Bobby began as a medical student in the V-12 program. He earned a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947 and did his residency in pathology at Wayne County General Hospital in Eloise, Mich. He served his country as a lieutenant and as a physician in the Navy.
He worked at the Henry Ford Hospital from 1964 to 1970 and was director of the department of radiology at Hurley Medical Center from 1970 to 1994. He was also a professor of radiology at Michigan State University for 36 years, spending 16 of those as clinical professor.
He married Mary Lou Palmer, and they had five children: Inessa, Patricia, Robert Jr., Diana, and Denise. Mary Lou passed away in 1963. He subsequently married Anita Sue Coulter, who brought her two children, Linda and Cheryl, to the marriage.
Bobby’s avocation was tree farming, which helped improve the preservation of animal habitats. He planted thousands of seedlings and watched the animal population multiply. He enjoyed walking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing.
Bobby died March 24, 2017, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He is survived by Anita, his children, stepchildren, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.