Robert E. Stoddard

Whether working on research, overseeing students, beginning a new project, taking on a complex Sudoku puzzle, or enjoying time with his beloved family, Robert “Bob” Stoddard approached all things with discipline, dedication and scholarship. A first impression might portray a somewhat reserved, stern man but, first impression would soon reveal a kind, humorous and generous gentleman. He was a gentleman in every sense, and lived by all things proper. He gave from his heart, and was equally loved in the hearts of those he left behind.

After the crash of the stock market in 1929, the great Depression spread throughout America, and by 1931, the jobless rate reached nearly four million. Even so, American’s continued to be optimistic, and looked toward the future. Families across the nation were in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star Spangled Banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem. Despite the struggles of the day, Edgar S. and Mary Alleen (Anderson) Stoddard of Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, anticipated the birth of a new child in their lives. On the first day of spring, March 20, 1931, they were indeed blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy whom they lovingly named, Robert Eugene Stoddard.

The youngest of four children in the Stoddard household, Robert was also welcomed by his older siblings, twins Edgar and Marion Alleen, and brother, William. His family made their home in Berwyn, Illinois where Robert, otherwise known as Bob, was raised. Devout to his Catholic faith, he served as an altar boy at church. He enjoyed a childhood of adventure with summers spent in “God’s Country”, Paw Paw Lake in Watervliet, Michigan. Bob attended Saint Leonard’s Catholic Elementary School. Attending J Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois, he participated in drama club, and was a member of the swim team.

Bob truly enjoyed the months of May through September during the years of 1950 and 1951. During this time he worked for the Chicago, Duluth and Georgian Bay Transit Company of Chicago, Illinois. He served as a linen keeper and bus-boy on the passenger ship S.S. North American, and as Chief Storekeeper, responsible of ordering, distributing and inventorying all food and supplies needed for a ship of 500 passengers and 150 crew members.

Bob matriculated at the University of Illinois in 1949, before transferring to Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry and Biology in 1957. President Ronald Reagan was privileged to be among Robert Stoddard’s Fraternity Brothers, Tau Kappa Epsilon at Eureka College. Bob was also a member of Sigma Zeta Science Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Sigma, and Drama Society. In the interim, between the commencement of Bob’s college studies and graduation, from January 1951 through January of 1959, he was in the United States Naval Reserve, where, in 1953, was graduated from Naval Submarine School.

Continuing his extensive formal education, in 1958 through 1960, Bob attended Illinois State Normal University, Springfield, Illinois, in order to earn his Illinois Secondary Teaching Certification. Thereafter, while working full-time, Bob enrolled at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1963 to 1971; again while working otherwise full-time, until he received his Michigan Teaching Certification. Having not yet slaked his thirst for education, Robert had simultaneously entered Central Michigan University, where he was graduated in 1971 with a degree of Master of Science in Biology. Bob was the recipient of the National Science Foundation Award for three years of research which he completed on Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island. After serving eight years, in 1959, Bob was honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserves.

In 1954, he married Susan (Woolley), and became the proud father of three children, Sandra, Robert Jr., and Shelley. In 1962, Bob settled his family in Portage, Michigan after taking a position with the Vicksburg Schools. Eventually he accepted a position at Climax-Scotts Public Schools where he taught for the next 23 years, Subject matter he taught was Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Science, Botany, Ecology, Anatomy, Experimental Biology, Earth Science, Life Science, Math and General Science. He also served, for a period of time, as the Junior High Principal, Innovator and Director of Seventh Grade Camp, Transportation Supervisor, Science Department Head, Director of Federal Programs and Community School use. Although his marriage later ended in divorce, Bob was always a caring father.

On July 2, 1977, he married Diane King, the music director at Climax-Scotts Schools. He soon took the role of “Band Dad." Bob was always supportive in all aspects of the music programs. He even served for a term as the Co-Treasurer for District 11, MSBOA, (Michigan School Band and Orchestra). Known as “Sir” to all students, he was well loved and respected for his expectation of high standards and his gentlemanlike qualities. The following is a quote of Kevin Harvey, one of Climax-Scotts Alumni.

Mr. Stoddard’s Opus

“When growing up, any young boy has a select few people to whom he looks upon for the standards to "be a man." Like many, I had a wonderful father and grandfather and uncles to help me define those standards. But, I like to think I had an edge in life. I also had Mr. Stoddard.

Being a member of the Stoddard band empire from 1991-1998, I had many opportunities to rib him about working infinitely harder in his retirement years than he likely ever did on payroll. The man could be counted on for any need or any deed. He never asked for anything in return. He loved the children who loved his wife and we all loved him in return.

“The man is among the first names that come to mind when I hear the word selfless. Even in what would end up being my last visit with him, the man insisted he and the Mrs. take me out dinner, their treat, five minutes after being discharged from the hospital.

We all have great memories, great stories to tell of a kind man, generous almost to a fault, who may well have given the single, greatest fight against illness I have ever known.

I know with your good nature, you never had any incentive for personal gain from your good deeds. But what you got was the love and admiration of hundreds of students who will always feel as if they really were one of your kids.

God Speed, Sir. Your spirit lives on in all our hearts.

I will never forget you. I will always draw inspiration from your courage, your tenacity and your willingness to go a hundred extra miles if it meant helping someone move one mile along their own path.

Rest in peace and always know we love you very much.

Always your friend,”

After retiring from Climax-Scotts Public Schools in 1985, Bob returned to his roots. He began working as a chemist with Roto-Finish and Hammond Industries, and permanently retired in 1991.

Bob was a project type of man and enjoyed remodeling his home and the beloved cottage at Paw Paw Lake. He was an avid Sudoku player, and liked keeping up with the latest from his family. Each of their successes made him more proud, and in their company, he found great joy. With five grandchildren growing and beginning families of their own, Bob was looking forward to the coming birth of his first great-grandchild.

Generous to the core and loving with all his heart, he was known for his comical facial expressions, especially when showing his softer side.

In 1985, he was diagnosed with what was to be his first encounter of cancer. Since that time, he battled four various forms of the disease. As stated by a dear friend, Bob won all the battles but lost the war. After giving his all, Robert E. Stoddard, at the age of 81, died Sunday, April 29th, 2012 at the Heartland Healthcare Center of Kalamazoo with his beloved wife, Diane, loving nephews, Kevin and

Aaron Ohm, and dear friend Fontayne Bovee- Simpson by his side.

A gentleman in the highest regard, Bob lived life serving towards the betterment of others. In all he did, his greatest joy and peace was found in the company of those he loved and cared for. Deeply missed, his legacy will live on in ways he could only have imaged.

Bob is survived by his wife, Diane; children: Sandra (Robert) O’Daniel, Robert (Deborah) Stoddard Jr., Shelley Bennett; grandchildren: Andrew (Amy) Stoddard, Alicia (Shawn) Fraser, Amy Stoddard, Katy O’Daniel, Dana Bennett; his brother, Edgar (Gilberta) Stoddard; sister-in-law, Delores Stoddard; his “unofficially” adopted daughter, Melessa Taylor; and special nephews, Kevin and Aaron Ohm.

Visit with Bob’s family and view his life story film Wednesday from 4-7 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) where Scripture will be held at 6:45 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday , May 3, 2012, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church; 936 Lake Street, Kalamazoo. Please visit Bob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, photo, and sign his online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Kid’s Wish.