Bob’s summer job during Princeton years, while working toward an electrical engineering degree, was with General Motors. Realizing he didn’t want to continue as an engineer, he entered University of Michigan Law School, spending summers searching patents for GM. That fit well, so after passing the Michigan bar in 1969, he accepted the position of GM Patent Attorney and started writing patents for GM engineers. 

But 1970 was the year of the Lottery. Bob’s birthday drew #90, up in March, and two days after his 26th birthday in April, Uncle Sam’s letter arrived. Bob was the old man in Boot Camp that summer. He next reported to Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, ostensibly as an “Electrical Engineering Assistant,” but, to his relief, spent most of his time helping the JAG attorneys instead of watching gauges in the desert. Because being married would move him out of the barracks, he finally proposed to his UM sweetheart. He and Julie were married in 1971 and enjoyed a long honeymoon in a desert duplex until he was early-outed in 1972. 

Bob returned to GM’s Patent Section in Detroit and he remained there until GM spun off Delphi, where Bob spent his last years as a patent attorney. His most interesting assignment was as GM’s legal specialist on intermittent wipers during the Robert Kearns suit in the early 90’s. Bob retired in 2006.

Bob began singing in a boy choir and never stopped. His local choir sang in Wales and Scandinavia. He also played guitar from his teen years. During the 70s, he discovered a love of Early Music, especially Renaissance music, and promptly ordered a lute and found a teacher. That led to membership in Lute Society of America and attendance at their annual conventions, which he sometimes cochaired. His final instrument tally was two lutes, a vihuela and 3 guitars. He was really a musician masquerading as a lawyer. 

Bob and Julie raised three sons which led Bob to another position, Scoutmaster of their pack. Youngsters, related or not, appreciated him both as a math lesson explainer and as a principles of faith and living explainer. He was, to his core, a gentle and progressive faith filled man.

For the last ten years of life, Bob slid into Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. When he could no longer handle house decisions, moving into a senior facility with attached assisted living proved the best place for us. He died in Julie’s arms on December 13, 2024.

A true Renaissance man, in addition to music, Bob enjoyed traveling, photography, and tasting excellent red wine. 

His address at time of death (and still Julie’s) was 15191 Ford Rd #517, Dearborn MI 48126.

Nassau Herald