Birth date: Apr 8, 1939 Death date: Aug 19, 2015
Robert was born in France in 1939 and was long time resident of Tampa, Florida. He was a Catholic. He owned several businesses throughout his life, including a computer business for over 20 years. He enjoyed helping others, went e Read Obituary
EULOGY
Dad was an amazing man. People often ask you what hobbies you have, what you do for fun. Dad didn’t really have any hobbies. Sure, he liked to garden a bit, fix things around the house, or go feed the ducks at the local pond every now and then. But his true hobby was his family. Mom and Dad were married 52 years, and were never apart in all those years. They went everywhere together. When you saw Mom, you saw Dad. To them, ‘couple’ was more than a word, it was a way of life. They were one unit, never to be separated.
Dad was an outgoing guy who loved to chat with neighbors but could just as well strike up a conversation with a stranger. He loved to tell stories of his youth in France, and could talk at ease about any topic. When you look at pictures of him, a lot of them are pictures of him explaining things to people. He could get passionate about any subject and loved to talk. But the one thing he would be sure to tell you was how special Mom was, and how lucky he was to be married to her, and how proud he was of his daughters. Of course Roselyne and I would always get embarrassed when he told complete strangers about us but that didn’t stop him. There was no ‘I’ in Dad’s life, there was only ‘we’.
Material things didn’t matter to Dad. Often for his birthday, instead of giving him things he didn’t care about, we would treat him to a day trip somewhere, or to a special dinner, or a game of bowling, and that made his day. It was always about relationships and doing things together, never about ‘stuff’. When Roselyne and I were kids, Dad was always there. He made sure he attended every recital, every audition, every parent conference. Every business he owned, everything he did, he did to improve the lives of his family. He came to America many years ago, speaking very little English, leaving everything behind, because he wanted to give us a chance at a better life.
Dad didn’t like sad movies, and he hated sad music. He said there was enough hurt in the world already. Today we are hurting. His passing has left a huge hole in our hearts and we’ve lost the best husband and father anyone could ask for. But we know that he is with God and watches over us from above, just as he watched over us when he was alive.
Rest in peace, Dad. You will be in our hearts forever.
- Mimi
I was SO impressed by Robert's love of the United States! He was a true patriot of this nation.
I will miss our animated political discussions in that beautiful French language. What an informed citizen!
I will miss you, Robert Honore Christien. Bon voyage, mon ami!
Creighton
Mimi: Our love goes out to you and your family. May you hold special memories of your father near to your heart. We remember how he shared that he was taking care of a visiting beagle as we walked our beagle, Brinkley, by your house.
Take comfort in knowing that others are praying for you.
Bruce & Nancy Herz
Mimi,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. May your memories give you peace and comfort and may God bless all of you.
Angie Millan
Dear Mimi and family,
My condolences for your loss. Sending prayers and mercies for peace during these difficult times and may God's strength support you as your father takes his place next to his heavenly father.
Fran Meadows
