Robert Klein

KLEIN, Robert (Bob) -- Age 67, of Bancroft, died July 31, 2017. Services will be held 11AM October 2, 2017 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions to Hospice House, 2005 E. Copas Rd., or Wildside Rehabilitation Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI. 48827(Bobs favorite charity). Bob was born November 1, 1949 to Harold and Marguerite (Rosseel) Klein. He attended East Detroit High School graduating with the class of 1967. Bob served in the United States Navy. He married Joan Hayden on September 13, 1972 in Miami FL. Bob was employed by Verizon. He worked with computers as a communications technician. Bob loved gardening, cutting through his 16 acres of woods and cattail swamp land, practicing Tai Chi barefoot by the pond, and woodworking. His home is graced with his skilled craftsman creations. Bob was an avid reader studying world religions, sciences, and different histories of Christianity. Though Bob was a private person, he had an engaging personality amongst family and friends which is best summed up by words his nephew Colin wrote him: "In a room full of people you are always the happiest one there. You just exude joy and contentment in every moment and always have that divine twinkle in your eye, like a white star shimmering in the night. Whenever I share something with you I see that sparkle of interest in your eyes for me and you make me feel like I am the most important person in the world. Anyone who has ever spoken to you knows exactly what I am referring to. It is your precious gift to us." Not many people knew about Bob's effort to aid any injured animal who crossed his path. Once he plunged fully clothed in 12 foot deep pond to rescue a fledgling robin who had panicked in its first flight and landed in the water. Bob saw a fish pull the little bird under, but when the robin suddenly and unexpectedly popped back to the surface Bob leaped in and scooped it up. Later that day after drying in the sunshine the baby bird was reunited with it's parents. Another time Bob pulled his vehicle over at the busy intersection of 152 and Lansing Rd. in Perry, a large gull had been hit by a vehicle and was struggling mightily with damaged wings in a rushing stream of rain water in the storm gutter. Without a thought for his own safety Bob gathered the bird up into his jacket, brought it home, and we drove it to Wildside Nature Center in Eaton Rapids. One night Bob rescued three kittens lying dehydrated in the middle of South Bancroft Rd. at 4 am in the morning as he made rounds in his telephone truck. He placed two of the comatose kittens on the front door of his truck but the third took off running through a ditch filled with water and high weeds. Bob plunged in and upon hearing a weak meow and with a lucky stab and grab into the dark he was able to snatch up the third kitten. With bottle feedings they were restored to health and still reside with us today as 13 year old cats Bob's lap was a popular spot to occupy and his gently stroking fingers were always in demand. If you knew Bob you knew him as non-bigoted, free thinking, progressive, tolerant, generous and now you know a little bit about his tenderness of heart. Bob is survived by his wife Joan; brother, Ron (Terra) Klein; sister, Marlene (Len) Zera; nephews, Colin (Grace) Klein, Andrew (Kate Raleigh) Zera, Marc (Alissa Siegenthaier) Zera; great nephew, Christian Klein; mother-in-law, Darlene Hayden; sisters-in-law, Cary Aguirre, Karen (Steve) Lere, Kay Hayden Summerton, Lynne (Bryan) Stephens; brother-in-law, Harry Hayden (Rita Barclay); ten loving nieces and nephews-in-law; special cousins Marilyn (Rick) Knight, Michele (Rich) Witinko; and many other cousins who loved him. Thank you to caring friends who stood by him all the way, Rosanne and Fabian Salinas, Mike and Barb Seger, James and Kay Kiomento, Frank and Sandra Poszywak; and each and every outstanding nurse and staff member at Owosso Memorial Cancer Center, Memorial Healthcare Hospice, and the Hospice House, Owosso. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; Harold and Marguerite Klein; and father-in-law, Harry Hayden. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.