Honorable Robert J. ‘R.J.’ ‘Bob’ DeGrand

Robert was born on October 4, 1943, son of Raymond “Shorty” and Mary (Blomstrom) DeGrand. He graduated from Holy Name High School in 1961. He then attended Michigan State University until 1965 and graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1968 with the degree of Juris Doctor.

He married Valerie Potvin on July 10, 1971 in Escanaba, Mich. and they had two children.

His career began at the law firm of Strom, Hoehn and Shipman and he later took over the practice of James Fitzharris. Together with his brother Dan and good friend John Reardon they practiced as DeGrand, DeGrand and Reardon. In 1985, he was appointed by governor James Blanchard to the judgeship of the Delta County District Court where he served for 18 years before his retirement. Robert was a past president of the Delta County Bar Association. He was an emeritus member of the State Bar of Michigan and was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge for many years.

Robert is survived by his wife, Valerie; children, Jennifer McCarty and Nicholas (Nicole Christensen) DeGrand; grandchildren, Sophia Rose DeGrand, Chloe Jules Anderson, and Liam Robert McCarty; brothers, Daniel (Kathy), James (Nancy), John (Judy), and Paul; sisters, Tookie Scott, Jean Berres, Vicky Degaynor, Julie (Bob) Gasparich, and Patti (Dave) Benetti; sisters-in-law, Carol Pakyz and Patricia (Dave) Cain; brother-in-law, Robert (Sherry) Potvin; lifelong friend, Paul Gayeff; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas; his beloved stepfather, Edward (Slim) DeGrand; and brothers-in-law, Don Scott, Frank Berres, Pat Degaynor, and Larry Pakyz.

He had a large loving family, wonderful friends, and a fulfilling career.

A celebration of Robert’s life will take place on Saturday, September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Escanaba Elks Lodge, 510 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829. A message of condolence can be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the DeGrand family.