‘A voice for good.’ Kahlotus councilman remembered for lifetime of service
A Franklin County community is in mourning after a city councilman with deep ties to the area was killed in a wreck just days before Thanksgiving.
Perrie N. Robitaille, 77, was attempting to drive across the intersection of Highway 395 and East Vineyard Road at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday when his car was hit by an SUV.
A Washington State Patrol Trooper who was nearby responded to the wreck and found Robitaille unresponsive. He attempted CPR and life-saving measures, but Robitaille died at the scene.
Service to Kahlotus
Robitaille was a Kahlotus city councilman and patriarch of a family with a long history of serving the rural Franklin County community. The city of about 150 is about 50 miles north of Pasco.
Robitaille was born in Yakima and served in the United States Navy for 20 years as a culinary specialist, according to information from Mueller’s Greenlee Funeral Home.
After leaving the Navy, public records show he worked for the Department of Corrections as a cook at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell.
His late wife, Marcia, also served on council and his son Michael Robitaille is the city’s mayor.
Marcia Robitaille and Michael’s former wife Molly Donley made headlines when they each lost coin flips to determine the winner of tied races for a seat on the city council. Molly in 2011 and Marcia in 2015, according to Herald archives.
Marcia Robitaille later was elected, and public records show she served as mayor pro tem. She died in 2021.
His family has put together a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses. Donations can be made via GoFundMe.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Connell meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 350 E. Fulton St.
‘A voice for good’
Franklin County commissioners offered their condolences in a statement to the Tri-City Herald. They also sent a letter to state and federal leaders requesting help with the deadly stretch of Highway during their Wednesday meeting.
“I have known the Robitaille family for quite some time, and we are saddened to hear about this tragedy,” Commissioner Stephen Bauman said.
“While I didn’t have the opportunity to know Mr. Robitaille personally, I do know and work with his son Mayor Michael Robitaille, and we all know that the entire Robitaille family has been outspoken advocates for the people of Kahlotus. We offer our condolences to the Robitaille family, and pray for their strength during this difficult time.”
Commissioner Clint Didier agreed.
“Mr. Robitaille chose to serve his fellow citizens, and was a voice for good,” Didier said.
“He was an honorable man, and had my deepest respect as someone who was willing to serve when called upon. The entire Robitaille family is in my thoughts and prayers.”
Commissioner Rocky Mullen said he is praying for the family.
“I was so sorry to hear about this tragedy,” Mullen said. “The Robitaille Family has my deepest sympathies, and we will continue to pray for the family.”
This story was originally published November 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM.
