Robert Lewis Abbey

What a beautiful spring day, he is finally home with the Lord in Heaven and free from suffering! After a long hard year of battling congestive heart failure, Robert Lewis Abbey, 70, of Traverse City, Michigan was granted his angel wings on May 25, 2016. Bob’s final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that he had touched in some small way throughout his very memorable life.

His wife Dolly Luft Abbey, whom he has been married to for 48 years, survives Bob, as well as his two daughters Kristi Abbey Jorns (Jamie) and Heather Abbey Diehl (Michael), both from Traverse City, MI; his five grandchildren, Angelika, Austin, Ashley, Alexandra, and Aliah, his beloved dog Maci Mae and the best neighbors. He is also survived by his brother Rick Abbey (Nancy) of Eugene, OR and his sister Bonnie Abbey of Fairbanks, AK. His parents, Robert and Betty Abbey, of Fife Lake, MI, preceded him in death.

Bob was born on May 20th, 1946, in Battle Creek, MI to Robert and Betty Abbey, a handyman father and a patient mother who encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Bob spent his childhood years in Hastings, MI where he graduated high school. Bob spent most of his adult life in Traverse City, MI the past 50 years. His first summer here in Traverse his family owned and operated The Abbey. A Bar and Pizza Parlor located at 409 W 14th Street, currently the home to the Eagle’s Club. Bob spent over 45 years locally in the building industry. Bob had a true gift of precision when it came to reading blueprints and putting together a materials list for a job, down to the last screw or nail that would be needed. Famous for his expertise, Bob attracted a long list of loyal contractors that would only work with “BA” as he was known in the building industry. Over the years, he received numerous certificates for successfully completing a variety of building classes. Bob served as Treasurer and Vice Chair in the past for the Remodelers Council. In the past, he had been active with the Home Builders Association for 20+ years. He was also a former Ambassador for National Cherry Festival, which he and Dolly were apart of for 15 + years until the grandchildren came along. Bob enjoyed watching sports, he loved his Detroit Teams. His other love and passion were to watch his grandchildren play in their school sporting events. He was their biggest fan. Bob’s hobbies included anything to do with wood and de2signing, later in life his greatest passion turned to spending time with grandchildren and family. Bob built his life around his family and friends and his deep love, strength and integrity will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for June 4, 2016, at Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City at 2:30pm with visitation beginning at 1:00pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life. Donations can be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 3537 W Front St. Suite E Traverse City MI 49684 in memory of Robert Lewis Abbey, flowers and condolences can be sent to 715 Meadow Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685