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Robert Armstrong Obituary

Robert "Bob" Charles Armstrong Battle Creek Robert "Bob" Charles Armstrong, 59 of Battle Creek, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born December 25, 1953 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Robert and Lucille (Fairchild) Armstrong. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1972 and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret "Peggy" Ann Gatling in 1975. She preceded him in death in 2010. Bob worked at Starr Commonwealth for nearly 30 years as an Emergency Medical Technician. His duties included effecting emergency treatment to the resident youths, transporting and supervising doctor visits and the administering of medications. He had an extreme passion for reaching out to the troubled youth in Starr's residential setting and often said he was going to work each day to "make a difference and save lives". After seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, he begged his dad for a guitar and they got him his first one with the stipulation that if he learned "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash, his next guitar would be an electric one. In 1979, Bob started forming what was to become The Edge. The Edge played at the Battle Creek Balloon Championships, World's Largest Breakfast Table, Taste of Battle Creek and numerous bars, restaurants and charity events including a long series of fund raisers for the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. The highlights of Bob's musical career included opening for America, Eddie Money and many others. The Edge was the backup band for Bobby Helms (Jingle Bell Rock) when he played for the Del Shannon Memorial Fund Raiser. In recent years, Bob has been playing music with the Whiskey Rhythm Band and the acoustic trio, Oliver, Wentworth and Armstrong (2BOBS&AJIM). He wrote numerous songs and participated in many, many recording sessions as a performer. Bob not only played both acoustic and electric guitar, he was accomplished on the harmonica, trombone and drums. Bob's band mates were his brothers in life! While Bob was born, grew up and lived in Battle Creek his entire life, he traveled extensively with family and close friends to all corners of the country. He loved any adventure and how to get there was importantto be "King of the Road"; you had to have the right machine. From mopeds to jeeps to his Harley and his Corvette, Bob made sure he rode in style! Bob loved the water and spent endless hours with his family water skiing on Gougac Lake. Bob is survived by his two beautiful, amazing daughters: Jennifer Ann of Chicago and Sarah Kathryn of Traverse City. He is also survived by his mother, Lucille and his sister, Patricia McQuern. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert. Bob's family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a private interment to be conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Bob lived his life with true conviction, responsible yet always with a continuous desire for the next adventure. His life wasn't about the "almosts", because he made them a reality. Bob Armstrong was a "Lucky Man"; his heart will live on in all who knew him. www.henryfuneralhome.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Jan. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Adam Kane

February 23, 2013

I just heard Bob's passing via a mutual friend. I ran sound for various bands Bob was in over the years, and it was always a pleasure to work with him. If he was on stage, it was a good night. Prayers for the family...

Dona Wagner

February 2, 2013

Lucille and Pat,
I can't tell you how sorry to hear about Bob. I didn't know him as a young man. but as a small child. and he was so sweet, I was lucky to know him. my Heart goes out to your family. He is at peace in heaven.
God bless,
Dona (Sneed) Wagner

Pamela Hayes

February 1, 2013

You will be missed my friend..Bob was sincere and the kindest gentlemen that I had the pleasure of knowing. To his family..god bless. RIP my friend.

Patty Slack-Mueller

February 1, 2013

It's difficult to express in words the sadness in my heart. Losing Bob reminds me of something once written about my beloved brother, and applies to him as well. "God must of needed a Good Man, because today he got one!" I will forever cherish our last meeting, with arms around each other, as we sang, "I get by with a little help from my friends." May he be at peace reconnecting with the love of his life, as we cherish the wonderful memories he's left behind. Peace and love to his family and friends as we all struggle though the loss of a great man! You are in our hearts and prayers today and always!

Jay Hoorh

January 30, 2013

Such a loss. I always admired Bob and Peggy as such a dynamic couple. The good do die young

Mark Haan

January 30, 2013

Thoughts and Prayers to Bob's family. We lost a good one in Bob. I have good memories of Bob and Peggy.

Bev France, Bucklin

January 30, 2013

Gee I have so many GREAT times ...Listening to Bob and his bands play..I grow up with Bob and his family down the road..and went threw school with him..He was a great man..so true to the core..Heaven is a lucky place to have him with our Lord..To the family I am so sorry for your Loss..Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers..May God look over you and guide you during this very difficult time..I send my deepest sympathy..Hugs to all..

Leah Sleight

January 29, 2013

A wonderful soul!

January 29, 2013

He will be missed he was always so kind to me and I'll always remember and admire his love for his wife Peggy. They were a beautiful couple that now are once again back together. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time. Love, Kathie Converse

Dave Sly

January 29, 2013

So sorry for your loss RIP Bob

Garry Miller

January 29, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Karen McCune

January 29, 2013

Praying for you, Jenny and Sarah. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

January 29, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Juli Fuller

January 29, 2013

So sorry for your loss..

Keely Knopp

January 29, 2013

The world lost an amazing man in Bob Armstrong! I fondly remember going to see his band play when I was a little girl. Many a good memories were made with the Armstrongs on East Ave N. My heart goes out to you Sarah and Jenny, while I can't be there this week please know you are in my thoughts!

Madelyn Heward

January 29, 2013

Love and hugs peace be with you

Deborah Owens

January 29, 2013

The community is a better place because of Bob's love, talent and commitment. May he rest in God's grace.

Sandy Taylor Cretsinger

January 29, 2013

My prayers are with the family. I knew Bob in school in the band, we had many stories to tell. Heaven is lucky to have him. God Bless

Sandy Taylor Cretsinger

January 29, 2013

Bob my friend you will be missed by me and all that knew you. "RIDE ON"
Kent Smock

Linda Nielson

January 29, 2013

My heart and prayers go out to the family. I have known Bob since high school. Talented, a gentle soul, and pure class. When my son died, I asked Bob to play a song at the graveside. He dropped what he was doing to help a grieving friend. It was beautiful and he would not hear of taking a dime. I will never forget Bob Armstrong. RIP Bob.

Patty Ripper-Ralph

January 29, 2013

I will miss your smile, your warmth, and your kindness I will always love you Bob. My heart goes out to your family.

Arleen Sattler

January 29, 2013

Heaven has a new musician and Harley rider. Bob was such an awesome person.....fellow animal lover also....you will be missed....RIP my friend...

January 29, 2013

So very saddened by this. Heaven has a new Harley rider and musician. RIP Bob...

NiChole (Ridley) Milton

January 29, 2013

Prayers for Mr. Armstrong's family in such a difficult time. He was a *fun person to be around, especially for the kids!

Lorraine Pursley

January 29, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of this giving man. I did not know bob but knew sister pat and his parents my deepest sympathy to all.

David Trahan

January 29, 2013

Bob and I worked together at Starr for many years, he was a fine man and was a great Father and Personal friend. I am sad to see him go, and look forward to seeing him again.
David Trahan

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