On April 23, 1960, Bob married the love of his life, Kitty Noall. Together, they built their life and their home in Grand Blanc. Bob was a man of many mottos, frequently encouraging others to “Make your own sunshine,” “Count your blessings,” and “Pray not for an easy life, but to be a strong person.”
He was known for his unmistakable style, never leaving home without a cigar and one of his famous hats. Whether he was cruising around Grand Blanc on his motorcycle at age 80 or behind the wheel of his orange 2002 Trans Am at age 95, Bob lived life at full volume—literally. He could often be found working in his yard, polishing his cars, and blasting music for the whole neighborhood to enjoy. He was an avid collector of life’s treasures, from knives and stained glass to rocks for his garden and finds from local estate sales.
Legacy When once asked how he wished to be remembered, Bob simply remarked: “I sacrificed everything for my family.” He lived that sacrifice with joy, leaving behind a legacy of strength, hard work, and a reminder that “Happiness is around the corner.”
Preceded in death by: Wife, Kitty L’Heureux, Son-in-Law, Pete Elswick, Brothers, Maurice L’Heureux, Gerard L’Heureux.
Survived by: Sister, Jeannette (Bob) Hill; Children: Michelle (Terry) Rariden, Holly Elswick, Jacques (Eve) L’Heureux, Renee (James) Hamilton, grandchildren, Emily (Matt) McElmurry, Amy (Josh) Seymour, Robby Rariden, Adam Elswick, Erin (Robbie) Jackson, Kate L’Heureux, Claire (Chris) Meulbroek, Gregory (Tory) Merrill, Jonathon (Jessica) Merrill; great grandchildren, Nolan, Isaac, Mila, Norah, Charlie, Graham, Jude, Amelia, CJ, Olive, Lennon, Jolie and Sonny; special friend and neighbor, Snow.
Funeral service will be held 1pm Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint,
Pastor Eric Stewart officiating.
Visitation 10am Friday until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Father Le Vodivodi from Holy Family Catholic Church officiating.
Contributions may be made to St. Josephs Indian School stjo.org
Special thank you to St. Croix Hospice caregiver, Lesa Davis, for all their compassionate care.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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2/13/2026 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
| Visitation 10am Friday until the time of the service at the funeral home. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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2/13/2026 |
| Time: |
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1:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Pastor Eric Stewart |
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