Robert and Sandra Denton

Robert “Bob” A. Denton, age 76, and Sandra “Sandy” S. Denton, age 75, of Williamsburg, MI, passed away together unexpectedly on April 26, 2023, when their plane crashed in Georgia while returning home.

They now rest in the arms of our Lord and will forever have their wings as they watch over us from Heaven.

Married for 54 years, Bob and Sandy lived life to the fullest and were dedicated to their family and to taking care of others. Their love was strong and their home was always a welcoming place.

Bob was born on July 15, 1946, in Clare, MI, to the late Tom and Mae Denton. Bob attended a single-room schoolhouse, before attending Wayne State University, where he worked in the biomechanics department while studying engineering. He was known for his kind-hearted nature, and was an engineer, farmer, hunter, aviator, visionary entrepreneur, and mentor to many.

Sandy was born on April 11, 1948, to the late Myron and Adeline Hulyk. Raised in St. Clair Shores, MI, she attended Wayne State University and taught English at Detroit Public Schools for many years. Known for her generosity, Sandy was passionate about learning, was an avid golfer, gardener, and aviator. Sandy volunteered frequently with numerous organizations, including serving as the treasurer and president of the Michigan Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, a group that supports women in aviation.

Bob and Sandy first met at the flying club at Wayne State University. They were married on Nov. 8, 1968, and built a beautiful life together in Rochester, MI where they raised their family and founded their company.

As an innovator and a leader in the automotive crash test industry, Bob worked to better understand injuries from automobiles and improve their safety. In 1974, he established Robert A. Denton, Inc. and began making load cell sensors to expand the measurement capabilities of the crash test dummy and accurately collect data on a large scale. Sandy played an integral role in building the company, now called Humanetics Innovative Solutions, Inc., which grew exponentially over the years and acquired several companies to ensure the long-term survival of crash test dummy expertise. Bob, together with his business partner, is credited as being the originator of the crash test dummy load cell, which advanced measurement technology and safety in the automotive industry, as well as for military, aviation and aerospace organizations. After nearly 40 years of working to make the world a safer place for us all, Bob and Sandy retired in 2010.

Bob and Sandy were beloved residents of Williamsburg, where they were founding members of the LochenHeath Golf Club and Giving Wings Aviation in Traverse City. Long-standing residents of Clare, they enjoyed farming and hunting with family. In the winter months, they lived in The Villages, FL, where they relaxed with family and friends.

Bob and Sandy are survived by their three sons, Thomas (Rebecca) Denton, Jay (Amy) Denton and Jonathan (Brenna) Denton; seven beloved grandchildren, Isabella, Hayden, Nolan, Claire, Norah, Henry and Cole; their siblings Ron (Carole) Denton, Nancy (Victor) Lisabeth and John (Lori) Hulyk; and many nieces and nephews. They are preceded in death by their parents, Tom and Mae Denton and Myron and Adeline Hulyk, and family members Joan Denton, Irene Hulyk, Jean Hulyk, Leo (Sonia) Hulyk, and Kim Pillow.

A celebration of life and visitation will take place on Monday, May 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Community House in Birmingham, 380 S. Bates, Birmingham, MI.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 1:00 p.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Dr., Williamsburg, MI.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Michigan Chapter 99s, 51109 Glen Hollow Ave., Canton, MI 48188, Wayne State University Biomechanics Department at giving.wayne.edu/donate/denton or the Father Fred Foundation at fatherfred.org.