Robert Edward Howe, age 78, of Grosse Ile, Michigan passed away on Sunday, March 31st. Though Bob's passing has left a feeling of great loss, countless lives have been touched and changed by a life filled with acts of kindness and love.

Bob was born on March 28th, 1941 in Owosso, Michigan to Walter and Eileen (Weisenberg) Howe. He grew up in the town of his birth, alongside brother Frederick (Fred) and sister Katherine. He graduated from Albion College in 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in History, and then completed his graduate education at the University of Michigan.

On May 22nd, 1965, he married the love of his life, Mary Adelaide Bouton. They had the good fortune to find each other and fall in love during their college years together. From 1967 to 1977, they welcomed daughters Julie and Amy, and sons Andrew and Jeremy, and raised them with unconditional love and constant support on the island of Grosse Ile.

Bob was forever upbeat in his outlook and interactions, and this optimism was infectious and endearing to everyone he met. This charming, devilishly handsome man loved his family above all else, and he always ensured that they knew it. He made time together a priority, from bedtime stories to patient homework help to numerous annual birthday celebrations, Academy Award parties, competitive game nights, and countless well-planned and fun-stuffed family vacations. His favorite location to share with those he loved was his summer home on Crystal Lake. At this cottage, he and family and guests might enjoy playing a rousing game of cards or dice, taking a refreshing dip in the crisp cool waters, tooling around the lake in his boat, or just sitting on the porch, shooting the breeze about everything and anything.

Bob loved the game of golf, Detroit Tiger baseball, the University of Michigan, an icy-cold glass of Coca-Cola, perfectly sautéed scallops, his Beulah Cheetahs fantasy football team, chocolate chip cookies, movies with satirical humor ala Airplane! and Evil Roy Slade, delivering a corny dad joke with perfect comedic timing, playing bridge & racquetball with his longtime pal Bob Foley, reading a new novel in his usual chair, hanging out with his dog (and sidekick) Teddy, awarding trophies for any type of victory, and always believing "If you can't be good, be showy." He lived for spending time with those he loved, by camping across the country, by patiently listening to shared details of your day, or by simply sitting around a dinner or card table, laughing and making memories.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Eileen, sister Katherine, and in-laws Loomis and Helen Bouton. His funny, positive, and kindhearted spirit lives on through his best friend and wife of 54 years Mary, his brother and cohort Fred (Marilyn) Howe, the children blessed with his joy of being a father: Julie (William) O'Neill, Amy (John) Clavet, Andrew (Christy) Howe, and Jeremy (Kara) Howe, the grandchildren who will forever idolize and adore him, Lauren and Brendan O'Neill, Charlotte Clavet, Samuel and Adalae Howe, and Emmett and Elora Howe, as well as numerous other friends and family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of his favorite charities: Seedlings (providing low-cost children's books in Braille), Hope For The Warriors (supporting our veterans), or his favorite, the National Parks Service, (preserving the wonders he had visited frequently and enjoyed sharing with his family).

Per his wishes, a joyful celebration of his remarkable life is being planned for the end of June (details to follow).