Robert L. Riddle

Robert Lee "Bob" Riddle, age 88, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away early Thursday morning, January 23, 2014 at War Memorial Hospital's Long Term Care Unit with family members at his side. Bob was born on July 19, 1925 in Durand, Michigan, the son of the late Clyde and Mabel (Walter) Riddle. Bob spent his childhood hunting, trapping, and even living in the woods in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. On December 21, 1943, he married Jeanette Wilcox in Owosso, Michigan. Bob earned his livelihood in the woods he loved so dearly. He managed a conservation department game farm near Mason, MI and ran a sporting goods store in West Branch, MI before settling permanently into his professional tree trimming career. His extensive experience with Heath Tree Service led him to the Upper Peninsula and the founding of his own company, Northern Peninsula Tree Service, which serviced public utility companies throughout northern Michigan and eastern Wisconsin. Over the years, countless young men learned the ins and outs of tree trimming and industrial line clearance under Bob's skillful tutelage. He took great delight in showing those youngsters that an "old dog" could still hold his own working alongside them. In the late 1980s, Bob considered retirement and sold his business, only to have Edison Sault Electric solicit his leadership in running its subsidiary, Northern Tree Service. As a result, Bob continued working daily until the age of 84. Working in the woods was never enough to satisfy Bob's love of nature; he sought his recreation there as well. He was an avid sportsman, hunter, and fisherman. His love of snowmobiling led to his participation in the inception of Sault Ste. Marie's I-500 race where he helped install the track's lighting system. His hunting adventures took him to Ontario stalking moose, Labrador in pursuit of caribou, and Wyoming in search of antelope and mule deer. His fishing excursions ranged from the Straits of Mackinac to the Arctic Circle. However, Bob didn't have to travel to enjoy the beauty of nature. He loved the simple pleasure of opening the window by his chair and having a chickadee perch on his finger. Bob is survived by his wife: Jeanette Riddle of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; a son: Bob (Margie) Riddle of Leeds, MA; three daughters: Suzanne (Jim) Menard of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Robin Savoie of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Peggy Jewell of Brimley, MI; and a daughter-in-law: Winnie Riddle of Cheboygan, MI. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: James (May) Riddle, Francie Riddle, Ryan Savoie, Brooke (Jason) Rizzo, Wesley (Amber) Riddle, Noah Menard, Nathan Menard, Abby Jewell, and Sam Jewell; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Riddle and Mabel Curtis; his siblings, Darrell Riddle and Arreal Shepherd; and his son, David Riddle. According to Bob's wishes, no public services will be held. Arrangements are being handled by C.S. Mulder Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Condolences may be left online at www.csmulder.com and memorials may be made to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter in honor of his faithful chocolate lab, Bull.

Tributes

Robert L. Riddle

July 19, 1925 - January 23, 2014