Local bowling community mourns loss of a sports icon

We received the news Monday evening. After throwing shadow balls in our league at Dunn’s Lanes, proprietor Pat Weidner took to the PA and made the announcement. “Fostoria lost a bowling icon today,” he said. He then asked for a moment of silence to honor the memory of Herb Thibodeau, the longtime proprietor of Seneca Lanes. The short, but heartfelt tribute was moving. Even the kids wandering through the establishment seemed to understand its purpose. Nary a sound was heard. Pat’s use of the word icon made me think about Herb and his tremendous accomplishments in the sport of bowling. It made me think of the TWO columns I wrote about him eight years ago because I couldn’t tell his story in just one. He was so involved in the sport of bowling, not just locally, but statewide and even nationally – that the word “icon” is very fitting. I spent time this week rereading the columns I wrote about Herb. It is easy to remember the conversation we had as he laughingly told me how he got into the sport. He had tutored a classmate named John in math while in college and even introduced him to his future wife. John soon became a friend and repaid Herb’s kindness by introducing him to his father, who just happened to own five bowling centers. John’s father asked Herb to run one of those houses and the Maine native soon became a Fostoria resident. Herb took over Seneca Lanes in February 1964 when it was located on State Route 18. He purchased property and opened the current location in January 1977 just in time to go through a blizzard. He weathered the storm and spent the rest of his life dedicated to the sport and the people of his new community. To be sure, Herb Thibodeau was a great bowler. Seven perfect games and five 800 series attest to that fact. Yet two other factors immediately come to mind when I think of him. He was passionate and extremely knowledgeable about the sport. When others bemoaned their plight after new laws were enacted regarding smoking in public places, Herb just said OK and rolled up his sleeves to see how he could make the new law work to his benefit. He had business smarts. The other factor, even more compelling, was his graciousness and his desire to help others. “How can I help” was a common phrase heard when it came to a conversation with Herb Thibodeau. Herb was a very active bowling proprietor. He served on every committee for the Bowling Center Association of Ohio, chairing most. He served as both president and vice president of the Ohio Bowling Council. He was a member for many years on the Bowling Proprietors Association of America Board of Directors. He received numerous awards over the years including being elected to the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame for meritorious service. He was chosen as the Bowling Proprietor of the Year in the state of Ohio. This national award came from the Bowling Proprietors Association of America. His greatest achievement however, may well have been what he did for the youth of Seneca County. He initiated and coached high school bowling teams including Fostoria, New Riegel and Lakota High Schools. There are so many young people who have been touched by Herb’s willingness to help and his dedication to the sport of bowling. For me personally, there is one magical night that I will never forget. Several years ago Herb asked me to send him a couple of my columns. He wanted to share them with his fellow Ohio bowling proprietors. He was going to nominate me for the Sam Levine Memorial Award given annually to someone who promoted the sport of bowling. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to receive this award thanks in no small part to Herb’s enthusiasm. My wife and I were welcomed to the French Quarter in Perrysburg for the evening’s festivities. I had the privilege of addressing the members of Ohio’s bowling proprietors and had a wonderful time. Herb and his wife Jan were gracious hosts and made us feel right at home. Herb was so relaxed and happy that evening. He was helping to honor a local person and that was very gratifying for him. After all, that is what he spent his lifetime doing – helping others succeed through the sport of bowling. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathies to Jan and the entire Thibodeau family on the loss of a fine man who was truly an icon in the sport of bowling. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Herb. Rest in peace. Rocket: Steve Barnes 755, Steve Norman 735, Tyson Shope 680, Rodney Ohms 659, John Funk 625, Dean Distel 619, Tim Sturgill 619 and Ellen Ewing 422. Sportsman: Tom Wilkinson 709, Rustan Burks 668, Rich Yates Sr. 636, Dick Gabel 631, Rich Yates Jr. 602, Jason Zirkle 601 and Greg Tiell 601. Imperial-Majorette: Steve Steinmetz Jr. 682, Tracy Gerber 636, Steve Steinmetz Sr. 564, Deb Nominee 476, Dodi Gaietto 448 and Linda Brookes 448. Twilight: Tom Tiell 634, Steve Barnes 600, Michelle Wagner 432 and Robin Brownell 431. Alley Cats: Carla Siebenaller 528, Deb Cleveland 5118, Janet Houk 515, Kathy Breidenbach 506 and Robin Dickman 489. Wednesday Morning: Mark Phillips 742, Ken Lofton 672, Dave Jones 647, Tyson Shope 634, Carl Wilson 632, Rich Yates Jr. 627 and Dianne Smith 539. Al Stephenson is The A-T’s bowling columnist. Read his blog at: www.advertiser-tribune.com