Robert G. Bihun

March 13, 2023

Robert Gregory Bihun of Port Charlotte FL and formerly of Port Clinton OH, passed away peacefully in his sleep from cancer on March 13, 2023 at Discovery Commons Assisted Living Facility in North Port FL. His children surrounded him in love with their presence in his final days.

Robert was born on February 4, 1938, in Detroit MI to Fred and Olga (nee Mishtal) Bihun both of whom were of proud Ukrainian heritage. Fred was from Mink Creek, Manitoba Canada, and Olga from New Kensington PA. Robert is survived by his three children: Cindy Stewart (Tom) from Manchester NH; Cathy Salas (Lawrence) from Phoenix AZ; and Robb Bihun (Rebecca) from Novelty OH. Robert has eight grandchildren: Allison (Jesse Hyde) Rodenhauser, Scott (Emily) Rodenhauser, Paul and Mark Rodenhauser; Nicholas and Jenna Salas; Nathaniel and Adriana Bihun; and five great-children: Harper and Carly Rodenhauser (Scott and Emily); Charlie and Natalie Rodenhauser (Paul); and Isaac Hyde (Alli and Jesse).

Robert is also survived by brothers Fred (Roseann - deceased), Tom (Nora) and Ray (Deborah) Bihun, several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and many cousins. Robert’s children’s mother and former spouse is Barbara Bihun of Port Clinton.

Robert’s long-time love, lady friend, companion and partner is Brigitte Seuffert of Cleveland OH.

Robert grew up in Detroit MI. His family moved to Inkster MI in 1953 and he attended Wayne St. Mary’s High School, graduating in 1956 as Salutatorian. He enjoyed all sports, especially baseball and basketball. He was named Captain of his Varsity basketball team and achieved All City Detroit Catholic League honors his senior year.

Robert attended Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) in Ypsilanti MI and transferred to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He graduated from the College of Engineering with high honors in the top 5% with a BS in Mechanical Engineering (BS ME) in 1961. Robert was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma National Honorary Engineering Fraternities. After graduating from UM, Robert worked for a brief time as a research engineer with Ingersoll Rand Corporation in Phillipsburg NJ.

In October 1961, Robert married Barbara Lamie and entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. He was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds MD undergoing Basic Ordnance Officers’ School, finishing second in his class. Bob and Bobbie welcomed their firstborn, Cynthia Sue, born on April 18, 1962 at Andrews Air Force Base MD. Robert attended Ordnance Disposal School at Indian Head MD. He was then assigned as Commander of the 49th Ordnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) located at the Benecia Arsenal CA. He subsequently moved his unit to Fort Ord CA providing support to various military and civilian agencies. Robert was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1962. His unit, and Lieutenant Bihun personally, received numerous meritorious commendations for successful missions involving hazardous incidents and bomb disposal. Lieutenant Bihun and his unit trained in nuclear weaponry at White Sands NM.

Sadly, Bob and Bobbie’s second child, Christine Marie, was stillborn on July 6, 1964. Lieutenant Bihun was listed for promotion to the rank of Captain provided he remained on active duty. He declined and received an honorable discharge from active duty. Bihun accepted a job as a Development Engineer with TRW at the Port Clinton OH facility at Erie Proving Grounds. Bob and Bobbie welcomed Cathleen Ann born on July 18, 1965.

While at TRW, Robert met Eugene M. Stoner, world famous weapons designer and inventor, who would end up being his mentor, business partner and lifelong friend. Bob and Bobbie welcomed their first son, Robert Gregory on November 27, 1966. During his tenure at TRW, Robert advanced to the position of Chief Engineer in only six years, and oversaw all engineering, design and testing activities. He was a registered professional engineer in the State of Ohio and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

When TRW closed its Port Clinton operations in 1970, Robert was offered a lucrative position in Cleveland but declined. He and Stoner began a collaboration in the Bihun family home garage, developing a 7.62 mm externally powered machine gun. After which, Bihun and Stoner jointly incorporated their endeavors into a research and development company named ARES, Inc. in 1971.

Bihun and Stoner’s business partnership lasted two decades. ARES, Inc. grew with each newly awarded national and international military and commercial contract. At its height, ARES employed 150 employees and at one time another 100 temporary engineers, designers and draftsmen. ARES competed against General Dynamics, General Electric, and many other high-tech large corporations. ARES introduced many innovative, patented designs from small arms to large caliber artillery that have enhanced the defense capabilities of the U.S. Armed Forces and U.S. Allies.

In 1988, ARES was subsequently sold to Chicago-based Chamberlin Manufacturing Corporation. Robert continued as CEO and President for two years, after which he became a consultant for Chamberlin for three additional years. Robert retired from ARES in 1993, and worked periodically as an independent consultant at which time he received a personal acclamation from the State of Ohio acknowledging his distinguished career.

Robert’s marriage ended in 1993. He remained in Port Clinton and embraced fun and friendships playing a lot of golf at the Catawba Island Club. He also participated in various local community affairs. In 1997, Robert met Brigitte Seuffert on the golf course at the CIC. Robert and Brigitte enjoyed many days of companionship.

In April 1998, Robert moved to Riverwood Golf Community in Port Charlotte FL. He continued to spend the warm months in Northern Ohio for another five years and became a full-time Floridian in 2003.

Disappointingly, Robert stopped playing golf in 2019 due to back issues. Also beginning at this time, he underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy treatments for cancer. In April 2022, Robert began a clinical trial with Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL and spent the subsequent weeks in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Southwestern Florida. In October 2022, after Hurricane Ian damaged his condominium, his health continued to decline and his cancer became incurable, Discovery Commons Assisted Living in North Port FL became his home. The team of healthcare providers, caregivers, Hospice and his children provided ongoing support and love throughout his final months.

After a period of four years of medical challenges and declining health, Robert Bihun peacefully passed on March 13, 2023. A memorial mass will be held on Friday June 23, 2023 at 10:00AM from the Immaculate Conception Church 414 Madison Street Port Clinton Ohio. Commital of cremains will be Private at St Hedwigs Cemetery and Mausoleum in Dearborn Mi

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert G. Bihun’s memory to Doctors Without Borders, Ukraine Effort OR the American Cancer Society.

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/ukraine