Robert Eugene Carp, Jr.

Robert Eugene Carp, Jr., age 73 of Hastings, Michigan passed away on November 18, 2021.  Robert was born on April 28, 1948, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the son of Robert Eugene and Jessie Lee (O'Neill) Carp.

Bob grew up in a military family and moved many places, including Germany.  He had fond memories of his childhood with his immediate family as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  The family eventually moved to Harrison Township when his father retired from the military.

Bob attended many schools over the years, but he graduated from L'Anse Creuse High School.  Not long after that, he enlisted in the Marine Corps (1967).  He was in heavy combat in Vietnam as a rifleman.  His honorable discharge was in 1971 with a rank of Sgt. E-5.  By this time, Bob was married (since divorced) with two sons:  Robert and Sean.  For years he stayed in the area working for Ford Motor Company and at various construction jobs.

In 1995, he moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, because of the VA medical Center and their supportive treatment programs for veterans.  He had always wanted to go to college, and soon after he began his dream by attending Western Michigan University.  Bob loved the challenge of school and excelled in every class.  His young classmates loved him.  They would often raise their hands to answer a question and when called upon, they would say they didn't know the answer but would point to Bob and say, "Bob knows the answer."  Of course, Bob always did.

In 2000, his partner Judy entered his life.  This began a whole new chapter.  Bob graduated from Western in 2002: Magna Cum Laude with a BA in English, Creative Writing, and History.  Upon graduation, Bob was honored to become a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

After all the studying, he decided to have some fun.  Judy and Bob filled their days with roller blading, windsurfing and sailing Judy's small sailboat.  A few road trips in Michigan let to Mackinac Island around which Judy and Bob rollerbladed.

In 2002, they bought their first "big" sailboat, so they could sail Lake Michigan.  She was named "E Tennibris" which means out of darkness.  It was the beginning of a brand-new adventure.  With trials and tribulations, we became "sailors".  We moved onto a 32-foot Sloop in 2007, and docked her in Muskegon.  Sailing became a way of life.  They also had a small boat in Muskegon in case the mood and winds were better on Muskegon Lake.  We couldn't wait to turn off the motor and let the winds take us miles out onto Lake Michigan.

Racing across Lake Michigan was another challenge which we did several times.  Sailing also took us to many Caribbean Islands on Windjammer Cruises and to the Grenadines while taking a sailing class.  Whatever Bob and Judy did, their sails were always full.  If there was no wind, we rode the bike trails in Muskegon or did yoga on the dock.

Winter was spent skiing, snowboarding, and attending symphony concerts.  Bob's love of reading and writing continued throughout his life.  He also took piano and guitar lessons and did well with both.  A couple of trips to Florida led us to riding bikes on the beach, shelling and always watching the sunset.

Bob always loved telling stories of his many adventures.  Most of them were hilarious.  They were endless.  Loving music and food led to Bob forming a bond with Judy's son, Dan.  He is both a guitarist and great cook.  He was Bob's friend, and their sense of humor was identical.

Unfortunately, Bob was diagnosed with leukemia nine months ago.  Bob never waivered from his positive attitude about "beating this thing."  During this last journey, Bob had great support from so many:  his family, his sons, his many marina friends, Judy's son Dan, and of course, his loving partner, who fought with him.

Bob was always intelligent, kind, thoughtful, loving, funny, and a loyal friend who would help anyone.  As a Marine would say, "Semper Fi" (always loyal).  Bob and Judy took "the road less travelled by", and that made all the difference.

"Fair winds and following seas," Bob.  Our slideshow of photos tells it all – Please enjoy it!!

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Jessie, and his brother Raymond Carp.

He is survived by his partner of 22 years, Judy Walldorff, his two sons Robert and Sean Carp, his loving sisters and brothers William, Connie, Debbie and Judy, 11 nieces and nephews, 1 grandchild and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob can be made to the Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" Campaign https://toysfortots.org/donate/, or any blood bank of your choice https://www.redcrossblood.org/

A special thanks to Metro Health Hospital and Oncology and the Department of Veterans Affairs for years of support and care.

Respecting Robert's wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be a private military ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  His ashes will be scattered on Lake Michigan.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.com.