Flint, Michigan
McNIEL, Robert D. - Of Clearwater, Florida, and Tawas City, Michigan; age 64, died Thursday, February 22, 2007 at Mease Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida. Funeral service will be held at 1PM, Wednesday February 28, 2007 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Deacon Jim Corder officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The American Heart Association. Visitation 12Noon-8PM Tuesday and 11AM Wednesday until the time of the service at the funeral home. Robert was born in Flint, Michigan on January 10, 1942, the son of the late Robert and Irene McNiel. Bob was an avid outdoor sportsman, especially fishing and hunting and was the captain of the "BOBALONG". Bob was a true Red Wings fan and he coached youth hockey in the Flint area for many years. He retired from General Motors Chevrolet Division after 35 years of service and was a member of UAW Local #659. Surviving are wife Heather; children, Scott (Kristine) of Fenton, Brian and Kevin both of Tennessee and their mother, Diana; 4 step-children, Amy (Jason) Mowen of Corunna, Amber Bush of Durand, Linda (Phil) Larocque-Richards of Canada, Michael (Sylvie) Larocque of Canada; 4 step-grandchildren, Taylor and Mikhayla Mowen, Phillip and Stephanie Richards; sister, Carolyn (Michael) Higgins of Palm Harbor, FL; brother, Terry (Pattie) McNiel of Williamston, MI; sister-in-law, Gloria (Claude) Larocque of Canada; nieces and nephews, Gregory (Mary) Bennett, Jeffery Bennett, Jim McNiel, Julie McNiel, Jason McNiel; aunts, uncles and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and late wife, Karen. Bob will be greatly missed by many friends and his great fishing buddy, Don Coats. Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.Swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
To all:
Bob holds a special place in all of our hearts and we will miss him dearly. We always had fun chatting at family gatherings.
Scott Seeley
February 27, 2007 | Clinton Township, MI
Bob's death brought to the surface many memories of Gary Norton, Bob's cousin. Even though Feb. 17th marked 22 years, one never really forgets the pain of losing a loved one. Along with sadness I'm having happy memories remembering how much Bob and Gary cared for each other. Carolyn, Bob and Gary were the first "Norton" grandchildren. Even though we love all our grandchildren, those first are a little special. May you rest in peace, Bob and I'm hoping there is one hell of a reunion going...
Elaine Norton
February 26, 2007 | Sierra Vista
I worked in Paint Office and talked often with Bob before he left Assembly Plant and transfer over to the Research Building and even sold Bob my Dark Brown Pick Up.
George Magee
February 25, 2007 | Prescott, MI
To the Robert McNiel family,
Losing Bob this early in his life is hard to take. I lost my brother Paul in a house fire when he was just 38 years old and we all had a terrible time with it. Someone sent me a sympathy card with the following:
Those we hold most dear
never truly leave us...
they live on in the kindnesses they showed, the comfort thye shared and the love they brought into our lives.
I am praying for all of Bob's family as we go through this most difficult...
Pattie McNiel
February 25, 2007 | Williamston, MI
My Dad,
You have left us way too soon. I can think of the many experiences we left undone. However, ALL the things we did and the memories of our time spent together will never fade. I'm sure I will miss you more each passing day. But for now, I will take solace in the fact that wherever I am and whatever I do, you will be with me. I will journey through life now with you watching over me until the day we can be together again.
I miss you already,
Your Son
Scott McNiel
February 24, 2007 | Fenton, MI
