Robert Douglas , Jr.

Robert “Bob” Hardie Douglas, Jr. passed away on August 5, 2022, at the age of 85, in Fenton, MI, surrounded by his loving family and loyal caregiver. His struggle with several medical issues in recent years showed his strength in facing life’s challenges head-on with rarely a complaint.

Bob began working at The Detroit News at age 21. He started out as a Machinist Apprentice and eventually moved into Marketing/Distribution and finished out his 42 years there as a Carrier Recruiter - something he loved, as he was always so great with kids. One of his responsibilities was to go out to schools and convince them that delivering newspapers was a great endeavor. Bob was deeply involved with The Detroit News Goodfellows’ holiday fundraiser each Christmas which benefited the less fortunate.

A few years later, along with his wife, he purchased a custom picture framing shop (“Frames-N-Art”) and would stop there every day after his regular job to deliver supplies, cut and build frames, and hang out with his daughters and sister-in-law who worked there. He truly enjoyed the banter, singing and camaraderie on those afternoons, and they all loved their “Bodie”!

Bob met the love of his life, Mary, while in high school and they married May 2, 1959. They had 59 years together until Mary’s passing in 2018. During their marriage, they raised 5, beautiful children: Bob is survived by his children: Terri, Mark (Lucy), Kevin (Jennifer), Jeff (Vanessa) and Kris (Glenn), as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Hardie, Sr. & Elma Douglas.

Being the best husband, father & grandfather is truly Bob’s life legacy. He did this through his actions and his obedience to God’s values and ethics. Together, he and his wife Mary started an incredibly loving and caring family. Bob was a dedicated and loving husband. He loved and took every opportunity to spend time with each of his children and grandchildren as well. He coached softball/baseball teams, volunteered in Boy Scouts, took bike rides, played basketball & catch, taught his kids how to ride bikes, swim, ski and drive cars, grocery shopped and baked with them, did puzzles and so much more. He also never missed a chance to go to one of the kids’ games, plays, competitions or recitals.

At his condo association, Bob was an active board member for many years, where he made and cemented friendships with wonderful people who became like family to him. Although he certainly cared about the business of the neighborhood, he also had a fun and playful side, and may have been guilty of passing notes and sniggering during meetings.

Bob had a true passion for nature. There weren’t too many animals that he wasn’t fascinated with. He always had family dogs (and cats earlier on) and, while still healthy, could be seen out walking “Laci” his beloved Bishon Poodle every day. In retirement, he volunteered at the local Animal shelter. He was also an avid bird watcher, and always wanted to make sure his feeders were full. When younger, he regularly donated to the World Wildlife Fund and would “adopt” arctic foxes and the like. Bob also had a deep respect for our earth - he began recycling many years before it was a popular thing to do.

In 2007, he lived out his lifelong dream of traveling to Scotland with his sons and grandson. They visited several castles, played a round of golf at St. Andrews and were fortunate enough to attend a cousin’s wedding during their trip.

Bob has been described as loyal, patient, intelligent, humble, kind, calm, and as “one of the best people I have ever known”. It didn’t matter if you were family, friend, neighbor or colleague, he left an indelible imprint on each person he interacted with.

Bob will be honored in a celebration of life on August 13, 2022, at Sharp Funeral Home in Fenton, MI. Visitation will be Friday, August 12th from 5:00-7:00 pm; and on Saturday, August 13th from 10:30-11:00 am, with the service immediately following at 11:00 am. (The funeral service may also be viewed via livestream at Bob's page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to The Parkinson’s Foundation or to Boys Town, both of which, he regularly supported.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com