Robert Lake's Obituary
Robert Lake of China Twp.-
On the evening of October 6, 2011 our father left us to join our mother. As sad as we are we were blessed with having celebrated his 92nd birthday on the 23rd of May.
Robert "Bob" was born on a farm in Missaukee County outside of Lake City, Michigan. The oldest of seven children he is the eldest child of Louis and Florence (Greer) Lake. Bob was followed by three sisters and three brothers; Dorothy, Mary, Shirley, Stanley, William and Lloyd.
Bob graduated from Lake City High School where he developed a great love for sports, especially football. He held Detroit Lions season tickets for many years, but his real enjoyment came from watching Marine City High football.
Our father participated in the 2nd World War as a mess sergeant assigned to an artillery unit. During his time in Europe he was in charge of feeding both officers and enlisted men. As a young man from a small farming community this experience left a lasting impression.
After the war Bob traveled to Maryland to learn the dry cleaning trade. He eventually settled in the city of Allen Park as the manager of Shamrock Cleaners.
Our father met and married our mother, Kathleen Alice Rachel Bintliff, on the 9th of October 1953. Our mother left us on the 29th of January 1998.
During January 1963 Bob and Kathleen purchased Ellis Dry Cleaners, renamed Lake's Cleaners, located in Marine City. As a businessman Bob participated in the local chamber of commerce, sponsored a bowling team and of course supported the Mariners.
Soon after our move to Marine City we began a lifelong family interest in horses. Both parents supported our increasing participation in showing and horse ownership. After a move to a farm in China Township, Bob acquired his own pony and began a successful show career of his own. The move to China Township unintentionally was the genesis of Bob's second career, involvement in local government. The place that took up most of that activity was participating on the Zoning Board of Appeal. Bob felt everyone's request was sufficient for careful research and on most occasions a visit to the site in question.
The one constant we learned from our father was honesty and fairness. If you ever met our father, you were considered a friend. He believed in the goodness and honesty in all.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by brothers Lloyd, William and Stanley, and sister Shirley.
Left behind to remember are daughters Roberta and Rebecca, and sisters Mary and Dorothy. Also left to mourn are Bob's canine companions Clancey and Hazel.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. on the 27th of October at 2:00 p.m.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
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