Robert Bruce "Bob" Aikens

1929 - 2016

AIKENS

ROBERT BRUCE "BOB" 86; passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 2, 2016. He was a noted developer of regional enclosed shopping centers as well as numerous other properties located throughout the United States, a rugged outdoorsman, and a generous philanthropist. He will be deeply missed as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Born in Ft. Wayne, IN on June 27th, 1929, he was the son of Berton Allen Aikens, Jr. and Katherine Sanson Aikens. He attended Baldwin High School where he fell deeply in love with his wife of 65 years, Charlotte Ann Snyder. He was President of his fraternity, and he called play-by-play for the school football team. In 1951 he received his BA in economics from Brown University, and in 1954 he received his JD from the University of Michigan Law School. Bob was Lt, JG U.S. Navy from 1955-1958. He served as Legal Assistant to the J.A.G. in the Pentagon. From 1959 to 1973 he was a Senior Partner in the law-firm of Wunsch, Aikens & Lundershausen, where he focused on real estate and tax law, representing commercial developers in all types of real estate transactions. In 1973, Bob struck out on his own as Chairman and 100% owner of Robert B. Aikens & Associates, LLC. Since that time, his company has developed, owned and managed, among other property types, nine enclosed regional shopping centers around the United States. Bob was notable in business for his relentless will-power and vision, which he equally applied to rugged leisure pursuits including hunting, fishing, sail-boat racing, skiing, squash, swimming, and golf. Bob's heart was evident in his commitment to building beautiful gathering places such as the L'Arbre Croche Beach Club in Northern Michigan, the Village of Rochester Hills, and the Robert B. Aikens Commons at the University of Michigan Law School; in his devotion to his community of long-time friends gathered in boyhood and beyond; and in his primary philanthropic commitments to the University of Michigan Law School, the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Christ Church Cranbrook, and William Beaumont Hospital. Most of all, Bob's heart is reflected in the eyes, as well as the memories, of his loving and devoted wife, and his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ann Snyder Aikens; his children, Kimberly Ann Aikens; Robert Bruce Aikens Jr. (Linda); Lindsey Aikens Hefter (Peter); and Geoffrey Scott Aikens (Beth); his eleven grandchildren; and his brother, William Robb Aikens (Alice). A Memorial Service for friends and family will be held on May 9, 2016 at 11 am at Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Memorial gifts are to be made to Christ Church Cranbrook, to the Discretionary fund of the Rector, The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr., to provide immediate support to those in need. Obituary and condolences at lynchfuneraldirectors.com