When I first met Bob he was sweeping the floor of the Presque Isle County Advance in Rogers City. He introduced himself as a high school senior with an interest in journalism. He was friendly, curious and quick to laugh—traits that served him well in his career as a communicator.
	Our paths crossed numerous times over the next 44 years. Bob never lost his love for his small hometown on the shores of Lake Huron. He spent countless hours sorting through tens of thousands of photos and negatives inherited from his father, a professional photographer, that became a public display at the Presque Isle County Historical Museum. It was a labor of love that morphed into a popular Facebook page called Rogers City Remembered.
	Bob saw life through rose-colored glasses. He’s probably the most optimistic person I’ve ever known. The glass wasn’t half full, it was overflowing. Even during his three-year battle with cancer, he looked for silver linings and put a positive spin on each medical experiment he pursued.
	His strong faith kept him anchored and gives hope to his family and friends that there will be a homecoming in the future. 
	Rest in peace, Robert. There are no potholes in Heaven! 
Jim (Jackie) Karshner

I was saddened to read of Bob’s passing. As a classmate of RCHS 1975 and a CMU grad where Bob got me my first job at The Embers, we pretended to know something about wine, they called us wine stewards.

My condolences to his family and friends. A wonderful and warm man, you are and will be missed.

Thank you for your friendship.

Richard Micketti



Barb and family, such sad news to hear of Bob’s passing at such a young age. We knew him when he first got started working for EightCAP, a community action agency,back in the early eighties. We shared many moments with Bob and we all had such fun letting people try and figure out just how we might be “related” because there were so many “options”. Roger and I are married and Roger is no relation to Bob but we all felt the connection. There was never a dull moment with Bob around. Such an easy going personality and always willing to help. As often happens, we left our common employer , parted ways, and unfortunately, time marched on and we did not reconnect. We regret not having looked him up and would have loved to had a chance to tell Bob while he was alive  just how much we appreciated him. I am confident that there are many who have the same type of experience. He was called “ That Bob Parsons” by his work mates! We all loved him! We only learned of his passing through a mutual acquaintance  from Rogers City. So sad. He will be missed. 

Bob was a great friend of our family and I want to just talk about his commitment to the subdivision in which he lived; Springbrook Hills.  Bob volunteered many hours throughout the years to serve on our association board and help whenever needed.  Every year we collect our Association dues which entails sending out 298 letters/bills to collect.  As I collect those back, I always check to see if there are any notes attached needing the Board's attention.  This year out of all 298 letters that came back, only 1 had a note.  It read:  "Thank you for all the work you do to maintain our awesome assn.!!"  I am sure you have already guessed, that note was written by our dear friend and neighbor, Bob Parsons.  This was Bob!  Even though HE was battling his cancer, he took the time to thank the volunteers, with a short note.  It probably took him just a few minutes to jot those words down, but those words will forever remind me of how impactful being grateful to everyone you meet, in every situation, shows the love of God.  Bob will be forever missed by many!!

Bob was a wonderful man and co-worker.  I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him at MDOT.  He was also a great supporter of the Wharton Center and coordinated tickets for performances with other folks working at MDOT.  He was always so kind and generous.  My deepest sympathy to his family.

Was sad to hear of Bob's Passing. I have not seen him in person since the Birthday party for his Mom. I was his babysitter when he was a little boy. Remember he wanted to be with his big brothers. He was to little to hang out with them  but he was determined. Sure gave his mother a hard time of it.  Always exploring.



I was shocked to read of Bob's passing in Wednesday's Lansing State Journal.  I was impressed with the way his obituary began...stating that Christianity is a faith of eternal life, hope, forgiveness, and restoration.  And, that Bob has passed into that promised eternal life.
 
I worked in the Bureau of Transportation Planning with Bob for many years before spending the last years of my 40-year MDOT career in the Intermodal Passenger Rail Division in a different bureau before retiring in September 2015.  

On a professional level, Bob was outstanding.  He would take our projects and share them with the public, obtaining their input through listening sessions, questionnaires, and other information/opinion gathering techniques.  In addition to leading information sessions himself,  Bob often provided me with projectors, screens, flip charts/stands, and extension cords when I would be working with the public and committees. 

On a personal level, Bob provided invaluable guidance to me in my role as president of the Indian Hills Homeowners Association.   He was involved in his own subdivision activities and shared his experiences and techniques with me.

So, Bob had a major impact on my life and my sympathy and prayers are with you, Barb, and your two sons (Sue and I also have two sons) during this
time of loss.  It is definitely reassuring to know that Bob is home with the Lord and that you are surrounded by family and friends.  At the same time,  I know these will never replace Bob.



Barb, it is with such deep sorrow that we share these memories.
Marc and I met Bob and Barb at Gift Of Life Transplant House in Rochester,MN. Bob and Marc were both diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, had the same oncologist, the same treatment plan...we were meant to meet! We both took to Bob and Barb immediately. They were so inspiring, so Faithful in their Walk With Our Lord. We loved being M&M to their B&B.
Bob lit up not only the Gift of Life House but  too Station 94. All were amazed when Bob harvested 60,000 stem cells to Marc’s 22,000!
Such was Bob: always positive and always hopeful. He, like you Barb uplifting to so many of us going through the Stem Cell Transplant procedure. It is so hard to say Goodbye for now; for surely he is with Christ who he loved dearly and followed faithfully. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 
Eternal Rest grant unto Bob Parsons Lord Jesus and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. Our deepest sympathy to you Barb and Family. He  will be so missed but so joyful his legacy.
Molly and Marc Gilbertson

I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing, and my prayers go out to his family.  He was a joy to work with and a true and caring person.  I worked with Bob during his career at MDOT and for 12 years on Meals on Wheels.  He will surely be missed by many!

