Robert Loyd Heasley

Robert (Bob) Loyd Heasley passed away peacefully the morning of May 22, 2018, just one month short of his 97th birthday. Bob was born on June 26, 1921 in Zeeland, Michigan. He was the son of Roy M. Heasley and Alyda (Veneklassen) Heasley. Bob's childhood was spent in Holland, Michigan. After graduating from Holland High School, he attended Hope College, Michigan College of Mining and Technology. He earned advanced degrees from the University of Michigan and Texas Tech. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. After almost four years of service in Louisiana, Alaska and Okinawa, he left the service and married the love of his life, June E. Baker, also from Holland. June gave birth to two sons: Robert B. Heasley and Charles W. Heasley. June and Bob moved to Kalamazoo in 1949, then to Parchment in 1953 where they resided until moving to The Fountains in 2013. Bob was employed by The Upjohn Company as a Chemical Engineer, Purchasing Agent and Chemical Production Manager until his retirement in 1983. While employed at Upjohn, Bob traveled extensively in Europe, Central America and actually moved to Puerto Rico, where they lived for three years. Bob was a Trustee of the Parchment Public Schools School Board and served as its President. He was also a long-time member of Rotary International, faithfully attending meetings of the Kalamazoo Chapter. After his retirement, Bob became a volunteer with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) as a small business advisor. He continued with SCORE until 2016 and was recognized as the Michigan Business Councilor of the Year in 2004. Bob was also busy as one of the first employees of StructureTec Inc. in Kalamazoo, and served as Treasurer, Board Trustee and Quality Manager for that Company, retiring in 2016 at the age of 95. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, wife June, sister Helen Mae and niece Patricia; also, by Wallace and Maralyn Schermer and nephew Richard Schermer. He is survived by sons Rob (Karen), Charles (Lorraine), grandsons Jon (Julie), Alan (Amie) and Colin Heasley. Bob also leaves three great-granddaughters, Sydney, Mackay and Ava Heasley. Bob was an avid swimmer, loved golfing with his friends and family, and enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan and Gull Lake. He was a very happy and friendly man, and had many, many friends. His smile was infectious, and he always had kind and encouraging words and deeds for anyone he met. Fine food was the highlight of each day for Bob. One of his favorites was chocolate covered donut holes which he enjoyed up until a week before his passing. Bob has been cremated according to his wishes. A private burial for Bob and June will take place at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. A gathering of friends and family is planned at The Fountains, 1700 Bronson Way on June 12 from 2:30-4:30pm to celebrate Bob and June's lives. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of SW Michigan in Bob's name.