Robert Harrison

TRAVERSE CITY — Robert E. Harrison, 87, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at Grand Traverse Pavilions.Bob was born in Lansing on Saturday, Feb. 9, 1924, the only child of Philo and Marguerite (Eicher) Harrison. He married Ann Derry on Saturday, May 30, 1992, in Traverse City. Leaving Michigan State University in 1942, he joined the U. S. Navy.After completing the Independent Duty Pharmacist Mate School, he joined the Submarine Force. At the end of the war, he started his own business, Cutless Homes Inc., with offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie. He served as president and general manager, moving the headquarters to Traverse City in 1964. The company built hundreds of homes statewide.Bob was past president of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club, director of The Honor State Bank, president of the Grand Traverse Area Home Builders Association, and had been vice chair of the Garfield Township Planning Commission. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church for several years, serving actively as Parish Council Chairman.Bob also was on the Finance Council for the church and school and served as an Eucharistic Minister.Surviving Bob is his wife of 23 years, Ann, and his daughter Janice Metz, of Traverse City. Also surviving are four stepchildren, Ray (Lori) Ramirez, of Midland, Steve Ramirez, of Traverse City, Robert (Sue) Ramirez, of Indiana, and Deborah (John) Norton, of Minneapolis; his stepgrandchildren, Vanessa, Raymond, Tyler, Marni, Kelly and Zoe; stepgreat-grandson, Austin; and many nieces, nephews and friends.The family would like to express their appreciation to Bortz Health Care, Grand Traverse Pavilions Aspen Wing, Munson Medical Center, home caregiver Kelly Card from the Commission on Aging and Drs. Jackson, Sitek, Slater, VanHousen, Smyka, Weisner, Sheldon, Mawby and Hanley for the excellent care they provided Bob. Visitation for family and friends will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 1, at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Scripture Service will be held at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Ken Stachnik and Father Jim Gardiner con-celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery at a later date.Please share memories and condolences with the family by way of Bob's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Robert Harrison

November 28, 2011