Robert Albert Jewell

Robert Albert Jewell, age 93, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away Thursday afternoon, December 31, 2015. He was born to Hazel E. (Houston) Jewell and Raymond Cundy Jewell in Big Rapids, Michigan on June 16, 1922. He was raised in Pontiac, MI where he attended the First Congregational Church. At 12 years of age, he joined Boy Scouts of America, eventually attaining the highest rank of Quarter Master, in Sea Scouts (which is equivalent to an Eagle.) After completing high school he worked for GM for a year or so, prior to attending MSC (Michigan State University) for veterinary medicine. While in Vet. School, Bob enlisted in the US Army reserves in the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program.) After receiving his DVM degree, he joined UNRRA (United Nations Relief & Rehabilitation Administration) under the Marshall Plan to repopulate cattle to Italy and horses to Poland. This was from 1946-47, following WWII. On March 7, 1947, he married his childhood love, Damaris Allyne Rowston. They packed all their belongings into their 1937 Oldsmobile and ferried across the Straits of Mackinac, to Pickford, where he began his large & small animal veterinary practice. Eight years and 3 sons later, they moved to Mackinac Trail, near Sault Ste. Marie, where Bob maintained his business until 2007, totaling 61 years of practicing his lifelong dream of working with animals. It was during this time he and Damaris had 4 more children and Bob dedicated any free time volunteering for Boy Scouts of America. He served as Scout Master for 20 years, touching the lives of many. This passion lasted from 1959 until 2012, as Bob continued work at Boy Scout camp, with weekend work trips, lasting for more than 40 years. Hiawatha Scout Camp evolved from trail blazing the roads to maintaining the pristine campsites, which involved a multitude of humanitarians helping. In honor of Bob, a structure was dedicated as the "Doc Jewell Pavilion." Music and Dancing were a lifelong interest for Bob. He and Damaris frequented YMCA weekend dances regularly, mentored youth dancing in Pickford, and participated in both square and round dancing for well over 40 years. "Doc" also taught Red Cross swim classes, so many a youth could have that life-long skill. Gardening was a crown jewel for Bob, also, as many people have enjoyed the fruits of his labors after harvest. He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie, SAE Foundation, American Legion, and MSU Alumni. He initiated the Camp Hiawatha Development Foundation, which is a non profit Boy Scouts of America working fund. Robert was preceded in death by both parents, a brother: Leon Ray Jewell; and two sons: Marc Rowston and Wade Robinson Jewell. He is survived by his loving wife: Damaris Allyne Jewell; three sons: Chad Houston (Dianne), Dana Brewster, and Derek Walker(Karen); two daughters: Catherine Windiate Jewell Archer (Andrew) and Patricia Allyne Jewell, a special daughter-in-law: Peggy Leigh Riddle Jewell; grandchildren: Abby, Levon, Samuel, Marc, Adam, Chad, Aubrey, and Joshua (Clifford and Arielle); and a sister: Marilyn Jean Jewell Campbell. Cremation has taken place. A "Celebration of Bob's Life" will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the First United Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will start at noon and will be followed by a time of sharing memories. Anyone wishing to remember Doc Jewell, may make (tax deductible) contributions to the "Camp Hiawatha Development Foundation" (a non-profit Boy Scouts of America fund), note....c/o Scott at Parker Ace Hardware, 819 Ashmun Street, SSM, MI, 49783.

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Robert Albert Jewell

June 16, 1922 - December 31, 2015