Robert L. Forsythe

Robert L. Forsythe, age 89, passed away early Saturday morning, October 25, 2008, at his home surrounded by family. Bob was born October 28, 1918 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Lewis and Susie (Cawley) Forsythe. Bob graduated from Ann Arbor High School, The University of Michigan and The University of Michigan Law School in 1947. He served his Country proudly during WWII. Bob rose to the rank of Captain in the Army in the South Pacific, where he fought in the battle of Guadalcanal; and, after the Japanese surrender, commanded a prisoner of war facility that housed the infamous "Tokyo Rose." After coming to Muskegon in 1948, he formed the law firm Parmenter, Forsythe , and Rude. During his career, Bob served as council for the City of Norton Shores, the City of Coopersville, and the Village of Fruitport. In 1960, he served as president of the Muskegon County Bar Association. Bob retired from what is now Parmenter O'Toole in the mid 1980's. He was also the Managing Partner of Arlington Estates Mobile Home Park for 30 years. Bob was an avid golfer and a long time member of the Muskegon Country Club, where he was Club Champion in 1972, and President in 1974. He married the former Marilyn Christian on June 25, 2003. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; son, Grant (Diane) Forsythe of Cary, North Carolina; 2 daughters, Mary Forsythe, of Charlotte, North Carolina and Sarah Forsythe of Los Angeles, CA; 6 step-sons; Charles (Kim) Schaub, Rodney (Peggy) Schaub, John (Debbie) Schaub, Thomas (Mary Price) Schaub, James (Holly) Schaub all of Muskegon, and Tom Nowakowski of Muskegon; and 2 step-daughters, Terri ( Hugh) Goldsmith of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Lois (Steve) Smith of Muskegon, Michigan; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Margaret Brownlee of San Diego, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elinor, and his second wife, Phyllis; daughter-in-law, Linda Schaub; great-granddaughter, Linda Jean Marie Schaub; 1 brother, Frank; and 1 sister, Josephine Andrews. VISITATION with the family will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Tuesday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210 A PRIVATE family graveside service will be held. Burial will take place in Lakeside Cemetery. MEMORIALS to the Muskegon Rescue Mission will be appreciated.