Robert "Bob" L. Bridges

Bob died peacefully at Hospice House in Traverse City after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Detroit Michigan to Claude and Leona (Hazen) Bridges. He grew up in Detroit, and attended Catholic Central High School. He attended the University of Detroit. After college, Bob pursued his career in Interior Design, with his first design job at J.L. Hudson Company in Detroit. Bob met and married the love of his life, Dottie McGeogh, in 1959 at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Detroit. They started their family, and moved to Traverse City in 1968. He started his own design studio, Village Interiors, in Old Town. His first contract was with Frank and Mary Anne Ball, developing Sugarloaf Ski Resort. From there his business took off, and he designed many commercial and residential buildings over the years. His final big project before retiring was the remodel of Shanty Creek Resort in the 1990’s. Bob was always very involved in the Traverse City community. Along with Norm Britten, he started the Immaculate Conception Men’s Club; served as the chairman of the Catholic Human Services for the Diocese of Gaylord; was President of the Wigwam Club for NMC; coached American Legion baseball; served on the Elmwood Township Zoning Board; served on numerous committees at the TC Golf & Country Club; ran the Bingo for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) for many years (and became known as “Bingo Bob”); headed the first annual Traverse Golf Classic benefiting GTACS; was one of the founding fathers of the Gladhander Auction for GTACS; was a member of the Kiwanis and Elks clubs; was an Eucharistic Minister for Father Fred’s outdoor Masses at the old State Hospital and at Immaculate Conception; designed Cherry Festival floats for both GTACS and the TC Public Schools; helped design the St. Clare’s Chapel at St. Francis High School; as well as many other community contributions over the years. An avid golfer, Bob and Dottie were members of the TC Golf & Country Club for many years. In 1977, he won the Walter Hagen Invitational Golf Tournament, and was presented the trophy by then President Gerald R. Ford and Gordie Howe. Bob was a devoted family man, setting an example to all who knew him of hard work, integrity, humility and character. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through his large, loving family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tom and Claude Bridges, sister-in-law Judy Bridges, and daughter Theresa “Terri” (Bridges) Price. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 57 years Dottie, sons Rob (Marcia) Bridges of Indianapolis, Mike (Kris) Bridges of Bloomfield Hills, Matt (Reba) Bridges of Byron Center, and daughter Molly (Mike) Williams of Traverse City, 21 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 11, with an hour of visitation immediately preceding it, in Centennial Hall. The Rev. Christopher Jarvis will preside. We believe Bob planned it this way, so that his family and friends could participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which begins at 1:30. Memorials may be directed to the Theresa (Bridges) Price Scholarship Fund of GTACS, the Music Program of GTACS, or to the Munson Hospice House. The family thanks the wonderful staff at the Hospice House, especially Mary Kuhn, for their caring support during this difficult journey. And special thanks to all those who provided meals to them while they were on this difficult journey.

Robert "Bob" L. Bridges

April 1, 1937 - March 8, 2017