It is with deep sadness that the Detroit Audubon Society says goodbye to Fred Charbonneau, who passed away on April 23, 2014.
One of Detroit Audubon's most passionate conservationists, Fred served four terms as President as well as additional terms as Vice-President Secretary and Treasurer. During those years, Fred became very active opposing a DNR initiative to build a boat launch in an undeveloped part of the then-Metro Beach Metropark, with an additional loss of parkland for a large parking lot. He assisted the "Friends of Point Rosa Marsh" to resist this effort to ruin the last remnant of undeveloped land on the U.S. side of Lake St. Clair.
Fred went on to launch the Safe Passage Great Lakes (SPGL) campaign in 2006. This ambitious program has become one of Detroit Audubon's most successful and active conservation efforts. Under Fred's leadership, the Safe Passage team recruited numerous high-rise building owners in southeast Michigan to turn out their lights at night during the spring and fall bird migration seasons, saving the lives of countless migratory birds that pass through our region and drawing widespread attention to the dangers faced by birds en route to their breeding grounds. Fred retired from the Board of Directors at the end of 2013, but he remained active with SPGL right up until his death.
Fred was also a wonderful birder, field trip leader, fundraiser, and leader. Unfailingly gracious and humble, he inspired all of us, and he will be sorely missed by Detroit Audubon, the southeast Michigan birding community, and the birds of North America.
Arrangements:
Visitation (No Remains Present): Thursday, May 1: 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home, 36900 Schoenherr Rd., Sterling Heights
Memorial Service: Friday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m., at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home, 36900 Schoenherr Rd., Sterling HeightsLuncheon at Gazebo Restaurant following the Memorial Service, 31104 Mound Rd. (corner of 13 Mile), WarrenIf attending the luncheon, RSVP to Rob Duchene would be appreciated: robduchene@gmail.com.
Dotte Charbonneau would like all to know that in lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations to be made to
1. Safe Passage Great Lakes / DAS
or
2. Beaumont Health System Hospice.
http://www.detroitaudubon.org
