Robert L. Nelson

Robert Leyton Nelson died on July 30, 2026 at the age of 79.  Bob was born in East Lansing, Michigan on August 13, 1946 to the late Leyton and Martha Nelson and was preceded in death by his brother, John.  Bob was a remarkable child who picked up his toys without being asked, read voraciously, and, as a lifelong friend recalls, knew he wanted to be a lawyer when he was five.

During his junior year in high school, Bob lived in the Netherlands and in that time rode extensively throughout Europe on his motorcycle, sparking an enduring passion for travel and motorcycles.  An Eagle Scout, Bob was a graduate of Michigan State University and a lifetime Spartan fan.  Bob received his law degree from Michigan Law School, which he always referred to as “a good trade school.”  Friends recall he spent much of his third year playing in bridge tournaments.

In 1974, Bob met Ellen Roth on a blind date and they were engaged seven weeks later, marrying in May of 1975.  In 1984, Bob and Ellen moved to Grand Rapids, where he practiced law for the remainder of his long and fulfilling career.  Bob was deeply committed to the community and the schools in particular, serving on both the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation Board and the East Grand Rapids School Board.

Their three sons, Steven (Jessica), John (Rosanna), and Leyton brought new light into Bob’s life.  He was a wonderful dad, taking his boys on sailing adventures and up into the wilds of the UP and to Georgian Bay in Canada.  Bob was happiest at his summer home in Georgian Bay, where friends recall him taking newcomers on a tour where there was a story to go with every rock, tree, and sunset.  Bob was also famous for his “junk food junkets,” when he would pile the boys in his car and make an Oreo, chocolate ice cream, and potato chip run.  The boys remember their dad’s work ethic—burning the midnight oil in his study—and the fact that they could always count on him when times were difficult. 

Ellen and Bob had a wonderful life together—sharing in the joys and challenges of parenthood and the demands of Bob’s career, and across the years an abundance of laughter, particularly in their relationship with granddaughters Eloise, Elizabeth, Anne, and Margaret.  Bob celebrated the humor in life on a daily basis.  He was a serious guy with a light touch.  He will always be remembered by those fortunate enough to know him for his honesty, integrity, hard work, and love of family and community.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Mayflower Congregational church, 2345 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Mary Free Bed Foundation, 235 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503 and The Clark Foundation, 1551 M.L.K. Jr. Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506.

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