Robert Sandage

A “gentle giant” with a big heart, Robert R. Sandage blessed the lives of all those around him. He had an outgoing and friendly personality that always left people charmed and smiling, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout his life.

Robert R. Sandage was born in Leslie, Michigan, on June 4, 1946. In the same year, the term “Iron Curtain” was first used in a speech by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Benjamin Spoke published his famous book “Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care” and the first electronic computer was designed and weighed 30 tons.

Robert, in the meanwhile, made his place within the Sandage family, which consisted of his adoptive parents, Warren and Coral Sandage, and nine children. Because he was very sickly as a child, Robert went to live with his grandparents in Chicago and lived the life of an only child. He was always well taken care with nice clothes and material possessions, and though his grandparents were strict, he was always very loved. Sadly, these things couldn’t fill the longing in his heart to be with his brothers and sisters, and although he visited them often, he came to frown on growing alone.

After graduating Roosevelt High School in Chicago, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy. At the time, his best friend was married to a wonderful lady named Pearl and after he died, Robert vowed to love and cherish her until their end on their wedding day in 1974. The happy couple spent the next 29 years making many wonderful memories together and raising two boys, David and Daniel, who they took in off the street, but never legally adopted. To support his family, Robert was a truck driver for the City of Chicago until his retirement in 2002. Not long after retiring, Pearl suffered a stroke and Robert decided to move to Plainwell, Michigan, to be close to his siblings. Sadly, his beloved Pearl died in 2003.

A constantly happy man, Robert always found joy in pleasing others. His generous nature reached beyond his family as he enjoyed sharing a beer with friends in his garage or at a local watering hole and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. Although he appreciated peace and quiet, his happiest moments were spent surrounded by friends and family and he would do whatever it took to bring a smile to their face. As was apparent from his pleasant demeanor, Robert enjoyed the simple things in life, like watching television, particularly old westerns with his favorite hero, John Wayne. In fact, Robert had a huge poster of him, which hung in the house. He also loved animals and had a constant companion in his dog Bear who died last year, while his cat and box turtle had free rein to roam the house. His favorite place on earth was on his 10-acre farm, which boasted of a large farmhouse. A true bargain hunter and collector of everything, Robert had a semi trailer parked on his farm, which was stocked full of treasures he found at garage sales, auctions and flea markets.

Robert will survive in the hearts and memories of those who loved him as a jovial man who made every day a good day. He was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed his care through his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

Robert R. Sandage of Plainwell, MI, and formerly of Chicago, died on Friday, December 10, 2004. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren (Coral) Sandage; and his wife, Pearl Sandage. Robert’s family includes his sisters: Christina (Louis) Alexander, Joyce (Jack) Foot, Donna (Harry) Wells, Pixie Jankowski, all of Plainwell, MI, and Renee (James) Warren of Kentucky: brothers: Norman (Betty) Royston of Florida, Gary (Ginger) Royston and Frank Royston both of Plainwell, MI, and Warren (Sue) Royston of Hamilton.

To learn more about Robert’s life, friends may visit with his family on Tuesday, December 14, from 12-2:00 p.m. at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. A Life Story Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the same location.Please visit Robert’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Wings of Hope Hospice.