Robert C. Savage

Savage, Robert C. 1/28/1942 - 11/19/2015 Kalamazoo, MI Robert C. Savage returned home to a loving Father in Heaven on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the young age of 73. Robert, or "Bob" as he was known to many, was a kind, loving, humble and gentle man, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He spent his entire life in service of his family and fellow man, continuously giving of his time and efforts to those in need. He never sought a coveted lifestyle or the things of the world, but rather he was a simple man who was very happy to have the things he and his family needed to enjoy a wonderful life together, and that they did. He enjoyed family more than anything, and leaves behind his loving wife, three loving children who aspire to be just like him, and sixteen grandchildren who will terribly miss his playful spirit. Bob was born the son of Clarence and Rose Savage in Springville, UT on January 28th, 1942. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his younger brother Jean Levanger. Two sisters and one brother survive him: Katherine Bird, Larue Child, and Kent Levanger. In his younger years, Bob traveled to Europe for a few years of backpacking and exploring the cultures of the world. It was in Germany that he met the love of his life and his eternal companion, Renate H. Savage. They have spent the past 48 years laughing, loving, and truly as best friends as they worked to raise three children who admire and adore them both. Bob was employed by the State of Michigan at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center as a Mobility & Orientation Instructor. There he touched many lives over the course of his career and has certainly left his mark on the community for his work and service, including the commission for installation of a sidewalk along Oakland Dr., also known as the "Mobility Mile". Bob loved his work, so though he retired a few years back, he will still teaching at WMU in Blind Mobility & Orientation up until last month. He loved teaching and working with students, he was a natural communicator and the epitome of patience. Teaching was his gift. Bob was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully in many different callings throughout his life. He could always be counted on to help where needed and gave countless hours of service in his lifetime for the betterment of lives and of the world. He longed for a day when peace and love would prevail, and he certainly did his part to make the world a brighter place while he was in it. As we read in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Bob let that light shine. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always found something to smile about, a true 'glass-half-full' kind of guy. He was witty and incredibly intelligent and always knew just what to say. Often when children would leave his home and say "Bye", he would reply, "Sell". He would give his children and grandchildren "Whisker T" by rubbing his face against theirs when he had not yet shaven, and was jokingly teased by children for telling 'stale' jokes with his mild-mannered yet witty sense of humor. What we wouldn't all give to hear one more. Bob loved animals, particularly his pets, and enjoyed teaching them new tricks. He also truly enjoyed spending time with his family, including taking an annual trip out to his hometown in Springville, UT to visit extended family and friends. Bob loved the outdoors, hiking in the mountains, fishing, and just being with family. He was an avid exerciser, and equally loved food. When asked what his favorite food was, he would always reply "home-cooked", but he had a particular hankering to homemade desserts. His favorite time of year was nowThanksgiving. The sampling of pies and licking of bowls and running errands to collect all the ingredients needed to make the perfect feast was his specialty. We will miss him terribly next week, but know he will be among us. For those who would like to visit with the family and participate in the sharing of memories, an evening of memorial will be held on Saturday, November 21st at 7360 Hidden Cove Place from 5-9pm. A funeral service is planned for Monday, November 23rd from 11:30am 1:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1112 N. Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Bob often donated to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission downtown Kalamazoo. He always wanted to share with those less fortunate, so for birthdays and Christmas' he would ask that in lieu of a gift for him that we would instead make donations there. As such, in lieu of flowers or gifts at this time, please instead make a contribution to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission on his behalf. That would be the best way to honor the way he chose to live his life. Thank you. Please visit Bob's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him and sign his online guestbook. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). Bob/Dad - we know you're busy "picking them up and putting them down" in Heaven, so "Cheerio" for now, but we very much look forward to seeing you again someday. "SELL!!" WE LOVE YOU FOREVER!