Obituary of Robert D. Hare

Hare, Robert D. Saginaw, Michigan Robert D. Hare, 85, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving prayers at Cascades Senior Living in Midland on Saturday, September 30, 2017, after a lengthy illness. The son of the late Rev. Charles Henry Hare and Ethel Mary Hare, Robert was born July 24, 1932, in Saginaw, the youngest of eight children. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Diffell, on October 19, 1957. Her ability to sing the right high notes to complement his baritone made for a harmonious and musical marriage. Besides his wife of nearly 60 years, he is survived by his son Patrick (Krystol) Hare of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandchildren – Erika, Jacob, Lillian, Juliette, Scarlette and Beckham; and many dear nieces and nephews. Among the numerous loved ones who preceded him in death are his son Daniel, seven siblings and sister-in-law Helen Drzyzga. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. A graduate of Delta College, he worked at General Motors as a toolmaker, then mechanical engineer and project manager, retiring in 1987 after 32 years of service, which included many global assignments. He then worked at Wright-K Technology for 10 years. Ever the collaborator and problem-solver, Robert will be remembered as a trombone-playing, jazzy be-bopping, finger-snapping, joyful storyteller. He was an educator in all areas of his life – from teaching apprentices at GM and Delta College, to coaching athletics, to mentoring musicians and youth leaders. While stationed on Guam, he played in his unit's football league, and his skills as a running back earned him an invitation to play on the San Francisco 49ers practice team for two seasons. When injuries forced him to give up football, he took up soccer. He began playing hockey at the age of 40 and continued to play and coach hockey and soccer for many years. A long-time member of State Street United Methodist Church, Robert served as choir director and held many leadership positions in the church. He enjoyed many active retirement years with Betty, traveling, celebrating life with dear friends and family, and playing trombone in the Saginaw All Area Concert Band. A memorial service and celebration of Robert's life is planned for Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at State Street United Methodist Church, 3617 Mackinaw St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to State Street United Methodist Church or the charity of their choice.