Robert W. Lorenz

Robert Wm. Lorenz

Bob was born September 2, 1945 in Chicago IL to Robert H and Leona Mae (Hubert) Lorenz. As a child, the family relocated to Michigan.

Bob was a proud Pontiac Central Chief. He graduated in 1963 and continued his education at Western Michigan University where he was a member of the varsity swim team all four years. Following graduation from WMU, he returned to Pontiac to teach history and special education. He would serve as Men's and Women's Swim Coach until his retirement in 2010 and was a fixture on the pool deck as a respected swim official for more than 6 decades across MHSAA, NCAA, and summer swim leagues.

During his time coaching the Pontiac Swim Team, a group of young swimmers set Bob up on a blind date with their junior high English teacher. This would prove to be a great match, as Bob and Bobbie were married December 20, 1969 and had three awesome children; Amy (Mark) Johnston, Rob, and Jennifer. Above all, was his love for his three grandchildren, Ryan (Lexi), Emma, and Ellie Johnston. He never missed a swim meet, dance recital, or talent show and often showed up with a camera, a heat sheet, and licorice.

Bob was a lifelong Michigan Football fan and had season tickets for more than 50 years. His great joy was hosting tailgates at the Michigan Golf Course for friends and family. When not attending football games, Bob could be found in the woods of northern Michigan hunting with his fellow teachers and friends, at his cabin up north, or cruising the Caribbean with his family.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday, September 5 at The Iroquois Club in Bloomfield Hills, from 5 pm - 8 pm.