Robert Francis Taylor Tupper

ROSCOMMON — Robert Francis Taylor Tupper, age 92, of Roscommon and Holland, Michigan, passed away on October 8, 2023. Bob was raised in Escanaba by his beloved Grandma Anna Taylor and her large family. On August 26, 1950, he married Dawn Beverly Louis and they began their 72 years together. They raised six children: Debra (Patrick) McMahon, Rob (Gail) Tupper, Mary (Bill) Martindale, David Tupper, Joe (Bonnie) Tupper, and Paul (Jackie) Tupper. Life also blessed them with 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, including his very missed great-granddaughter Emma Martindale. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Sacramento, California. After returning to Michigan he attended Northern Michigan University, then Michigan State University and Western Michigan for graduate studies. After completing his formal education, Bob worked with community colleges across Michigan. He finished his career in the role he loved most as middle school counselor at Roscommon Area Public Schools. Bob lived for his family, his faith, and his country. He had strong convictions and equally strong connections to the community. He was active in numerous Roscommon area positions and served as Lyon Township clerk. Bob and Dawn shared their love of the outdoors with their family and friends, camping, and canoeing the AuSable and Pine rivers, winter picnicking, feeding the backyard wildlife, hiking, and handing out Sayklly’s “Yooper Bars” at Christmas. Dawn’s home cooking and Grandma Taylor’s “Taylor Beans” fed his body and his soul. Bob’s interests were varied: Michigan State football and basketball, presidential biographies, woodworking, the nightly news, and, to his family’s ongoing amazement, re-runs of The Lawrence Welk Show. Bob is loved by many and those who know Bob’s life story cannot help but be inspired by his resilience. He was especially close to his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Norita and Jim Lecher, with whom he and Dawn shared so many adventures and mishaps. He was also so grateful for the Flemal and Burton families, who joined Bob and Dawn’s lives and provided so much enrichment. Others blessed his life and he spoke of daily: the Michaud family, who added music, outdoor adventures, and love to Bob and Dawn’s lives; Ron Alden, a neighbor, colleague, but most importantly friend, who offered countless kindnesses through the years; Bridget Bittner, who brought companionship, reading, time outside, and caring to Bob’s last year; and the Appledorn South Assisted Living staff, whose commitment and compassion for Bob and Dawn will always be remembered. Bob’s family also thanks Hospice of Holland staff for their irreplaceable assistance, experience and tenderness.