Robert A. Baiers

   Robert Arnold Baiers passed away on November 11, 2018, after living valiantly with Alzheimer’s Disease for twelve years.  Bob is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Nordstrom) and sons Erik, Adam, and Aaron; grandson William Robert and granddaughter Zoe Lee; daughter-in-law Michelle Lee; sister-in-law Mary VanKuiken; brother-in-laws Tom VanKuiken and David Scharnweber; nieces Lisa (Scott) Sorbie and Diane (John) Koch; nephew Tom F. VanKuiken; and the Friday Family cousins.  He also leaves behind special friends Gloria and Joe Bowen and Bob Leavenworth.  Bob was preceded in death his by parents Arnold and Virginia Baiers, brother John, and sister Carole Scharnweber.    

   Bob was born on June 12, 1942, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and grew up on a fruit farm in Watervliet. He loved helping his parents in their orchards, forming lifelong friendships at  Coloma High School, excelling in high school sports, and participating in the Boy Scouts of America, reaching the level of Eagle Scout.  After graduating from Michigan State University in 1966, Bob began his career as a sales representative and worked many years for the Resisto-loy and Grand Northern Products companies.  Even after “retiring,” Bob continued to be active in sales, working for Alliance Bankcard with his lifelong friend Bob Leavenworth.  He was a member of Fountain Street Church for 48 years.  There was nothing Bob loved more than being with his family and friends.  

   Our family is very grateful to the outstanding caregivers in the Reminiscence Center of  Sunrise Senior Living. We are also deeply thankful for the members of the Alzheimer’s Association support group which meets at Sarah Care, without whom this journey would have been much more difficult.  We are also very appreciative of the loving support provided by friends throughout the duration of Bob’s illness. Our thanks are also extended to Dr. James Passinault for his compassionate care.

   Bob’s motto was always “Onward and upward,” which was how he approached every challenge in life until the very last day of his life.  There will be a celebration of Bob’s life on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at 1:00, at the Watermark Country Club, 5500 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Michigan, would be greatly appreciated.

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