Robert S. Christopher

When reflecting on the life of Robert Christopher, we are reminded to treasure each day we are given with the ones we love. He enjoyed pursuing many interests throughout his life, but nothing was more dear to his heart than spending time with the family he cherished. Robert was a man of great wisdom who inspired the students who set foot in his classroom for 29 years, showing us that teaching is so much more than imparting wisdom, but that it is truly a matter of the heart. An avid sports fan, Robert enjoyed following his favorite teams, especially when there was a friendly rivalry involved among the Christopher siblings. Taken from those he loved much too soon, he will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. After nearly four long years of war, the year 1945 welcomed countless young servicemen and women home from fighting for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. America had much to be thankful for, too, as the years prior to WWII were cloaked in hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression throughout the entire decade of the thirties. This same year was a year to remember for one young family from Muskegon, Michigan, for a much different reason as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on September 22nd. Baby Robert Sims was the fifth of six children born to his parents, Clayton Arthur and Frances Elizabeth (Sims) Christopher. He was raised in the family home on Shettler Road in Fruitport alongside his older siblings, Clara, Celia, Thomas, and Arthur, and his younger sister, Karen. Roberts father owned Clayton Used Cars, a used car lot along Getty Street, which is heavily populated with used car dealerships. His mother was a busy homemaker who focused her attention on caring for the needs of her family and home. From an early age family played a vital role in Roberts life. Their family regularly enjoyed lively card games for hours on end. Some of their favorites were Setback, Push, and In Between, but no matter what they were playing their games were always a hoot. Family game night always got especially interesting when there was money involved, which happened to be most of the time. It was also as a young boy that Robert began collecting a variety of things including stamps and coins. For his education Robert attended local schools. His earliest years found him at Beach Elementary followed by junior high on Heights Ravenna Road. Robert went on to Muskegon Catholic High School where he played football. Although he enjoyed his time on the field, he discovered that he enjoyed being a spectator more as he had a lifelong passion for following local, college, and professional sports. Some of Roberts favorite team included the Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings. As an avid fan of local sports, he also enjoyed following the rivalry between the Mona Shores and Muskegon Catholic Central High School football teams, although he was usually up to speed on all the local football teams. After graduating from high school in 1963, Robert went on to Western Michigan University, earning his BA in social studies. His years as a young man found him regularly driving around in his black Volkswagen bug. With his education behind him, Robert became a social studies teacher at Mona Shores High School. He was a dedicated teacher who remained there throughout his career, retiring after 29 years. As adults Robert and his siblings continued to enjoy spending time together. They frequently gathered at his sister Celias house to play cards, cards, and more cards. During warmer weather they sometimes played yard games, and they also had pizza some times or just got together to make great memories. Of course it was only natural that between all the siblings there was usually a healthy rivalry between the fans of Michigan and Michigan State. Robert was known for his captivating stories, and his nieces and nephews were particularly fond of the scary ones. Robert enjoyed so many things throughout his life. His passion for collecting remained, and his home boasted of many curio cabinets to showcase all of his unique finds. Some of his most treasured possessions were his glass and crystal fish, miniature lighthouses, and blue glass collection. After he retired his love for collecting grew to include antiquing, and he loved to make the rounds in search of the perfect treasure. Robert did some traveling including to Hawaii, Arizona, California, and Florida. He additionally enjoyed taking smaller trips with the Orchard View Travelers to places like Chicago, Detroit Tigers games, out East for magnificent color tours and made the Labor Day Mackinaw bridge walk the past 5 years. A kind and tenderhearted man, Robert Christopher was deeply loved by so many around him. He was meticulous in everything he did and pursued his passions with great fervor. With a strong loyalty to his community, Robert liked keeping up with the heartbeat of local sports teams, and he also loved collecting things that meant so much to him. Although his friends and loved ones would have loved more time with Robert, they will be forever grateful for having been touched by such an extraordinary man. His memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many. Robert S. Christopher died Monday, November 28, 2011. Roberts family includes his sisters, Clara (Curtis) Larson, Celia (Gene) Sheffer, Karen (Michael) Slootmaker; brother, Thomas (Nancy) Christopher; 10 nieces & nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arthur. Services will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011, 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. Memorial contributions may by made in Roberts name to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.