Obituary for Eugene A. Raffin Eugene “T-Bird” Raffin, Age 83 of Rochester Hills. Loving husband of Marianne. Dear father of Deana (John) Wooten, Mark (Jennifer) Raffin and Steven (Bobbi Jo) Raffin. Devoted grandfather of Anthony Steven, James Roger, and Dominic Steven. Eugene Raffin was born on January 6, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Elvira and Luigi Raffin. After graduating from Pershing High School, he joined the Army in 1961 serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. On November 5, 1966, he married Marianne, the love of his life. Together, they raised their family in Royal Oak and then moved to Rochester Hills in 1986. Always a “gear head”, he worked as a mechanic. He went from being a garage mechanic to working at the Chrysler Headquarters in Highland Park. Eugene went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. He worked at Chrysler, Pioneer Engineering, and Ford, where he retired in 2003. Eugene was an avid classic car enthusiast and could be found tinkering in his garage most weekends. After retiring, he treated himself to a Harley Davidson Dyna Glide Motorcycle, which he cherished. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, was active in Post 172 Rochester, and later transferred to Oxford 108 where he was known as “T-Bird”. He founded the American Legion Riders out of Oxford and was a proud member of the Patriot Guard. Eugene was also very active at Great Lakes National Cemetery for 16 years, serving on flag detail, and was a member of the AmVets. The highlight of Eugene's life was spending time with his family. From being a Scout Master for his own children to spending time with his three grandsons and grandcritters alike. He took his grandchildren on many adventures, from the Hot Dog Joint to Culvers to the Dairy Farm for Cowpies. He also involved them in flag detail and Wreaths Across America. He was extremely proud of his family.
