Robert Cripps

The events and accomplishments of our lives touch many people over our lifetime. Rob Cripps’ accomplishments reached far beyond the scope of family and friends. Through his many years as a devoted teacher, he impacted thousands of young lives and his countless contributions to the school were immeasurable. Above all, Rob made people feel special. Within the chaos of life, he could always focus on what was most important to him: the people he loved.

The Great Depression dominated American life in the 1930s. The average American income decreased significantly, and hard times caused some people to question democracy and capitalism. By the end of the decade, however, World War II would revive the economy and bring American’s closer together. Despite the harsh economic times, Warren and Frances (Wisner) Cripps of Athens, Michigan had something wonderful to celebrate. On February 2, 1936, they were overjoyed with the birth of their first child, a son they named Robert. He was later joined by his sister, Carol Ann, who completed the Cripps household.

Rob was raised on their family farm in Athens. There was always work to be done on the farm, which fostered a strong work ethic in Rob. Every day before dawn, it was his responsibility to help milk the cows before heading off to school. Rob graduated from Athens High School in 1953, where he participated in many sports and school activities. He then went on to attend Albion College for 2 years before going to Western Michigan University, where he earned his BS degree in Education. Later in life, Rob went back to WMU and earned his Master’s degree.

It was during his early years at WMU that Rob met his future wife, Nina Armstrong. The two fell in love and were married on December 22, 1957, at the Congregational Church in Athens. Over the next several years, the couple was blessed with three beautiful daughters, all of whom brought them great pride and joy: Lisa (1961), Laura (1964) and Shannon (1966). As an educator, it was only natural that Rob instilled the importance of education to his daughters, though he was always very attentive and a great support to his girls in everything they did. When it came to summer vacations, the Cripps usually headed out west to hike in the mountains and admire the awesome landscape. And with no distractions around, it gave Rob an opportunity to give a history lesson as they traveled along. Because Rob was an early riser, he often felt his girls should be up too, so he would sing them an early morning song, much to their dismay.

Rob's first teaching position was in the Grandville Public Schools in the fall of 1957. Then, in 1959, Rob went to teach at Vicksburg High School, where he became an invaluable member of the staff and school. At Christmas time, Rob was known for wearing festive ties and decorating his classroom and the school office to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Rob also related well with the students and made learning fun by teaching them not only the facts, but the stories behind the facts. Besides teaching, Rob was actively involved in many of the school’s activities, including the sponsor for the National Honor Society for 35 years. He was also a huge support to their sports program as an umpire, scoreboard keeper, doing stats and selling tickets to events. He was also a meet manager for boys and girls basketball and the starter for track and cross country meets. Honestly, there wasn’t anything at the school that Rob didn’t have a hand in – he loved Vicksburg High School. After 38 years of teaching, Rob finally retired in 1995.

Besides being a devoted husband, father and teacher, Rob was also very active in his community. He was a member and secretary of the Vicksburg Lions Club for over 30 years, and grilled countless brats over the years in the Lions Club annual Vicksburg Celebration in July. Rob was also a member of the Vicksburg Historical Society, served on the Vicksburg School Foundation for a time and was an Alumni of Western Michigan University, Go Broncos! He and Nina were longtime members of the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and were active in many of the church activities. Rob served on many different boards and held various positions within the church. Since retiring from the school, he has served as a part-time custodian at the church for 7 years.

Although Rob was not one to be idle, he did enjoy sitting down to a good book, perhaps one from his vast collection or anything that relayed facts, especially Civil War history. His favorite fiction writer, however, was Louis L’Amour. As a lifelong sports fan, Rob liked to watch any kind of sport, though baseball was his all-time favorite and the Detroit Tigers was his number one team. What brought Rob the greatest happiness, however, was spending time with his precious grandchildren and being active in their lives, attending their sporting events, school activities and recitals. Rob was always in his glory surrounded by the love and smiles of his family and grandchildren.

Rob was many things in his life – an educator, a community advocate, a man of faith, but most importantly, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, who will be dearly missed.

Robert Cripps, age 72, of Vicksburg, MI, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2008, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo with his family present. Members of his family include his wife, Nina; 3 children: Lisa and her husband, Tadd Godfrey, of Alma, Laura and her husband, Mike Asher, of Vicksburg and Shannon and her husband, Steve Lord, of Alma. Other members of his family include his sister, Carol Ann Cripps of Athens; and 5 grandchildren: Hilary and Caleb Asher and Tess, Bonnie, and Charlie Lord.

Learn more about Rob, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday, July 10, from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main Street. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 11, at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Please visit Rob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home.