Bob (Robert) Robison

Robert "Bob" W. Robison was a retired tool and die craftsman, church deacon, and Freemason from Niles, Michigan, who was known in his community for his steady work ethic, his woodworking skill, and his willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. He was born on November 26, 1946, in Watervliet, Michigan, to William H. and Cherry R. (Watkins) Robison, and he spent his early years in southwest Michigan, where, as his family wrote, he grew up absorbing the values of hard work, faith and family that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Bob graduated from Benton Harbor High School with the class of 1966, and on August 7, 1966, he married Catherine L. Cubbage in a ceremony in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Their marriage lasted six decades. He spent the bulk of his working life in Tool and Die at AM General, the South Bend area manufacturer best known for building military and commercial vehicles, retiring after many years of what his family described as dedicated service. Colleagues and family remembered him as a man who was always busy and always willing to lend a hand, with a strong work ethic and practical skills that showed in everything he built.

Outside of work, Bob's life centered on his church and his lodge. He was a devoted member of Hope Community Church in Niles, where he served for years as a deacon and helped start the congregation's food outreach program for people in need. He was also a longtime member of Saint Joseph Valley Lodge #4 F&AM in Niles, where he served as Chaplain and as Past Master, and he was honored twice as Master Mason of the Year and twice as Master Mason of the District. Through the Masons he also volunteered with Shriners Children's Hospital, serving as a co-pilot who helped transport children to and from the hospital for treatment.

Friends and family remembered Bob as a talented woodworker and a true Mr. Fix-it, the kind of person neighbors called when something needed repairing. He was close to his best friend, a dog named Boomer, who is mentioned in his obituary alongside the people who loved him. He was a private citizen rather than a national public figure, and most of what is documented about his life comes from the obituary published by his family through Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Niles, rather than from extensive media coverage.

Bob Robison died on November 6, 2026, in Niles, Michigan, at the age of 79, following what his family called a courageous battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer has not been made public. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Catherine "Cathy" Robison; his son, Adam (Kelly) Robison; his grandson, Shaun (Jen) Krause; two great-grandchildren, Lola and Lennox; four siblings; a sister-in-law; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A visitation and celebration of life are due to be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Hope Community Church in Niles, Michigan.