Bill Robbins

With a glimmer in his eye, a signature smirk, and a terrific wit, Bill Robbins lived filled with purpose, humor, and unwavering love for family and friends. A deeply rational and action-oriented man, Bill didn’t often speak of his love aloud. Rather, he showed it in everything he did. Generous, steadfast, and loyal, he lived by example, offering quiet strength, thoughtful insight, and unconditional support to those fortunate enough to be in his circle. Over the years, Bill grew more tender, deepening his devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and curiosity that will long be cherished.

1947 proved a year of continued celebration of the nation's momentous victory in World War II. America's heroes eagerly returned home to a country filled with renewed spirit and hope, ready to claim their share of the American Dream, which they fought so proudly for overseas. As American prosperity grew like never before in our history, hope sprang eternal, and the Greatest Generation soon proliferated, creating the age of the Baby Boomers. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the cause for celebration grew even greater for Clayton and Estelle (Swzat) Robbins as they welcomed their son Bill to their family on November 9.

Bill’s childhood was active and full – rich with sports, music, and the outdoors. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, an early sign of his drive and discipline. During his high school years at Loy Norrix, he played baseball and football, sang in the choir, and played trumpet in the band and orchestra. A lifelong learner, he also picked up guitar later in life. Though he didn't like to perform in front of others, he always loved music. When he suffered an injury after falling in the barn, his aunt and uncle gifted him his first Heathkit broadband radio receiver, of which he fully assembled during recovery, which led to a lifelong love for amateur radio. Little did he know then just how much this would influence the rest of his life and career.

Bill earned a scholarship to Western Michigan University for singing and trumpet performance, joining Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He completed his bachelor’s degree in finance, followed later by an MBA – a solid academic foundation for a distinguished career.

In 1970, Bill began working as a staff accountant at Fetzer Broadcasting. He rose steadily through the ranks, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President. His leadership extended beyond the company as he served on multiple boards including the Michigan Association of Broadcasting, First National Bank, and Kalamazoo Community College Foundation. After retiring from Fetzer, Bill followed a new interest in real estate, joining Callander Commercial.

Bill had the good fortune of meeting his wife Beth Cooper when she was student teaching, and her TA's husband (a classmate of Bill's) introduced them. The couple's first date included ice skating and putting up a Christmas tree. Setting their hearts on building a future together, Bill and Beth married in 1972.

Blessed to welcome two sons to their family, Brett and Matt were Bill and Beth's delight. They modeled a relationship rooted in mutuality, respect, and loving compromise. Bill had a playful side, often teasing and joking. Beth would say, "If Bill's lips are moving, he's lying," and "Trust but verify." Their annual Christmas Eve parties became legendary family gatherings where Bill’s true personality would shine, especially when he took over bartending duties. He wasn’t the most skilled mixologist, but he loved the social aspect.

Bill’s passion for amateur radio was lifelong and deep. He became known among operators as “Mr. Heathkit,” due to his frequent buying, selling, collecting, and building of Heathkit radios. Even his phone had a Morse code ringtone. Bill shared his radio passion with his sons Brett and Matt, as well as his father Clayton. Bill regularly attended radio shows throughout the years, and in his later years began having weekly lunches with other retired operators in the Bonita Springs area. His grandsons, Aidan and Brody, also became involved. Whether it was building a basic receiver or retrieving the tiniest components that might’ve been dropped on the floor, Bill was able to share that passion with the new generation.

Bill also enjoyed playing golf. For 45 years, he and Beth were members at the Kalamazoo County Club and loved wintering and golfing in Bonita Springs, Florida. He also appreciated life’s simpler joys: a good plate of spaghetti and meatballs, fish and chips, onion rings, or a vodka tonic, with Absolute of course!

Always present, calm, and collected, Bill would quietly sit back and take things in, analyze people, and discern situations. If you were in his circle of friends, you were in for life. The best part of Bill's life was his grandchildren. Whether catching chipmunks with Brody, supporting Aidan as a swimmer, cheering on Alex’s endeavors, or enjoying family vacations, Bill relished his role as grandpa. You could see Bill light up when he was around his grandchildren, he was so proud of them and who they were becoming, and was honored to be a part of their lives.

Bill will long be remembered for his deep love and devotion to his family; the glimmer in his eye when he spoke about his joy; his generosity, support, reliability; and his passion for learning and researching. As we celebrate his life, may we find comfort in knowing Bill's legacy is most evident in these traits he proudly passed on to his sons and grandchildren, whom he adored.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Estelle (Swzat) Robbins. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Beth; sons: Brett (Tamara) Robbins and Matt (Emily) Robbins; grandchildren: Aidan Robbins, Brody Robbins, and Alexandra (Mike) McKee; sister, Dr. Caroline Heinman; and many nieces and nephews.

Join us for a Life Story Celebration on Wednesday, August 20, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Visitation will also be offered from 10-11 AM on Thursday, August 21, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators or the Potomac Valley Radio Club Scholarship c/o American Radio Relay League. Celebrate Bill's life online by sharing stories or photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.