Robert "Bob" Finch Stauffer

Robert Finch "Bob" Stauffer , age 83 of Kentwood , Michigan passed away, Wednesday March 21, 2012 at his residence.

He was born October 6, 1928, the 5 ^th son of Alcid Christian Stauffer and Lotta (Fairchild) Stauffer on the Kaiser Farm near Alto, Michigan. His father was the herdsman for that farm for a time, and in 1929 moved the family to the Cook Farm in Hastings, where the family continued to live for many years.

Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Nettie Mae, in 1917, his father Alcid in 1935, sister Ruth in 1949, mother Lotta in 1969, brother Emerson in 1986, brother Stanley in 1996, sister Hazel in 1998, brother Albert in 2000, sister Mae in 2006 and most recently brother, Arthur in February of this year. Bob is survived by 15 nieces and nephews and their families. Until his mother's death he lived in the family home with her on Cook Road.

Bob attended Hastings Schools, and his Senior year was a part of a men's quartet that won a Singing Scholarship awarded by the University of Michigan to attend the Interlochen Music Camp in Northern Michigan. As most of his family and friends will agree, singing was one of his passions. During his 83 years, Bob used his voice to entertain many, including in recent years Christmas shoppers at the Woodland and Rivertown Crossing Malls in Grand Rapids.

After graduation in 1947, Bob joined his brothers working on the farm until he was drafted into the Army in 1951, and was later honorable discharged. Then he returned to Hastings where he joined as the chef in the family business, the Highlands Dairy and the Highlander Restaurant. He attended training as a chef at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, where he successfully completed courses in Restaurant Management. He worked at the Highlander for many years until it closed in the 1960's. Bob continued in that career working at various restaurants in Grand Rapids. Bob retired and moved to Tucson, Arizona in the 1990's where he lived, and wintered over until his return to the Grand Rapids area where he lived until his death.

These facts only touch the surface of Bob's life, and reflect little of who he was. He was in most people's eyes who knew him a troubadour of both song, and positive thinking. He was a poet, and a dandy dresser. To most people he was "Diamond Bob", a gentle man who loved to walk the Woodland Mall, chatting with other patrons, sharing encouraging words, and friendship to many. Bob was a blithe spirit, seeking out daily ways to sit gently on others' hearts and minds. He will be missed.

Graveside Service:
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 11:00 am
Oakwood Cemetery
Lowell, Michigan

Celebration of Life Service:
Saturday, April 14, 2012 @ 1:00 pm
Creston Memorial VFW Post
1535 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, MI

Memorial Contributions:
To a charity of ones choice