Robert "Bob" Vernon Donick

Robert (“Bob”) Vernon Donick’s patience finally ran out on a sunny Sunday morning, May 19, 2024. He was 71. Bob was born on July 21, 1952 to parents Robert and Maxine Donick, a very dark and stormy day, as was always relayed by his Mother (or, as he affectionately called her, “Ma”). Bob was the baby of the family, coming after his two older sisters Sherry and Susan. Bob was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, where he lived his entire life. As a child, Bob attended Bertha Vos Elementary School, followed by Traverse City Central High School, where he graduated in 1970. Bob was a proud Traverse City Trojan, where he played football as #52. Bob went to college at Ferris State University (Go Bulldogs). After college, Bob worked at the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department for 28 years, where he retired as a Lieutenant. Many of his friends on the force referred to him as “Sergeant Rock.” Bob’s later years were spent defending worker’s union rights as a Teamster’s Representative. Bob married his wife Debbie Donick in 1985 and was about to celebrate 39 years of “wedded bliss” (his words) this June. Debbie was the love of his life and he often remarked how lucky he was to have her. Bob was the proud father of three children - Melissa, Mitch, and Mallory - his three “M’s.” He was an active and supportive father, often coaching their sports teams, welcoming them all back home to live post-college, and providing for them however he could. To know Bob, was to love Bob - at least, most of the time. Despite his infamous grouchiness, Bob’s heart was big, kind, generous, and understanding. Bob had a great sense of humor and he was often chuckling at his own (inappropriate) jokes. Bob was a man who deeply appreciated tradition - Birthday celebrations; Thanksgiving dinners; Christmas mornings; Weddings; Graduations; Funerals; and even turning back the clocks at Daylight Savings Time. Bob found great joy in watching Tiger’s Baseball; going to Trojan football games; supporting Michigan State University athletics; tanning at the beach (especially Fort Myers Beach, FL); his daily 7/11 coffee and newspaper; reading; attending his grandchildren’s sports matches; playing golf; indulging in a Chef’s-Inn turkey cheddar sandwich, BK double-whopper with cheese, or a flurry from Bardon’s; watching game shows; online shopping; traveling; and talking baseball with his friends Stan Kozlowski and Bob Sadler. One of his proudest accomplishments was his 36 years of sobriety. Above all else, Bob’s biggest love was his family. Bob was so proud of his family and always spoke highly of his wife, children, and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Bob was the type of man who would do absolutely anything for his family. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Maxine Donick; older sister Sherry Horn and infant sisters Linda Rae and Sally Jo Donick; brother-in-law’s Mike Horn and Chris Graham; dear friend Peter John Batsakis; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bob is survived by his wife Debbie Donick; sister Susan Graham; brother-in-law Michael (Bonnie) Filter; children Melissa (Nate) Rousse, Mitchell (Alison) Donick, and Mallory (Ken) King; Grandchildren Joey, Logan, Kinsleigh, Sophie, Grady, Murphy, and Cale; Nephews Christopher, Jason, Jim, and Mark; his loyal Golden Retriever Muttley; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends. Bob was also eagerly awaiting the birth of his first great-grandson, Maverick Robert Donick, in July. Visitation for Bob will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10 am followed by a Memorial Service at 11 am in the Gardens at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay in honor of his love for the bays. In closing, as Bob would say, “Go Green!” Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with his family.

Robert "Bob" Vernon Donick

July 21, 1952 - May 19, 2024