Robert Bennett

All who knew Robert Bennett would agree that he certainly was a character. He was the heartbeat of wherever he was, and he had a spirit that soared when it was serving. Although he loved so many things, there was nothing that brought Bob more happiness than being with the wife and children he cherished. He could make us laugh, and he was a born salesman if ever there was one. Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Bob will be dearly missed while his memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

The decade that is often referred to as the Nifty Fifties was one of the most colorful times in our nation’s history. Televisions were becoming part of American homes in increasing numbers while legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis introduced us to rock n’ roll. Civil rights took a giant leap forward when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, and we celebrated as Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th states. Amidst this unprecedented time there was a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, who was thrilled to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on February 5, 1957. Robert was one of nine children born to his parents, James and Charlene Bennett, joined in his family by his brothers, Edward, Patrick, James, Michael, and Richard, and his sisters, Rita, Cynthia, and Mary.

In many ways Bob, as he was usually known, experienced a typical childhood. His father worked for Ford Motor Company in Livonia while his mother was a homemaker. Bob’s earliest years were spent in the family homes in both Ferndale and Southfield. He wrestled and enjoyed playing football and hockey during his school years. When his father retired while Bob was in high school he moved with his family to Florida where he finished up his formal education. He went on to graduate from Cardinal Newman High in West Palm Beach.

Life was forever changed for Bob when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Karen, and they were introduced by a friend whom Karen bowled with at Score Lanes in Taylor, Michigan, in 1979. Sparks flew right from the start, and the couple soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together Bob and Karen were married on September 25, 1982, at St. Paul of the Cross Monastery Chapel in Detroit.

Before having children Bob and Karen enjoyed just being married. They traveled extensively during this time to places like Reno, California, and Florida in addition to the Caribbean on a cruise. Bob and his wife also enjoyed camping and fishing together.

By the time their first son, Robert Jr., was born in October of 1988, Bob and Karen were more than ready to be parents. With the birth of their second son, Kenneth, in July of 1990 their family of four was complete. Bob and Karen continued to travel after having children, but their trips were usually taken as a family. They enjoyed heading to their place at the campground at Portage Lake where they did plenty of camping and fishing. There were also vacations to Petoskey, Mackinac Island, Disney World, California, and Germany among other destinations. All holidays were special in the Bennett home, but there was nothing like Christmas in Bob’s book. His family was in for special treat every year for the Fourth of July as it was his tradition to show off his BBQ skills on the grill whether they were at home or off somewhere having an adventure. A sports enthusiast, Bob coached his boys in baseball and football with the Livonia Sports League and for Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.

A devoted Catholic, Bob spent much of his free time volunteering. One of his favorite places to volunteer was at his boys‘ high school, Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he was an honorary alumni. Bob was vice president of the Dad’s Club there with whom he chaired the corn roast committee, and he was known as "50/50 Bob" at their school football games. Bob also volunteered at his Church, Divine Savior Catholic Church, in Westland.

Throughout his life Bob loved all sports, but he was especially passionate about high school sports. He was also a huge fan of college football who loved the University of Michigan - at least until his son, Kenneth, became a student at Michigan State University! Bob was a huge Red Wings fan who also attended several Tigers games and rarely missed a Lions game on Sunday afternoon television. During the summer he really enjoyed his weekly golf league, yet he also loved snowmobiling during the winter months as well. Bob loved snowmobiling the trails at Burt Lake and all the trails in Northern Michigan. He had a bucket list that included a snowmobile trip to the Upper Peninsula, which he finally accomplished this past year and again earlier this year. These memorable trips went all the way from White Fish to Grand Marais and included a stay in Paradise.

The things to love about “Big Bob” are extensive. He had an outgoing and fun-loving personality with an incredible sense of humor to boot. Some of Bob’s favorite sayings were, “This isn’t my first rodeo,” and, “Talk to me chief,” and if he was in the room one was sure to know it. He was the ultimate negotiator, perhaps because he was the ultimate salesman himself, who was known to tell his family to pick out what they wanted and leave him to negotiate the rest. The deals Bob could get were truly amazing at times.

Although Robert Bennett’s journey ended with what should have been so many years left in which to write his life’s song, his impact on the world around him was no less significant. He was kindhearted and generous, compassionate and selfless. “Uncle Buck” or “Buzzy” as he was sometimes called, loved and supported his family without end, and his dedication to his community is to be admired. He was guided by his unwavering faith and carried himself with honor, integrity, and strength. Bob will be deeply missed by those too numerous to count.

Robert E. Bennett died on February 22, 2013. Bob’s family includes his wife, Karen; children, Robert Jr. and Kenneth; siblings, James (Cindy), Rita (Tom) Mahfet, Michael (Linda), Cynthia (Steve) Wasniewski, Richard, and Mary (Michael) Barkley. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward and Patrick. Visit with Bob’s family and friends on Tuesday, 1-9 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). Instate Wednesday, 10 a.m. until mass 10:30 a.m. at Divine Savior Catholic Church (Joy Rd. West of Newburgh). In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Detroit Catholic Central High School in Novi, Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory.

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