Dr. Philip L. Baribeau, age 92, of Coldwater died January 21, 2015 in Coldwater.
Per Dr. Baribeau’s wishes, There will be no visitation. Interment will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with full military honors at a later date.
Dr. Baribeau was born June 5, 1922 in Iron Mountain, MI., the son of Albert J. and Flora (Prenevost) Baribeau. On October 6, 1945 he married Faith Hansen in Iron Mountain. Dr. Baribeau graduated from Iron Mountain High School and attended college at Michigan University of Mining and Technology, Houghton, MI., Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, the University of Miami, Miami, Florida and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in 1951 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. He interned at Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Baribeau came to Coldwater in 1956 and practiced dentistry at 136 E. Chicago St. until 1978. The following nine years he spent six months each year in Mexico and Central America administering free dental surgery to the poor. He worked under the Partners of the Americas program which was initiated by the federal government along with the Peace Corps. He also worked the Holy Ghost Fathers, and the Holy Cross Fathers, missionary priests with the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian World Mission, the International Lions Club and other religious organizations. This work took him into remote areas of the Mayan, Huastecan, Nahwatol and Huichole Indians, most of whom has never seen a physician or dentist in their lifetime. His wife, Faith, served as his dental assistant.
Dr. Baribeau had a long time interest in Biology, Agriculture and flying. He owned and operated two farms in Branch County.
Dr. Baribeau enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1943 during World War II and was commissioned as a second lieutenant April 8, 1943, leaving for England in July, 1943. He was a member of the pioneer 397th Bomb Group with the Eighth Air Force Bomber Group and a veteran of over 30 heavy bombardment missions against targets in Germany and occupied countries. He served as lead navigator on many missions and was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the highest awards which can be given an airman. Upon his return to the U.S. he served as an instructor on B29’s and was discharged in 1945. He again was called to service in July 1951 during the Korean Conflict and served in the U. S. Army Dental Corps at Fort Ord, CA until his discharge in 1953.
Dr. Baribeau was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, a former member of the International Lions Club, American Dental Society, Michigan State Dental Association, Southwestern District Dental Society and the International Dental Society. He served as President of the Branch County Cancer Society in 1959-1960. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion Post No. 52, Tyre Lodge No. 18, the Branch County Shrine Club, the Scottish Rite Mizpah Temple in Ft. Wayne, IN, the 379th Flying Association, the Iowa Partners of the Americas, the Branch County Sportsman’s Club and a long time member of the Coldwater Country Club.
Dr. Baribeau had many interests, hunting, golfing, flying and was a fine marksman in Trap and Skeet Shooting.
He is survived by his son Brent P. (Christa) Baribeau of Reading, granddaughter, Serena (Jaret) Baribeau Rettell of Seattle, WA and great grandchildren, Jonas and Skyla Faith Rettell of Seattle ,WA. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife Faith, one brother and two sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.