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Robert Lytle Jr.

November 4, 1919 - April 14, 2004
Ann Arbor, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, April 18, 2004
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Service

Monday, April 19, 2004
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT

Life Story / Obituary


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Robert Bruce Lytle, Jr. was known for the way he cared about people. His friendly, outgoing nature enabled him to make friends all over the world. His family always came first. He had accumulated knowledge, compassion, and wisdom from his life experiences, gleaning from both the positive and the challenging events that life brought him.

Born shortly after World War I, Bob joined Robert and Vera Lytle's family on November 4, 1919. His big sister Dorothy adored him, and the addition of two more siblings, Donald and Betty, supplemented the activity level in their bustling household. Growing up during the Great Depression helped Bob value family over material possessions, and he maintained his commitment to them throughout his life. He attended Harms Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Intermediate School, and Western High School, all in Detroit. He played football until a knee injury forced him to give it up. It did not keep him out of the swimming pool, however, and he enjoyed participation in that sport. He was a conscientious student and always put his studies before social activities. He attended Trinity Presbyterian Church.

After graduating from high school, Bob attended the Detroit Institute of Technology and Lawrence Tech. Like many other young men of the day, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines. Later he joined the Navy to pitch in during World War II. He served aboard the USS. Mount Vernon, a liner that had been converted into a troop transport. The ship had an intriguing contribution to the war effort and Bob wrote a book detailing its travels and involvement in the conflict. He also belonged to the Marine Academy.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bob went to work for the architectural firm of Yamasaki. He discovered that he had a natural passion for architecture. He decided to attend the University of Michigan Architectural School. After graduating, he became an Associate Professor of Architecture there. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to teach there and loved his job. He enjoyed more than just his work, however, and was proud to be a Wolverine. Bob remained a loyal fan of the athletic program even after his retirement in the late 1990s, treasuring his season tickets.

When Bob was in the service, his ship had stopped at ports in Greece several times. He fell in love with the area. When he took a one-year sabbatical from U of M, he spent it in that country. Naturally, he enjoyed the architecture, but the mountains, the islands, and the moderate climate held attractions as well. He even met up with his old T-bird there despite the fact that he had sold it to someone in the United States!

As much as he loved Greece, he was always glad to see his loved ones back home. He fostered close relationships with his nieces and nephews and made sure that they knew how much he cared about them. He was thoughtful enough to provide Christmas gifts for all family members, even pets.

Robert is survived by his sisters, Dorothy (Arthur) McAllister and Betty (Harry) Gaither, and eleven nieces and nephews.

Robert passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the age of eighty-four. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald.

Friends will be received on Sunday, April 18, from 2 - 4 PM and from 6 - 9 PM at the McCabe Funeral Home, Canton Chapel, 851 Canton Center Road. Funeral services will be held at the chapel on Monday, April 19 at 11:00am. To read Bob's complete life story, share a memory, or send flowers, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Bob's example of friendliness, commitment, and loyalty is special to his friends and family. Although he will be missed, he leaves them with fond memories and assurances of his love for them.