Robert Andrews

Bob Andrews was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. Good-natured and incredibly selfless, he leaves behind a rich legacy of accepting people with compassion. His warm memories and loving ways will be deeply cherished by all who knew and loved him.

The 1930s were an important decade of change for the United Kingdom. This period kicked off with the country in the midst of the Great Depression and ended with it caught in its second world war. It was a time of struggle, uncertainty and families were just scraping by. On January 27, 1931, in the town of Coventry, Robert and Sybil (Emsley) Andrews saw a glimmer of hope with the birth of their son Robert Anthony.

Reflecting on his childhood, Bob recalled the challenges of living through WWII including frequent trips to air raid shelter and his father waiting in the long lines to receive rations. Surviving these times, gave him immense gratitude throughout his life. After graduating high school, Bob attended a local trade school to become a pattern engineer. His hard work paid off when he later landed a job at the Jaguar car company. During 1952-1954, he served in the 15 Training Battalion (D) RASC (Royal Army Service Corps) Posted to the Light Aide Detachment REME, Devon County, 15 Driver Training Battalion, REME Civilian Base, 13 Command Workshops. As a result, he held a strong passion for veterans over the course of his life. Bob was drawn to the promises and the opportunities of America and decided to move his wife and young family of two boys, Paul and Simon, to the United States. They lived in Phillipsburg, New Jersey for a time when his marriage ended and he later fell in love with Linda Laubach. They would marry and together raise Linda’s children Deborah, Barbara, Bill, and Stephen. They then moved to Portsmouth, Ohio where they married and had their son, Chris.

Bob’s career path led him to CWC Textron causing him and the family to relocate to Whitehall, Michigan. He was active in his community and enjoyed being a longtime member of the White Lake Lions Club where he served as President and zone chairman. As a provider, Bob gave so much of his time and resources to the family he loved. As a father, he never missed any of Chris’ games from baseball to bowling to golf! After retirement, he took a fun job for a couple of summers driving the train at Michigan Adventure’s Amusement Park. A job with less stress and something he truly enjoyed. Later he would work tirelessly taking care of his wife Linda as her health would decline over their golden years. Sadly, she passed in 2015 and shortly after Bob chose to move to Kalamazoo to be closer to Chris and his family. Friendship Village became his new home where he was known as “Jag Man” because he enjoyed giving residents rides in his Jaguar! He had great pride and Joy in his car, he entered it into several of the Gilmore Car shows.

For a man who sacrificed so much in life it was hard for Bob to indulge and spend his hard earned money on himself and to enjoy the fruits of his labor. In addition to his Jaguar, Bob bought a set of drums and then was a part of Friendship Village’s Kitchen Band where he played the bucket drum. The one hobby that he had real passion for was spending time in the woodshop at Friendship Village. Over time he crafted several cherished items such as tables, bowls, and wine racks . Residents fell in love with his charm, sense of humor and out going nature. Bob was always up for a good time. A lover of Jazz, he was thrilled to visit New Orleans to listen to Jazz music and show his grandson, Gannon, a bit of the military history of the area. Whether he was with his grandson or people of his own age, he could share a different perceptive of wars since he was British. When it came to sports, he loved the University of Michigan football and the Detroit Lions. Above all else, Bob enjoyed spending time with his growing family.

Just as he was active in his fatherhood, he was equally engaged as a grandfather. He followed his grandkids’ sporting events and enjoyed watching Chris coach baseball. Supportive and encouraging, he later became a father figure to his granddaughter, Michelle. Present, honest, and straightforward, Bob lived his life with honesty and integrity. May the treasured memories he shared stay forever in the hearts of his loved ones and may they find great comfort in knowing they were loved beyond measure.

Robert “Bob” Andrews, age 92, of Kalamazoo and formerly of Whitehall, died on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He is survived by his children: Chris (Staci) Andrews, Paul Andrews, Simon Andrews, Bill (Peggy) Clauss, Barbara Brinkman, and Deborah Walsh; grandchildren: Sarah, Stephanie, Cathy, Michelle, Gannon, Brayden, Rylan, Kaylani, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; a grandson Michael; and a son, Stephen.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life Service will be held from 10:30 until 12 noon on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Friendship Village Kiva, 1400 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo. A reception will follow after the service. Bob will be buried next to his wife Linda in the Oakhurst Cemetery in Whitehall. Visit Bob’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Westside Lions Club. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.