Robert Arkins

Robert “Bob” Arkins was many things to many different people including a talented athlete, a savvy businessman, and a community advocate, but if you asked Bob, he would say he was simply the luckiest man on the face of the earth. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and could express himself with ease, paving the way for countless debates on any number of subjects with his wife, children, and friends. Bob was a man of great character and integrity. Although Bob made it well known that he viewed his family as his greatest gift, it was Bob who was a true gift to the world around him just by being himself.

The 1920s was a vibrant decade in America, full of new technology and advancements that forever changed the landscape of our nation. The IBM Corporation was founded, new radio stations were hitting the airwaves daily, and Broadway was at an all-time peak. This was a time of great celebration in the family of Harry and Anna (Cohen) Arkins as they welcomed the birth of their son, Robert, on April 30, 1924. Robert was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and joined older brother Richard in his family. The Arkins family moved to South Haven, Michigan, where Bob’s father opened the Arkins News Agency. As a boy, Bob sold newspapers for his father at the local resorts during the summer. He attended local schools and was a well-known tennis player throughout the state. Bob also excelled in basketball, football, and track, earning 11 varsity letters while in high school.

After graduating from high school in 1941, Bob went to the University of Michigan with the intention of going to law school. As a student, Bob had a thirst for knowledge and played both tennis and basketball as well. His plans to attend law school changed when Bob was called home to run the family business three years later. Bob also served as a United States Merchant Marine aboard the Esso Fleet Tanker, the R. G. Stewart during WWII.

Life was forever changed for Bob when he met the woman with whom he wrote an eloquent love story. Her name was Patricia Ryan, and she was a girl he knew in high school. The couple dated for a time, often visiting the Crystal Palace at Paw Paw Lake where they took in big band music with greats like Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. Pat affectionately called Bob “Twinkle Toes” then and the couple fell deeply in love. They were married on September 8, 1946, in South Haven. Since money was tight, the newlyweds honeymooned in Minnesota where they stayed in a cottage that belonged to one of Bob’s college roommates. Bob continued to own and operate Arkins News Agency, and his wife was known to leave him notes inviting him home for “lunch” from time to time. These lunch dates led to the births of three wonderful children, Richard, Jane, and Susan.

Being a husband and father seemed to be roles that were tailor made for Bob. He liked to write notes to his wife and children, some of which were silly while others were serious, and tape them up all around the house. Bob always told his wife, “I love you too much and very much,” and he always told his children, “If you can look in the mirror and like what you see, you’re good to go.” The lectures he gave his children were legendary, and who could forget the lively and fun debates that occurred at the Arkins home over the years.

Bob was a first-class businessman who not only owned and operated the news agency, but also Arkins Books, Cards & Gifts in South Haven. He also founded and co-owned Hall of Cards & Books in downtown St. Joseph, in Fairplain Plaza, and also at Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor. Bob was not only a businessman in his community, but an advocate as well. He was instrumental in setting up the bookmobile and book fairs for the elementary schools in South Haven and a member of the board of directors for both Citizens Trust and Savings Bank and the Van Buren Savings and Loan Association. Bob served on various community committees, but his favorites were the Community Recreation and Education Committee and the South Haven Downtown Development Authority. In 1997, Bob was honored to become an inaugural member of the South Haven High School Hall of Fame.

Although he worked hard, Bob played hard, too. He was an ardent and enthusiastic golfer who played many of the great golf courses in the country including Augusta National. Bob was also a member at Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club in Benton Harbor and at the South Haven Country Club where he won the championship eight times! He and Pat loved Sanibel Island and made it their winter home for 35 years. She loved shopping on Periwinkle Way, he had the golf course, and together they enjoyed the beach which included their favorite pastime of shelling. They made many lifelong friends there, especially during the "poolside cocktail hour" at the Island Beach Club where they lived.

There were so many things that made Bob such a remarkable man and for which he will be remembered. He had a great sense of humor and a unique laugh that could be recognized anywhere. Bob was a practical joker who liked teasing and horsing around with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He not only loved having debates, but always made time for open and honest discussions as well. Bob would sit down to play the piano just to be funny since he couldn’t really play. He had great respect for anyone who had musical abilities, especially his wife who was an accomplished violinist, and who helped established a scholarship fund in memory of South Haven's leading music educator, Michael Listiak, who was also their personal friend. When it came to his own musical taste, Bob loved big band music.

Robert Arkins was a kind and generous man who shared so much of himself with the world around him. He never hesitated to express his love for his family and kid around with them, even during the sunset of his life. Bob leaves behind a legacy rich in integrity, dedication, and laughter that will live on in the hearts and lives of all those whose lives he touched.

Robert Arkins of South Haven, MI and Sanibel Island, FL died on May 2, 2010. Bob’s family includes his children, Richard Arkins, Kalamazoo; Jane (Jim) Bauschke, Kalamazoo; and Susan (Roger) Olson, South Haven; his grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as 'Bunka', Ryan (Maureen) Bauschke, Kalamazoo; Patrick Bauschke, Portage; Jennifer Arkins, South Haven; Courtney Arkins, Chicago; Lauren Arkins, Kalamazoo; Reed Arkins, Kalamazoo; and his great-granddaughter Shae Bauschke, Kalamazoo. Bob's wife, Patricia, the love of his life, passed away in 1990. His brother Richard, a Navy pilot, died in WWII. Bob will be buried along side his wife at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. Family and friends celebrated Bob's life on May 15, 2010 at the South Haven Yacht Club.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, archive a favorite memory and photo of Bob, or make a memorial contribution to the Michael Listiak Scholarship Fund. Contribution information is listed on the website. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes (800-525-9675).