Robert Campbell

A longtime resident of the community he loved, Robert Campbell was friendly and thoughtful - the sort of man whom everyone seemed to know. He worked hard, but he also took the time to enjoy life along the way. A devoted husband and father, Bob was blessed to witness his family tree blossom to include the branches of loved ones he adored. He was an avid fisherman who loved being outdoors, but what made his interests even better was sharing them with the ones he treasured. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Robert Campbell created a priceless collection of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were blessed to feel his touch.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. These days were anything but easy with a soaring unemployment rate and countless American families left to do whatever they could to weather the storm. Things only went from bad to worse when a crippling drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during these difficult days. Despite the hardship around them, Harold and Gladys (Baske) Campbell were focused on an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Robert G. was born on July 21, 1934. He was their only child, and he was the apple of his parents’ eye. To support the family Robert’s father owned and operated a local grocery store while his mother kept the books for the store.

In many ways Robert, or Bob as he was often known, was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed things like roller skating and swimming, and he was also talented when it came to showing horses including in jumping events. It was while a young boy that Bob developed his love for fishing, and it would remain one of his passions throughout his entire life. As a family the Campbells attended a Methodist church in Delton. Bob was a student at local schools including Delton Kellogg High School where he played the trombone in the band. From there he went on to Western Michigan College and then Wayne State School of Mortuary Science. Bob worked as a funeral director in Kalamazoo for a time.

Life was forever changed for Bob when he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Nancy Allen, and they met on a blind date that was arranged by his neighbor who was also Nancy’s uncle. At the time she was working as a medical technologist, and they began dating. About one year later, Bob and Nancy were married on January 20, 1962, at United Church in Big Rapids.

After a honeymoon spent skiing at Boyne Mountain, the newlyweds returned to Kalamazoo and settled into a home on Key Way Circle. As a young newlywed Bob joined the Army, and he spent two years at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. By the time he was discharged, he had risen to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Once again a civilian, Bob returned to Michigan and spent some time working in Delton and later at the Alt Mortuary in Grand Rapids. Later, he became the owner there. In the early nineties he sold the business to Heritage Life Story Funeral Home and soon retired. Although his work was important to him, Bob’s family was his greatest joy. Together he and Nancy welcomed two children, Jeffrey and Cris Ann, into their hearts and home.

Over the years Bob was a man of many interests. At home he liked gardening, and he was a decent cook who did enjoy grilling. Bob loved relaxing with a good book from authors like James Patterson and Stuart Woods, and his favorite music was the kids’ music - rock ’n roll. With a desire to reach out to others, he was a longtime Shriner and Mason, and he drove handicapped children to a Chicago hospital. With a lifelong love for fishing, Bob made several trips to Canada in June over a span of 22 years to fish for walleye. In fact, among his most prized possessions were his mounted walleyes and his 30 pound coho in addition to the Hummels he received from his mother. For years they spent summers on Gun Lake, and they loved leaving the Michigan winters behind to spend the season in sunny Ft.Myers, Florida, for 23 years. Back home he liked going out to the Schnitzelbank and Tilmans for steaks and walleye.

Kind, thoughtful, and loving, Robert Campbell lived a life of purpose each day. Although he was more reserved, he was also friendlily with a heart to bless others in ways both great and small. Bob was devoted to his family, and his devotion to his community was easy to see. He will never be forgotten.

CAMPBELL – Mr. Robert G. Campbell aged 80, of Grand Rapids, passed away on February 27, 2015. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff; and granddaughter, Jessica. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy; daughter, Cris (Glenn) Vredevoogd; daughter-in-law, Barbara Campbell; grandchildren, Miles, Devon, Larry, Pam and Adam; and great-grandson, Isaiah. Bob was the former owner of the Alt Mortuary and very active with the Saladin Shriners. A special thank-you to the nursing staff of the 4th Floor of Fulton Manor for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Bob over the last 2 months. The Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Contributions in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read his life story, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.