Gary Richard Robillard

Gary Richard Robillard, 79 of Lake Wales passed at Advent Health Hospital in Lake Wales. A loving husband and devoted father, Gary was beloved by many for his quick wit, upbeat attitude and willingness to always help.

Born on April 22, 1946 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Gary moved with his family to California at age 11. Together with his father, he started a youth hockey program at the Pickwick Ice Arena in Burbank, California. Gary remained active in amateur ice hockey, coaching teams for children and women and administering a senior men's league. He played on various senior teams and participated annually in the Senior World Tournament in Santa Rosa, California.. He met his wife, Carol, when he was coaching an ice hockey team in a newly-formed women's league.

When Gary was not playing hockey, he worked as a government property manager for Hughes Aircraft Company. Since Hughes was a government contractor, it required its employees to be U.S. citizens, and Gary was naturalized in 1968. He and Carol were married on February 14, 1976. After their third child was born, Gary left his position with Hughes to become a full-time, at home father and also found time to work part-time in other capacities such as a starter/ranger at the Fisher Island Golf Course and a security officer at the family's condominium in downtown Miami, Florida.

Gary and Carol retired in 2011 and moved to Lake Ashton active adult retirement community in Lake Wales, where they have enjoyed RVing, golf and other leisure-time activities. Gary recently worked on Carol's campaign for Lake Wales commissioner and has enjoyed attending meetings and events as a commissioner's spouse.

Gary was a kind soul who didn't know an enemy. He selflessly volunteered his time whenever possible and was friendly and generous to everyone he met, sharing his sense of humor all along the way.

Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol Gillespie; his children, Julie Ann Evans, Renee Robillard (Jean Marc), Evan Robillard (Melissa) and Noelle Robillard: and his granddaughters, River Bailey and Amelia Robillard.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory are encouraged to the Lake Wales Care Center, where he volunteered and served as a Meals on Wheels driver.   https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/ 

 Please RSVP BY APRIL 5, 2026 AT   https://garyrobillard.rsvpify.com/