Robert John Bishop

Robert John Bishop, 88, of St. Ignace, passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace. He was born September 28, 1929, to Captain Melvin "Mike" and Eileen (nee Hasset) Bishop in Sault Ste. Marie. He met his one and only girlfriend and lifetime partner, Patricia "Patsy" Halberg in 1944. She was in the eighth grade, and he was in the ninth grade. They were married October 14, 1950, at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace by Mr. Bishop's cousin, Father Bill Sherzer. They made their home in St. Ignace. Mr. Bishop held a Seaman 1st Class license before enlisting in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War and also stateside in Battle Creek. He loved his country and enjoyed wearing his uniform and carrying the flag during parades in St. Ignace. In his last years he was able to ride on the veterans' float. He was a builder early in his working career. He built his first house, his own home on Medora Street in St. Ignace, when he was 19 years old. He also worked as an ironworker on the Mackinac Bridge and elsewhere in northern Michigan for many years. He was the first substance abuse counselor in Mackinac County, where he worked for many years. He was a tireless advocate for those suffering with alcoholism, and he made many late night visits to lend his help. Mr. Bishop also served as the Moran Township building inspector for more than 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, and football. He and his best friend, Carl "Bud" Mortensen, attended most St. Ignace Saints football games together. They remained great friends for nearly 75 years, and they were golf partners and football buddies. They served as the best man at each other's weddings. They were partners, along with three other men, in the Pine River Hunt Club, which they purchased in 1973. They enjoyed many years together during deer season with all of their families. In the last few years, they continued their friendship and enjoyed long rides to the "camp," road trips, and lunches along the way. Mr. Bishop loved football, and in his youth got to play at Soldier Field in Chicago. His team won the city's championship that year. As a young boy, Mr. Bishop spent a lot of time on tugboats with his father sailing the Great Lakes. He attended an all-boys Catholic grade school in Chicago before his family moved to St. Ignace in 1944 to begin his freshman year at LaSalle High School. He was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace since 1944. He and his wife enjoyed spending 29 winters in their apartment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He loved the warm, moist air and would jokingly say, "Not bad for a carpenter, ay?" They would return to their home on Lake Huron each spring, where they enjoyed golfing and playing bridge together. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two children and their families, Mike and Marci Bishop of St. Ignace and Penny and Dick Vokes of Harbor Springs; two grandchildren, Christopher Pemble of Petoskey and Lindsay Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie, and four great-granddaughters, Paige, Grace, Sophia, and Emelia Pemble. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bishop was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and Joe. Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, August 10, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace with Father Frank Ricca and Father Norbert Landreville officiating. Visitation was from 10 a.m. to time of the service at the church. Pallbearers were members of the Knights of Columbus. Burial was at St. Ignatius Loyola Cemetery in St. Ignace with graveside military rites conducted. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Ignace Saints football program. Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.

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Robert John Bishop

August 7, 2018