Robert E. Kendall's Obituary
Robert Eugene Kendall, age 90, passed away in Grand Haven, Michigan, on September 9, 2024. Bob was born on June 22, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Oscar and Betty (Davis) Kendall. Bob enjoyed working the family business at the Our Theatre as a young man. This is where his passion for popcorn began. When Bob was 15 he received the Sea Scout Heroism Award for helping to rescue a man from drowning at Pere Marquette Beach. He then graduated from Muskegon High School in 1952 where he was a starter for the 1951 Hall of Fame Big Red team. He played halfback, safety and was backup QB for the great Earl Morrall. Bob graduated from Michigan State University in 1957 with a degree in Economics. He enjoyed a 38 year career as a financial advisor and retired from PaineWebber (UBS Financial Services) in 1996. He was named executive vice president and eventually branch manager.
Bob had a passion for volunteering in the Muskegon community. He was a member of Muskegon AMBUCS since 1960 and served as president and district governor. He also served on the Ex-Offender Program, Pioneer Resources Board, and was a founding member of the Father Jack LaGoe Foundation. Last but not least, he was a lifelong MSU Spartan and Muskegon Big Reds fan.
Bob’s greatest passion was his love of photography. He won Muskegon Chronicle Photo Contests and was a former member and President of The Muskegon Camera Club. Bob was the photographer for countless weddings, religious retreats, youth sports and high school seniors. He had his own dark room and enjoyed developing his favorite photos and was always looking for the next best camera lens. He wanted that perfect shot! Bob and his wife, Mary, would pack up their dinner and his camera often and head down to Pere Marquette Beach to catch the perfect sunset. Bob and Mary loved to travel in their motor home visiting family and to several national parks....always with camera in hand.
Bob is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Kendall, brother David (Barb) Kendall, and his children Debra Kendall, Steve (Chandra) Kendall, Julie (Chad Dawson) Kendall, Scott (Lyn) Kendall, Rob (Amy) Kendall, Tracy (Jon) Hornbeck, and Jason (Jenny) Eichorst. In addition, he is survived by 13 grandchildren: Sarah Bernstein (Zach Zebarth), Bob McEwen, Michael McEwen, Claire Kendall, Cole Kendall, Ben Kendall, Kyle Kendall, Kaden Kendall, Jacob Hornbeck, Matthew Hornbeck, Ryan Hornbeck, Anna Eichorst, and Alex Eichorst. Bob was predeceased by his parents, sister Nancy McNiff Morgenstern, and grandson Kenneth McEwen. Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Community Church, 134 East Barney, Muskegon Heights, MI, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Pioneer Resources.
Please share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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