Robert K. Craker
Died Nov. 10,2014
Robert was born Dec. 22, 1947 in Woodstock,
Illinois the son of Robert Lee Craker and Pauline Jean (Kehl) Craker.
Rob was well known for his gift in fine
art. His God given talent was apparent
when he was a young boy and continued to grow with him throughout his entire
life. He loved hiking the beaches along
Lake Michigan, often prepared to seek a quiet spot to sit and create a
masterpiece of the surrounding beauty.
There were no boundaries when it came to the
materials he used when creating his "pieces". He was versed in pastels, water colors, pen
and ink, oil paints and more. From
scraps of matting and framing material he would make finely crafted boxes and
delicately embellish them with rice paper, beads or birch bark. Tables made of old wood and birch, finely
detailed with dog wood and grapevine were another expression of the artist
within.
He brought his artistry to the kitchen as
well, whipping up favorites for family and friends, as well as experimenting
with new or made-up recipes. He was also
a life-long reader, consuming books and then sharing them with others. Robs'
gift was limitless.
As a young man, Rob was rather
"mischievous". It wasn't until
his sisters were older, of course, that he found it appropriate to share some of
the stories he fondly recalled regarding
the adventures he and his best friends would embark on. His stories were always told with much love
and his awesome sense of humor leaving his recipients in a fit of laughter.
Rob won the hearts of those who cared for him
with his genuine gratitude, concern for others and his life-long sense of
humor. He was strong in his faith and
walked with God each day. He was true to
his family and friends and loved them all deeply. Rob was a simple man who was simply loved by
all those fortunate enough to have known him.
Robert is survived by his sisters, Jeanne E.
(Fred) Harter and Julie A. Story.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline
in 1980, his sister, Cynthia Frank in 2009, and his father, Robert in 2011.
A celebration of Robert’s life with friends
and family will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 with the family greeting
friends one hour prior at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
Memorials may be directed to Salvation Army, P.O.
Box 5228, Traverse City, MI, 49696-5228
Although I didn't know Robert, I wish to send my deepest condolences to your family in this extremely difficult time. I understand how painful it is to lose someone you love dearly. There is something that always brings me much comfort and I wanted to share that comfort with you. One of the things that most of us want is to be able to see our dead loved ones again. The wonderful news is that this will be possible in the near future. Notice the promise found at John 5:28, 29: "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." Yes, soon you will have the chance to welcome Robert back in perfect health to beautiful conditions right here on a cleansed earth! What an exciting time that will be! Right now, death still brings us much pain and suffering. We long for the time when God will "swallow up death forever." (Isaiah 25:8) Until that time, may you continue to learn about the Bible's promises and about the One who made them, Jehovah God; that way, you may be here to welcome Robert back. (John 17:3) May you find the most comfort in the resurrection hope and again, my deepest condolences go out to your family during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to hear of Robert's passing. I purchased a large mixed media piece of his in about 1975 (dated 1969) from Munson Medical Center's Gallery-don't know if they still do that. It was specifically purchased for my first home in the Holiday Hills area and has since moved to Old Mission Peninsula, Suttons Bay, and as of late this summer to the city of Traverse City. It has given me and others great pleasure over almost 40 years and will continue to so . I also own and display a pencil drawing done in 1977 and a small watercolor done in 1973. He was very talented. I regret never having met him.
ReplyDeletePaul
I was really sorry to hear about Rob. He has been a good friend over many years and while I didn't see him often, there is a hole in my life now, as I am sure there is for all his family and friends. He was a great guy with a wicked sense of humor, and so, so much talent. I will miss him.
ReplyDelete