Robert Tyler

It was in Robert Tyler's nature to give and expect nothing in return. Generous and kind to those who knew and loved him, Bob was a driving force behind the family he dearly loved. He possessed a wonderful moral compass, and set a good example for his children and grandchildren to live by. Gone yet never to be forgotten, Bob lives on in the hearts of many.

By 1932, America's economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to just over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many struggled to keep their families fed, a roof over their heads, and a dime in their pockets. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. For Elmer and Edna (Van Luven) Tyler of Owosso, Michigan, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their first child, Robert Leroy, born on August 6, 1932.

Robert was later joined by his younger brother, George. His father supported their family working in a local factory while his mother remained at home as a homemaker, looking after Robert and his little brother. He enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, and found his share of adventure with neighborhood friends. Robert attended Cedar Lake Academy through the 11th grade, and like many young men during times of war, he felt the call to duty. At the age of 17, Robert entered the U.S. Army having served in Korea. He was wounded, and spent time as a prisoner of war. A significant amount of his time in the service was consumed recuperating in military hospitals until his honorable discharge in 1952.

Caroline Brooks was Bob's sweetheart, and on January 2, 1952 they were joined in marriage. They shared vows in the family home at 905 Front Street NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they also spent a cozy honeymoon. Bob later went on to complete his education by earning his GED, and over the years attended various university classes for his job with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a good provider and worked hard to provide for Caroline and eventually, their family.

Bob and Caroline purchased their first house in 1955. They remained there for the next ten years before moving to Ada. They needed more room for their family, which came to include their three children, Cynthia, Robert, and Cathleen. As a family they later moved closer to the city into Wyoming, but the area didn't suit them much. They preferred an area with more room to roam, and soon relocated to Bitely to a home surrounded by woods. In time they made yet another move Belmont before more recently moving back in the Grand Rapids area. When Bob retired after 30 years with the postal service, they soon began to love spending the cold months of winter in Texas, Arizona, or Florida where they made numerous friends.

Bob had various interests including fly fishing. He also was the author of several books. He loved to golf, travel, played pool, and enjoyed donating his money to the casinos! It was uncanny how lucky Bob was because he seemed to often win when it came to drawings and games. One of his favorite places to be was in his woodworking shop where he made many treasures for his kids and grandchildren. In his free time, he also liked hiking and spending time in the woods. For many years he bowled in a league for the postal service. As a talented harmonica player, he truly enjoyed Mario Lanza and the music of the Big Band era. Although Bob tolerated pets over the years for the sake of his kids, he was never a great lover of pets.

When it came to his yard, Bob was meticulous. He loved feeding the birds, even while at Villa Maria these last few years. When they lived in Ada, Bob was often found on his old red tractor tending to his huge yard there. Their property enabled them to even cut their very own Christmas tree each year. Bob loved helping others and was generous with his time and talents. He possessed a strong moral sense of right and wrong, and instilled this trait in his children. When grandchildren came along, they softened Bob around the edges, and he loved every one of them deeply.

Over the last few years, Bob had several heart issues and suffered from congestive heart failure. His diabetes diagnosis in the 1980s didn't help much either. Sadly, at the age of 80, Bob passed away from a heart attack on Friday, February 15, 2013.

Bob Tyler was truly one of a kind in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he went out of his way for someone in need. Bob appreciated the wide open spaces of the outdoors and all it had to offer. He lived completely and fully, and although simply, he enjoyed life and those who shared it by his side. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

Bob is survived by his wife, Caroline; children, Cynthia and Scott Bunton of Wisconsin, Robert M. and Beverly Tyler of Wyoming, Cathleen Armstrong of Kentwood; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, George and Naomi Tyler; sister-in-law, Joyce (Bill) McLain, brother-in-law, Marvin Brooks and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Bob will be held Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 11:30AM at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church, on the corner of Powers and Leonard NW with interment in Plainfield Township Cemetery. Friends may meet with his family on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home, 851 Leonard Street NW. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Leonard Church Benevolent Fund. To share a favorite memory and photo of Bob and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.