Robert Scraver

As the family and friends of Robert Scraver are still reeling from their loss, there are so many precious memories and thoughts of Bob that come to the surface of their hearts and minds. He was fun-loving and in many ways a kid at heart who believed that each and every day is for living to the fullest. Bob had a strong work ethic and fully devoted himself to everything he did, but all would agree that he played just as hard. Family was always a cornerstone in Bobs life and with the love of his life by his side, he established a strong legacy for his children and grandchildren to follow. An extraordinary man in every way, Bob greatly enriched the lives of countless others. The year 1927 was a great year to be an American as we soared above the clouds with Charles Lindbergh on his Spirit of Louis and experienced the end of the silent film era with the release of The Jazz Singer. Cars were becoming more affordable for the average consumer and with buying on credit now an option, Americans were looking to celebrate these times of prosperity. There was much to celebrate during this same year for a particular couple in Muskegon, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Robert Reginald. Welcomed into the world by his parents, William Reginald and Mary (VanBergen) Scraver, Robert was the only child in his family. His earliest years were spent living with other relatives in a multi-generational home on Ottawa Street in Muskegon. At that time Bob attended Froeble School but when he was 10 years old, his family moved to a home on Getty Street. He then continued his education at Vanderlaan School and then went on to junior high and Muskegon High School where he was a right guard on the Muskegon Big Reds football team. This was a remarkable team that nearly won a state championship, and Bob established many lifelong friendships with other players. During the summers, he spent time on his grandparents farm in Crystal Valley in northern Michigan where he learned a strong work ethic that would serve him well. Bobs high school years were significant ones because it was during his senior year that he began dating the woman with whom he would share his life. Her name was Joan Schalk and since those were the days when their school graduated two classes each year, Bob was part of the February class while Joan graduated in June. Their budding relationship was soon put on hold, however, since Bob enlisted in the Navy. He served as an electrical technician for two years aboard the USS Orion, a submarine tender out of Norfolk, Virginia. When his duty to the military was fulfilled, Bob returned to Muskegon and took some classes at Muskegon Junior College. He also married his sweetheart on June 18, 1949. That same fall, Bob enrolled in classes at Michigan State University so the newlyweds lived on campus in Lansing. It was there that they welcomed their son, Robert, into their hearts and home in 1950. After graduating with his civil engineering degree in 1952, their family of three moved to Wyoming, Michigan where Bob had a job with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Their family grew to include three daughters, Nancy in 1953, Lynne in 1955, and Jill in 1957. They were a close family who loved spending time together. Bob was the cool dad in the neighborhood who involved all the other kids in on the Scraver family fun. He made skating rinks in the yard during the winter and took everyone sledding, too. During the summers he organized street baseball games and kept a pool in the backyard for the whole gang as well. There were several family trips taken through the years, too, as they often took their 23-foot trailer to Selkirk Lake during the summer months. There were also trips up to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula as well as family road trips to Florida in their 58 Chevy station wagon. In the 1970s, Bobs work took them to Lansing. Throughout his career, Bob worked on many different projects, and he later became the regional construction engineer for Detroit and the Upper Peninsula by the time he retired in 1987 after 37 years. In recognition of his dedicated service, MDOT named a rest stop after him. It was in the late sixties that Bob and Joan purchased some property on Duck Lake in Muskegon where both his parents and in-laws still lived. This property would provide the backdrop for so many fun-filled times with family. Over the years Bob designed and built a cottage on the lake since he loved woodworking and was very skilled at it, too. He also built all of the cabinets and much of the furniture there as well. After Bob retired, they moved from Lansing back to Muskegon where he built a more permanent home on their property on Duck Lake. Bob and Joan enjoyed so many of the same interests and both lived an active lifestyle. Together they golfed and cross-country skied, often marking their own way through the woods with wood flags and homemade markers. When Joan started running, Bob acted as her coach and drove her to various races around the state. During the sunset of his life, Bob continued to pursue his interests. He liked to fish and play cribbage. He put his woodworking skills to good use by making cribbage boards for all of his children. Bob also did his own form of recycling later in life by turning aluminum chairs into flag holders and old grills into serving tables. Last week when Bob was suddenly stricken with abdominal problems, he was diagnosed with cancer for which little could be done. There was so much to love about Robert Scraver as he was truly one of a kind. He was thoughtful, generous, and so much fun to be around. Bob lived an active life and was someone who came alongside his family to support them in their endeavors as well. He thought nothing was better than becoming a grandfather and when his family grew to include great-grandchildren, Bob was overjoyed. A man of great honor, strength, and love for those around him, Bob will be deeply missed and forever cherished by so many. Robert R. Scraver died on Thursday, January 27, 2011. Bobs family includes his wife, Joan; son, Robert Scraver of Holland; daughters, Nancy VanStrien of Grand Rapids, Lynne (Tim) McGarry of Laingsburg, MI; Jill (Galen Hopper) Scraver of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren, Jada VanStrien, Amber (Joshua) Oliver, Jessica McGarry, Brian (Amanda) Scraver, Timothy Scraver, Christopher McGarry, Karen Hopper; great- grandchildren, Ira, Brayden, Addysen, Payten, Sydney, Kennedy; sister-in-law, Muriel (Jack) Rillema of Whitehall; several nieces & nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Harry and Retha Schalk; his sister-in-law, Virginia (Robert) Peterson. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 2:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to MCC/MHS Class of '46 Scholarship, LOVE INC, or Muskegon Rescue Mission.