Ginger Moore





Our heartfelt sympathy to Barb, Ross, Brad and all of Bob’s family.  Both of us had the pleasure and privilege of working with Bob at MDOT.   Along with expert communication skills and an infectious personality that were an asset to the department, he was especially steadfast with his every mission.  Bob’s legacy is testament to the core values of honor, integrity, passion and compassion that he exemplified throughout every day of his life.  We regret having to miss his services as we are wintering in Florida, but please know we will be thinking of you and praying that God’s good graces will bring you  peace, strength and comfort.  We will fondly remember Bob for his numerous qualities, and especially for a smile that lit up a room and always brightened our world.  He will be deeply missed.

Barb and boys,I am so sorry for your loss but thankful Bob is no longer in pain. He fought a great fight and kept that beautiful smile and his faith in our Lord during it all.  I always enjoyed our talks when we worked together in the Office of Communications.  I remember his much he loved each one of you and was so very proud of each one of your accomplishments.  My prayers are for you that the Lord will continue to hold you in the palm of His hands.

Dear Barb and Family.  You have my deepest sympathy.  As an MDOT retiree I had the privilege to work with Bob on several projects.  He was a person concerned with the content and accuracy of the message being given by the Department. His activities outside the Department truly revealed his concern for those in need within the community.  God has certainly prepared a place for him.

Bob's genuine warmth, energy, quick smile, and hearty laugh made an impression on all who had the privilege to know him.  Somehow, I think his presence will be felt at every important event through the legacy of his beautiful boys.

We are all very sorry to lose Bob. He was an incredible and tireless volunteer to help us raise funds for older frail adults in need, including meals on wheels. He also was a great advocate for change to improve the lives of seniors. He supported the Tri-County Office on Aging for over 25 years as a leader of our Friends for Independence fundraising council. We shall miss him and his wonderful smile. Thank you to Barb and the family for sharing Bob with us and the community. With love, Marion Owen, staff, volunteers and the Board.

Dear Barb and family you have my sympathy for your loss. I knew Bob through his dedicated work for CALC. He was a great leader for CALC. I will miss his smile.   
                 Susie Duncan

I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing.  He was such a strong advocate for literacy as a member of the Capital Area Literacy Coalition.  He was not just a talker.  He got in there and made things happen.  Bob will be sorely missed.

Dear Barb and family,
Mark and I were deeply saddened to learn of Bob's death. You have our deepest sympathy. Having spent many years volunteering with Bob on the Tri-County Office on Aging's fundraising council, I have seen first-hand the depth of his commitment to the  older adults of our community. He has always been an exceptional communicator and he often used those skills to advocate on behalf of elders. Bob was respectful of others in his words and actions, possessing a civility I greatly admired. That civility is much-needed in our world and we will miss Bob's presence and daily contribution to it.

Unfortunately, our residence in France until the end of May prevents us from being there for Bob's memorial service on Saturday. Please accept our condolences and know that we will be thinking of you and Bob in the days ahead.

Sincerely,
Mark and Ellen

Barb,
You and your family have my sympathy in the loss of your husband.

I have known Bob for over 35 years and I feel blessed to have benefited from that friendship. I will smile every time I think of him. Bob has left his mark on this world and now is reaping his reward. Well done, my friend. Warmest regards to Barb, Ross, and Brad.

Barb, Tim and I were so blessed to have met the two of you almost two years ago now.  I was always so impressed of how Bob always had a smile on his face even though going through the tough stem cell transplant process and dealing with all the other issues that comes with MM.  He really was a light to others!  
It's heartbreaking hearing he passed so soon, but we rejoice in knowing his pain is gone and he's been set free and is home with his savior!  Hugs and prayers to you dear Barb, as you are comforted by family, friends and the Lord Jesus Himself during these coming days!
Love, Sandy and Tim Lander

Dar just informed us of your recent loss. Bob was a great community leader , husband and father as we knew. It was a pleasure to be his , and your friends.
We pray for eternal rest and comfort for your family.
Joyce & Dave Bordui

Barb, Ross and Bradley,
Our hearts are saddened by your and our loss of Bob.  His love for our Lord and for life has been an example of a growing faith in Jesus Christ who is His and our Savior. We thank you for living as brother and sister in Christ at Trinity Church for these many years.

Our prayers and heart felt sympathy are with all of you as you celebrate Bob's life these next days and years.

I am so saddened by Bob's passing.  He was a wonderful high school friend to myself, and the entire class of 1975. Bob was truly a beautiful spirit.  He was a leader, very caring, genuine, dedicated to what he believed in, and fun. The only explanation I have is that God needed another angel in heaven.   My thoughts and prayers go out to Barb, his sons and family who meant so very much to him.  

Diane (Miller) Coughlin

OBITUARIO

Bob Parsons

31 julio, 1956 – 22 febrero, 2018

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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