Richard Gelinas

Richard Gelinas, 76, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Major Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana. Mr. Gelinas was born October 6, 1933 in Detroit, Michgian, he was the only son of Joseph and Laura (Auger) Gelinas, who emigrated to the U.S. from Canada. In 1955, he married Marian J. Robson, and she preceded him in death on November 22, 2001. Richard and Marian are survived by their six children, Brian J. (wife, Judy Heath) Gelinas of Shelbyville; Stuart C. Gelinas of Shelbyville, Bruce A. (wife, DaleAnn Walker) Gelinas of Naples, Florida, Shannon M. (Garry Lauziere) Gelinas of Shelbyville, Richard (wife, Brenda Heath) Gelinas II of Rushville, and Jacques A. Gelinas of San Diego, California; sister, Yvette Elyea of Cheboygan, Michigan; grandchildren, Jordan Gelinas, Jessica Gelinas, Joseph Gelinas, John Gelinas, Kacie Nicole Gelinas, Tyler Gelinas, Grant Gelinas, Hunter Gelinas, Connor Gelinas, Brian Lauziere, Kelly Sloan and Ryan Sloan. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rochelle in 1996; granddaughter, Dominique Lauziere and daughter-in-law, Sandy Underwood Gelinas. Richard served as an Army radioman during the Korean War, being promoted and then busted more than once for insubordination to officers, who weren't quite understanding of projectile physics, or how to avoid bombing your own troops. He was a pitcher with the Tiger's farm club. He graduated from Michigan State University with an electrical engineering degree, later, attaining the status of Professional Engineer. Rick, as he was known, worked for Naval Avionics, Indianapolis in the early 1960's, helping to design precision-guilded missile systems for the military, including the technically advanced Walleye missile. Richard authored a previously classified book on Non-linear Mathematics. Rick then co-founded Custom Electronics Systems, a business manufacturing "dead blow" split-shot urethane molded hammmers. Richard co-invented a flexiable roof suspension system for use on air supported dome structures, including the Hoosier Dome. He retired as President of J.W. Welch Engineering, Indianapolis. Richard's hobby was collecting, or more appropriately described as hoarding--everything. From straws and swizzle sticks to tools, old toys and wooden wagons. He enjoyed spending time in his woodshop. Mr. Gelinas was an avid reader. In the 1970's, he was Shelby County campaign manager for sixth district Comgressman Dave Evans. He especially enjoyed discovering his families' genealogy, tracing his surname from Canada to the early 1500's France. Richard and family were members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Shelbyville, and he was also a parishioner of Town and Country Christian Church, Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Forest Hill Cemetery, 704 Morris Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 9135 N. Meridian St., B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46260.