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Tom Robertson

May 16, 1926 - April 16, 2016
Plainwell, MI

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Visitation

Wednesday, April 20, 2016
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Service

Wednesday, April 20, 2016
12:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Heartland Hospice
8075 Creekside Dr
Portage, MI 49024
(269) 324-5705
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

River Rose
(269) 692-3951

Plainwell Flowers
117 S. Main
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8055
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Print

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Thomas Robertson lived a life of purpose each day. He worked hard, he knew how to play hard. What made these experiences even better was sharing them with his family and friends. Tom was a devoted family man, whose family tree blossomed to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who made him so very proud. Genuine and kind, he was social and outgoing, which made him the sort of person everyone seemed to know. Deeply loved, Tom will be forever missed.

It was great to be an American during the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties. Innovation led the way to new technology that was transforming the way we lived our everyday lives. Radios, washing machines, and refrigerators were all signs of the time. Because of the widespread use of assembly lines, cars were more affordable for the average American. It was also during this exciting time that James and Sarah Robertson were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby, as the beauty of May unfolded in Plymouth, Michigan, in 1926. The big day arrived on May 16th when the baby boy they named Thomas drew his first breath. His parents were dairy farmers from Canada with Tom being the first born in America. In many ways, Tom was a typical young boy. He was one of five children as he was joined in his family by his sisters, Sarah, Rhoda, and Shirley, and his brother, James. Tom attended local schools in Plymouth through the 11th grade, then joined the Army Air Corps. While serving in the military, he was stationed in Japan during the days of WWII. After being discharged, he returned to Michigan, settling in the Plainwell area.

Throughout his working days, Tom did a variety of things. He spent some time working as a deputy sheriff for Kalamazoo County, a firefighter for the City of Kalamazoo, and he also purchased a cleaning business in Kalamazoo. In addition, he was a dance instructor, drove a Consumers Concrete truck, and also worked at the town Hardware Store. The hardware store was a great fit since he was so outgoing everyone always knew him there.

Life was changed for Tom when he met a woman named Henrietta in Kalamazoo. They began dating, and on June 21, 1952, they were married. Although they later divorced, Tom cherished the two children they shared, Dan and Randy.

Brighter days were on the horizon when Tom met Helen on a blind date in 1973. With a desire to establish a life together, the couple was married on January 18, 1974, only six weeks after their first date. Together with the addition of Helen's children: Connie, Barb, Doug, and Kevin, Tom's children now totaled six who he loved equally. Tom also enjoyed animals, his favorite being dogs.

In addition to spending time with his loved ones, Tom enjoyed pursuing some of his interests. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved things like fishing, motorcycle riding, bow hunting, and traveling all over in his RV. He even owned and piloted his own plane. Tom’s favorite food was food, and he especially liked the fly-in restaurant. He enjoyed country music and anything from Bob Seeger. However, he would get out on the dance floor to music of any kind.

Described as vibrant, giving, and outgoing, Thomas Robertson was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was so outgoing that he could talk to a perfect stranger as though they were a long lost friend, and his quick wit was truly unmatched. A devoted family man and loyal friend, Tom had a smile that simply lit up the room. He leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

Tom Robertson, of Plainwell, passed away on April 16, 2016, at his home. Tom’s family includes his children: Connie (Rick) Brewer, Barb Culver, Daniel (Doty) Robertson, and Kevin (Cheryl) Lanz; sister, Shirley (Johnny) Forinash; sister-in-law, Ruth Bent; brother-in-law, John Atkins; several grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Helen; previous spouse, Henrietta; sons, Doug and Randy; sisters, Sarah and Rhoda; brother, James; his in-laws: Tom, Dave, and Beverly. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Wednesday, April 20 from 11:00-12:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Thomas’ memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Heartland Hospice.

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