Feature
January
20
R. Gibbens Robichaux
by Tara Hebert
He calls himself the “ultimate optimist.”
Richard Thomas Gibbens Robichaux was born three months premature on Aug. 17, 1930. Now 80 years old, he is more active than ever. He says his life revolves around music and religion, and his early start in both has shaped his path thus far.
The son of a sugar cane farmer/banker and housewife, Robichaux grew up in a close family. He was born in the same house where he lived for the first seven years of his life. Since then, he has lived in two other houses in that one-block area. Robichaux attended Thibodaux’s Mount Carmel Academy, a school within steps of his childhood home, and Thibodaux College, which was located just down the street.
Robichaux has lived in Thibodaux all but eight years of his life and feels immense pride for his hometown. He gives back in every way that he can by participating in civic service events such as the St. Joseph Lenten Gumbo, playing piano at nursing homes and writing a column called “Tidbits” for the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
He has attended church his entire life and began as an altar boy at age seven. The first Mass he served was on a Sunday at 6 a.m. Excited about the event, he jumped out of bed and rode his bike to wait on the church steps until the priest arrived. His mother drove up and told him to get back it the car because it was only 4:15 in the morning.
Robichaux has since become a pillar of his church. He has played the organ at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral for 20 years and now gives tours of the church to visitors. He has helped to start traditions such as the St. Joseph Lenten Gumbo and the church’s Senior Servers, which calls on retired parishioners to serve during Mass.
At age 13, Robichaux began piano lessons with his brother, who quit the next day.
Robichaux stuck with the instrument and has made music a major part of his life. He served as chaplain’s assistant in the United States Air Force for four years and spent 25 months in Okinawa, Japan. There, Robichaux learned how to play the organ in chapels.
In addition to the hundreds of church services he has played, over 500 weddings and 1,500 funerals top off his resume. He also instructed piano and organ lessons for 15 years and played professionally for special events. In 1981, Robichaux became one of the founders of the Bayou Community Band. He has created a CD with the Bayou Dixieland Band, a Christmas CD and a compilation of religious hymns.
“Music must run in the genes,” Robichaux says.
The talent runs in the family. His son is the current band director of E.D. White Catholic High School, and two of his grandchildren are classical pianists.
Robichaux enjoys listening to the music of others, especially Perry Como. He has corresponded with Como, two popes, 10 presidents and over 30 movie stars and international celebrities. He says he writes to someone whenever he has something to say. His letters have also been published in local newspapers and Point of Vue Magazine.
In his spare time, Robichaux enjoys writing. Other than his monthly column, he has published children’s books, including “The Hinkety-Dinkety Club” based on his boyhood club. His book “Monkey Works” will release soon.
Robichaux’s service to his community has earned him numerous awards. He was given the Mayor for a Day award, Alumni of the Year at E.D. White and the Unsung Hero and Frank Kennedy awards from the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce. In 1967, he received the honor of composing E.D. White’s alma mater.
“Music and religion are my life,” Robichaux says.
To him, it’s as simple as that. He is thankful for his family and excellent health, which he attributes as works of the Lord.
