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April 5, 2016

Robert Harvey Ray




    Robert Harvey Ray

   Died March 31, 2016



Robert “Poppa” Harvey Ray of Suttons Bay, MI passed away peacefully in Bloomfield Hills, MI on March 31 with his family at his side.  He was born in Manistee, MI.  He is survived by the love of his life, Sally (Parrott) of Suttons Bay, MI; his two sons, Eric (Jill) of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Andy (Donna) of Winter Park, FL; and his two grandchildren, Alex and Jamie.



He graduated from Michigan State University in 1956.  He was in the ROTC and was an Army Captain in the reserves.  While at MSU, he met and eventually married Sally Marie Parrott of East Grand Rapids, MI in 1957.  Following college, he started a long and rewarding career at Michigan Bell Telephone working in various management and executive positions in computer operations and labor relations.  He was named an honorary member of the Communication Workers of America Union for his time spent bargaining several new labor contracts.



Bob retired from Michigan Bell after 34 years.  He and Sally headed north to settle in Suttons Bay, MI.  During retirement, Bob was active in the Episcopal Church, Suttons Bay Rotary Club, Suttons Bay-Bingham Fund and enjoyed volunteering at Munson Hospital.  He was an avid reader of U.S. History.   What he loved most was spending the summers with his two grandchildren building things, buying things, playing games, and boating.



The family is planning a celebration of life ceremony on May 14 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, MI from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a luncheon at Boones Prime Time Pub.  In lieu of flowers, donations will support the Pancreas Center Gift Fund.   Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI  48104.   You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website http://victors.us/roberthray to make your gift.  If your company supports a matching gift program, please also go to https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/how/matching


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1 comment:

  1. Sally, I am so very sorry to hear of this. I always enjoyed chatting with you and Bob about Manistee, etc., when you came in. My heart just breaks for you. I'm sure you are surrounded by the love of your children, grandchildren, and friends. My thoughts are with you.
    Colleen Rakunas (formerly of Dr. Feeney's office)

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