In Memory of

Robert

"Bob"

D.

Marso

Obituary for Robert "Bob" D. Marso

Robert D. Marso, Jr. was born on May 25, 1953, in Framingham, MA, to Robert Duane Marso and Edith “Jane” Newell Marso. Bob grew up on the water, sailing and skiing and even getting to work via boat. He loved hunting and fishing and was an avid outdoorsman his whole life. Bob was valedictorian of his high school class and attended Bates College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree, Summa Cum Laude in Economics.

Bob worked in retail on the East Coast, and it was while at Herman’s World of Sporting Goods in 1983 that he & Anne met. They married on September 10, 1988. Their marriage was filled with laughter, love, family, and travel. Bob & Anne lived in Massachusetts until they bought a boat yard in Michigan with Bob’s lifelong best friend. They built a beautiful life in Coldwater, filled with dear friends. He was especially looking forward to living at the lake near friends and teaching his grandkids to fish. Bob loved to tutor, to work with kids in the local ESL program, help with Ducks Unlimited, and to coach soccer, especially his girls. He was immensely proud of his girls. He always loved spending time with them and loved having them and their families nearby.

Bob had a wicked sense of humor. His quips and quick wit were legendary. He was the consummate “doer,” leading to a family joke of “Bob’ll do it” whenever something needed to be done. Bob was a voracious reader and loved to read all sides of an issue. He worked to have you think about your position often taking the opposite side just to challenge you. He helped at the Branch County Shelterhouse, doing anything asked of him (except walking in heels for their “walk a mile in their shoes”!) He was an excellent chef, a talented photographer, a master gardener, and a skilled woodworker. Those who received his exquisite pieces will treasure them forever.

Bob loved being at the family cottage in Tawas, fishing, boating and being with family and friends. If he wasn’t on the breakfront watching the boats go by, he was in his shop fixing things cottages would bring his way. His TBC family welcomed him and meant the world to him.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Love Marso; his daughters and their families, Katie (Alex) Cooley, Janie (Alex) Poff; grandson Emerson; his sister, Marianne McKenna; his brother, Jeff (Christine) Marso; his mother-in-law, Marcie Love; his sisters-in-law, Cathie Love (George Berg) and Sally Love; his nieces and nephews; two dogs, Dasher and Beau; and many dear friends. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Bob follows in death his parents, Bob and Jane Marso, Anne’s father Mike Love; cousin Molly Woodroofe, and his dog Chadly.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Tawas Beach Club Growth Fund.

There will be a celebration of Bob’s life on what would have been his 70th birthday, Thursday May 25th, 5:00-7:00pm, at the Marso residence. As Bob was not a formal guy, please wear a Hawaiian shirt in his memory. www.dutcherfh.com.