Changing of the guard: PRT Capt. Bob Thibaudeau retires
When Capt. Bob Thibaudeau ties up the Paul R Tregurtha at St. Clair, MI, on Sunday it will mark the end of a distinguished 42-year career sailing for the Interlake Steamship Co. Wor has leaked out around the Great Lakes, and Capt. Bob has been greeted with well-wishers during his final trip. Stellar shiphandling and his affable and engaging personality has earned him somewhat of a rock-star following among freighter fans on the lakes.
A graduate of Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Bob joined Interlake in 1979 alongside three other graduates all of whom became captains in the fleet. His first boat was the M/V Lee A. Tregurtha after becoming a captain in 1994. He says the best parts about being a merchant mariner is “knowing that you are hauling cargoes that affect millions of lives and we make a difference.”
He was born in suburban Detroit, and later moved with his family to East Grand Rapids. Interlake hired him right out of the Academy. He worked his way up through the officer ranks and has at one time or another piloted each of Interlake’s working ships. His other responsibilities as captain include managing the crew of 23, planning out schedules, projects and maintenance, and sometimes acting as sheriff and counselor, de-escalating any on-board issues.
He has twin stepsons, who also work on Great Lakes freighters. He beams a little bit when talking about them. One reason is that he thinks they made the right choice. “I wanted to be a captain,” he says. “It worked out great for me.”
Interlake Steamship Co., Detroit Free Press
