Robert Courtright, Jr.

Deeply committed to his family, Bob Courtright’s life will forever be remembered as both loving and selfless. Born with an infectious personality, he was always one to look on the bright side of life and made everyone he met feel special. Equipped with a remarkable set of craftsman skills, an ability to please others, and a hearty sense of adventure, Bob lived his life to the fullest. He leaves behind a rich collection of wonderful memories for his many special friends and family.

Bob’s story begins in the year 1937 when the Golden Gate Bridge opened giving Americans renewed pride and faith in the economy after a tough period in the nation’s history. Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated to his second term in office and Amelia Earhart attempted a flight around the world. Bringing great joy to their world, Robert G. and Florence (Smith) Courtright welcomed home their firstborn son, Robert G., on March 18, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the oldest of six children, his birth brought them many promises.

Moving several times during his childhood, the Courtright’s eventually settled on the south side of the city. He lived a typical childhood of the times where there was never a dull moment with so many siblings to go around! With a strong desire to make a living on his own, he eventually dropped out of school to pursue a career in painting leading him to a lifetime of success as a master painter and tradesman. Lucky to find his calling so early in life, he also proudly served as a medic with the Army National Guard. During these years, he took an interest in roller skating and over the course of his early adulthood and beyond he enjoyed competing as a roller skate dancer. Athletically inclined and physically fit, Bob enjoyed filling each of his days to the fullest and remained active his entire life.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Marge Mol, a blind date, that turned into the love of his life! Eager to spend the rest of their lives together, they joined in marriage and settled into their first home on Widdicomb N.W. Inseparable from the very start, they went on to raise four wonderful children; Nellie, Robert, Thomas, and Gordon. As a family, they built many special memories camping together over the years. As a father, Bob was patient and supportive. He relished in his role as a father and modeled for them a life of integrity and service. Bob wanted nothing but the very best of each of them and strived to be a strong role model in their lives. They later moved to Powers Street where they lived for several years and were active members of the First Netherlands Reformed Church. He and Marge instilled in their children the value of a strong work ethic and faith life.

Bob worked hard to provide for his family over the years. He enjoyed his time with DeMaat Brothers Painting Contractors on behalf of Dow Chemical which led to relocating the family to the Ludington-Pentwater area. In addition to painting, he also mastered the skill of installing and finishing drywall which came in very handy. Bob never measured his success by the number of years he worked but rather the friendships he made along the way. He enjoyed his work immensely and found great satisfaction in providing his professional craftsmanship to others and improving the quality of their lives as a result. Bob easily could have worked the rest of his life if it weren’t for the fact that he had so many other special interests calling him to explore and enjoy in his retirement.

As many as the long hours he invested in his daily work, he equally gave to enjoying his favorite pastimes over the years. He loved to play tennis. He and another close friend started a tennis league in Grand Rapids during his time there. Later he joined the tennis league of Dow Chemical when he was living in Pentwater. A lover of any open water, Bob enjoyed fishing for many years. He found great solace spending time outdoors whether he came home with a fresh catch or not. However, he longed for his favorite time of year, deer season! Remarkably, he never missed an opening day of hunting with his son for forty-two years! Never wavering from his faith, both he and Marge found a new church home at the First Baptist Church of Pentwater where they worshiped together for several years. They loved to venture out and tour the beautiful spots along Michigan’s shoreline. Each fall season they went on color tours and marveled at the many unique places in their home state. They also found time to vacation together and enjoyed their trips to Hawaii and California, yet they always favored their home sweet home near Ludington.

Sadly, Marge passed away in 2016 and Bob leaned on the support of his special friends and family to see him through. Needing more help with the day to day care of himself, Bob eventually went to live at a special care facility in Ludington. He will long be remembered as a master craftsman who enjoyed his work, as well as his devotion as a husband, father and grandfather. May his loved ones lean on his strong Christian example of loving others beyond measure to honor the beautiful life he shared with them.

Mr. Robert (Bob) G. Courtright Jr., aged 82, of Pentwater, Michigan passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Marjorie Courtright and his parents, Robert and Peg Courtright and his brothers Richard Courtright and Gary Courtright, his great grandson, Israel Tobias Graeser and brothers-in-law; John and Jay Mol. Surviving are his children: Nellie and Mike Callen, Robert and June Courtright, Thomas and Claudia Courtright, Gordon Courtright, his grandchildren: Matthew Callen and Lisa Rogers, Jamey Callen, Joshua and Stephanie Callen, Melissa and Joey Waite, Jason and Leela Courtright, Roberta Courtright, Emily and David Klooster, Amber and Paul Graeser, Mason Courtright, Forrest Courtright and great grandchildren, his sisters and brothers-in-law Sandra and Bob Mayes, Valada Perkins, Marilyn and Dave Morgan, his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Leonard and Peg Mol, Lois Mol and Delores Mol, and nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family Tuesday from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien- Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. Grand Rapids and again on Wednesday from 10 A.M. until the time of the funeral service which will be held at 11 A.M. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 4 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Pentwater, 101 South Rush St. Pentwater. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Plymouth Christian School or the First Baptist Church of Pentwater Food Pantry Fund would be appreciated. To share a memory or sign Bob’s online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.