Robert "Bob" Dorey

The heartbeat of wherever he went, Robert Dorey was vibrant, fun-loving, and full of life. He was a talented man who experienced numerous enriching experiences, but what made these things so extraordinary was sharing them with the ones he loved. A loving and devoted husband and father, Bob just may have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandfather to the six grandchildren who were the light of his life. For as long as he was able, he maintained an an active lifestyle and wasn’t afraid to try new things. Although he will be deeply missed, Bob leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.

Marvin and Betty (Weinberg) Dorey were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the warmth of summer covered Vicksburg, Michigan, in June of 1953. The big day finally came when the baby boy they named Robert Merrill arrived on June 30th. He was the third of six children in his family, raised alongside his siblings, Walter, Darlene, LouAnn, Barbara, and Maxine. Bob attended local schools where he loved participating in various sports, especially baseball and football. During the summer months, Bob swam like a fish. After leaving school, Bob was drafted into the military and served in the United States Army from 1970 through 1973. Upon his discharge, Bob started working as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator in the construction industry.

Life was forever changed for Bob when he met the love of his life in 1978. Her name was Christina Tafelski, and it was while grabbing a beer at the local bar that their paths crossed. Sparks flew right from the start, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Bob and Christy were married in August of 1979. Together they welcomed three children including Angela, Jessica, and Nicholas into their hearts and home.

Throughout his life, Bob was one to keep busy. In his twenties and thirties, he enjoyed playing a rowdy game of softball with his friends and work buddies. Whenever he could, he was out on the golf course with Indian Run being one of his favorite courses. A talented musician, he was in several bands and was a talented drummer. When he was being talked about within the music world, he was often referred to by his band name of Wildman RD.

There was nothing that was ever more near and dear to Bob’s heart than being with his family. When grandchildren came along later in life, he was filled with unspeakable joy. It was easy to see that the sun rose and set with his six grandchildren, Trent, Brock, Samuel, Joshua, Calvin and Ila. Bob and Christy were able to travel with their daughter, Angela, and her family, and they loved exploring new places with their grandchildren. A dog lover, he enjoyed the company of many dogs over years. Although his favorite dog was Lady, he also had soft spots for White Fang and Panda Bear.

It was over the past three years that Bob’s health began declining. He remained active for as long as he could, but over time his health began limiting his activities.

All who knew Robert Dorey would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was never one to worry about the little things, and even when faced with struggles he was content in whatever life brought. Bob was a loving family man whose family was always first and foremost in his life. Genuine, colorful, and approachable, he was the sort of man whom everyone wanted to know. Deeply loved, Bob will be forever missed.

Robert Dorey died on November 2, 2015. Bob’s family includes his wife, Christina; children, Angela (Rob) Gornowicz, Jessica (Andrew) Marshall and Nicholas (Lisa Ryan) Dorey; grandchildren, Trent & Brock Gornowicz, Samuel, Joshua & Calvin Marshall and Ila Dorey; mother Betty Dorey; siblings, Walter (Pat) Dorey, Darlene Leja, LouAnn Laurence, Barbara (Timothy) Kissinger, and Maxine (Dave) Haywood as well as many other relatives. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Dorey. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory.