Article Photos

ESCANABA - Robert "Bob" A. Dereck, 63, Escanaba, passed away on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility.

He was born on Dec. 9, 1945, in Detroit.

On June 9, 1972, he married the former Marilyn Pallas in Escanaba, where they spent the majority of their married life.

Bob received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Wayne State University in Detroit and attended the Detroit College of Law, but left in 1972 to move to the Upper Peninsula. Here he was self-employed as a painter and handyman and enjoyed the friendships he made with the elder population who were always eager to share their histories and stories.

His passion was fishing, and he and a fishing partner won the first Bay de Noc fishing tournament. The highlight of his fishing life was receiving two master angler awards for catching a state record smallmouth bass and a master angler muskie, both on the same day in 1997. As he said, "that was the best day of my life," followed by his wife saying, "as well as your wedding day."

He loved the weekends he and his wife spent at their Stonington cottage on Deerfield Lane.

Amongst his many interests, he enjoyed traveling, hiking and fishing in most of the national parks. He also loved his pets, as his dogs and cats held a special place in his life.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, one sister, as well as other extended family.

In honoring Bob's wishes, his family will celebrate his life with a private memorial service at a later date.

The Allo Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Spalding are assisting his family with arrangements. Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to the Dereck family.

In memory of Bob, friends and acquaintances are asked to visit someone in a nursing facility or do an act of kindness for a care giver.

His family requests that memorials be made to the Perspectives Adult Care Center at 1401 N. 26th Street, Suite 118 Escanaba, MI 49829 or the Alzheimer's Association at Upper Peninsula Region, 710 Chippewa Square, Suite 201 Marquette, MI 49855.