Robert William Phair

Robert William Phair, age 90, died Thursday, July 20, 2017 at his home in Center Line, Michigan surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born February 20, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Cecil Phair and the late Evelyn (nee: Swalwel) Phair.Robert was raised in Detroit, attended Detroit Public Schools, and later Northwestern High School. When World War II broke out, Robert could not wait to join the military and even went so far as to manipulate his age from 16 to 17, with his mother's approval, to join the Navy. Robert served for over three years in the United States Navy, then with the Merchant Marines following the war. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Robert returned to Michigan and found work with Detroit Edison.Back home in Michigan, Robert would meet his future bride at the New Casino Pavilion and Dance Hall in Walled Lake. As fate would have it, Robert knew that Dolores would be his wife one day as soon as he got rid of the boy with whom she was dancing. The two began a love affair which would last the next 62 years, with 60 of those years as husband & wife. The couple would settle in the community of Center Line, Michigan and Robert would continue working as a senior rigger with the underground crew at DTE for over 40 years until his retirement.Robert and Dolores raised seven children with the entire family as active members of St. Clement Catholic Church and Schools. Robert was a member of the Ushers Club and also the Dad's Club of St. Clement. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus - Fr. Kramer Council.When Robert was not working the majority of his life revolved around his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a lifelong athlete who played softball from his young years all the way into his senior days. He loved the games of baseball and softball, and also coached his children in their youth. Robert played handball with his DTE coworkers, along with bowling on different leagues over the years. When it was time to get away, Robert and his family headed north to the cottage at Houghton Lake for fun and relaxation.Robert was the beloved husband of the late Dolores, and was the dear father of Nancy Phair, Gregory (Cindy) Phair, Denise (Jeff) Celmer, David Phair, Karen (Jeff) Dodd, Patricia (Donald) Monette, and Gary (Laura) Phair. He was the brother of Phyllis (Jimmy) Campbell, the late James Phair, and is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Phair will be held Sunday, July 23rd from 5-9pm and Monday from 2-9 pm, with a 6:30pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Mr. Phair will lie in state on Tuesday from 9:30am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church (formerly St. Clement Catholic Church in Center Line). Memorial donations are appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. (www.stjude.org) Please share memories of Mr. Phair at his memory book above.