Bob Mifsud

Friendly, caring, and kind, Bob Mifsud lived a life rich in family and friends. Bob could talk to anyone easily, embracing each moment as a gift and every person as a friend. He was outgoing and enjoyed a good adventure, especially when traveling. A man who confidently faced life’s challenges, Bob found joy in the simplest things. Whether watching a favorite movie, spending time with his kids and grandkids, talking on the phone with family, or sharing a good meal, Bob felt content with his life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Bob will long be remembered and so very missed.

The son of Paul Mifsud and Mary Farrugia, Bob was born on August 10, 1944 in Valletta, Malta. Bob and his family came to the United States in search of opportunities that were unavailable in post-World War II Malta when he was seven years old. His father found work at a hotel in downtown Detroit. The youngest of six children, Bob enjoyed a childhood rooted in close family relationships. He was especially close to his sister Marie, thanks in part to a bit of chocolate. While they still lived in Malta, Marie was not allowed to date. However, she’d give her brother a Hershey bar as an incentive not to tell their parents when she’d sneak out to meet her boyfriend!

After graduating from Holy Redeemer High School in Southwest Detroit, Bob began his 38-year career at General Motors in Hamtramck, Michigan. He worked in the finishing area and anyone who met Bob was sure to learn of his passion for locally made cars. Bob attended many car shows where he used his gift of gab to spend countless hours talking with the drivers. He had a special attraction to Corvettes.

While raising his sons, Dean and Don, Bob enjoyed coaching them in baseball for many years. As grandkids came along, being a well-liked man, Bob knew more people at the school than his grandkids did. Everyone fondly called him Mr. Bob.

While attending a house party, Bob introduced himself to Kimberly Haddock. Smitten with his pleasant personality, Kim agreed to a date. They married on May 3, 1991 and Bob welcomed Kim’s daughter Danielle as if she was his own.

Bob was an active man who enjoyed playing baseball, volleyball, racquetball, and floor hockey. Later, he learned to play pickleball and enjoyed a good game at Ramona Park or the YMCA. He was more than happy to introduce people to the game and meet new players. Bob and his sister Marie continued to enjoy a close relationship, often talking on the phone for hours. She loved to cook and macaroni and cookies were some of the special treats she made for him.

After living in Florida for a time in early retirement, Bob and Kim settled in Kalamazoo to be near their grandchildren. Bob loved watching his grandkids from the time they were babies and taking them to school when they were older. He relished trips to Disney World, his grandkids beaming with smiles the entire time. A classic movie fan, Bob’s favorite film was the 1938 version of A Christmas Carol. He’d watch it every Christmas season, so much so that his family would tease him about it. No matter how many times he watched it, he’d still cry at the end.

Bob and Kim celebrated their 25th anniversary in Las Vegas, where they saw a ventriloquist. They also took an adventurous road trip to Montana. A few of the places they visited included Glacier National Park, Mall of America, and Mt. Rushmore. He loved this trip and all the beautiful places and memories he shared with his family. A highlight of Bob’s life was attending an Adele concert in Auburn Hills where he was able to watch and sing along with one of his favorite performers.

Bob knew everyone in his neighborhood and liked learning about the exciting stuff happening in their lives. After suffering a stroke in February of 2021, Bob returned home from rehab to find that the neighborhood kids had decorated their house as a surprise and to show their support. Despite not being able to have the same jovial conversations anymore, Bob continued to enjoy simply being around others and sharing every moment.

An inspiration to all who were blessed to know him, Bob’s legacy of kindness will long live in the hearts of those he so dearly loved. In each moment we greet a stranger as a friend, watch a Red Wings Game or A Christmas Carol, cheer on our loved ones endeavors, or take an adventure with our family, we celebrate all the ways Bob made the world a better place. In this way, we keep his dynamic spirit alive and inspiring others as he inspired us.

Robert Mifsud of Portage, age 79, died on March 13, 2024. He is preceded in death by his son, Don; brothers, Charlie, John, and Paul; sister, Marie; and parents. Surviving are his wife, Kimberly; son, Dean (Tina); daughter, Danielle (Chris); grandchildren: Stephanie (Gary), Katy, Donnie, Garrett, Drew, Sydney, and Thorin; 2 great-granddaughters, Keva and Molly; brother, Joe (Mary); sister-in-law, Carmen; many nieces and nephews; and special neighbors, the Janiks.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Saturday, March 23 at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Donations may be made to CURED Foundation or the Mifsud Family c/o Kimberly Mifsud for assistance with medical expenses. Visit Bob’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, or sign his guestbook.