Fernand A. Bibeau

Fernand A. Bibeau, 89, a beloved member of the community, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2015. He leaves behind his sweetheart, his wife of 65 years, Phyllis; and their three children, Daniel and wife, Cheri, David and wife, Mary, and Jane and husband, Jeff Harvey. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Clarence Blankenship; sister-in-law, Bonnie Bibeau; and by many other family members and friends. Fernand was preceded in death by his infant son, John; granddaughter, Sarah; his parents, Edouard and Anna Bibeau; brother, Edward Bibeau; and sister, Claire Blankenship. Fernand was a WWII Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific. Throughout his life, he was a strong supporter of the United States, its military organizations and causes. He was very proud of his sons and grandsons in the military. Fern was a pioneer in broadcast communications, leaving his “footprint” on many significant projects in the greater southwest. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from UNM in 1969 and his Professional Engineer certificate in 1972. He was employed by Hubbard Broadcasting, KOB-TV and Radio for 43 years before his retirement in 1989. For many of those years, he served as Chief Engineer and Director of Engineering. Fern was directly involved in the development of the first TV transmitter site atop Sandia Crest. He brought television to most of the State of NM via unique rebroadcasting systems (TV Translators) located on remote mountain locations. Fern was part of many broadcast engineering firsts, including when KOB TV achieved the first live national television remote from Acoma Pueblo, (bringing electricity up the mountain to complete the project), and the first FM radio station in NM. Through his private consultation business, he designed radio, television, and sound systems at many area locations, including Santa Fe Opera, and assisted with design of the Very Large Array (Socorro, NM). He designed radio stations across the southwest, in participation with Rocky Mountain Corporation for Public Broadcasting, serving many university radio/television stations. Fernand was a loving husband and father who spent many hours enjoying time with family and friends, going fishing, or golfing and playing pool with his dear friend, Dr. Wayne Bundy. They enjoyed many meals at Padilla’s Restaurant in Albuquerque. Fern touched the lives of many people throughout his life, sharing his vast knowledge of many subjects. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Soldiers’ Angels nonprofit, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) organization, or the U.S. Navy Memorial. Services will be held Thursday, June 25, 2015, 10:00 a.m., at St. John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr., NE, Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be Friday, June 26, 2015, 9:00 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery; funeral procession leaving 6:45 a.m. from FRENCH - University. Please visit our online guestbook for Fernand at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333