Robert Thomas Nikolas

Robert T. Nikolas "Only those who dare, truly live." Robert "Bob" was a man who had something in common with almost everyone, and knew someone everywhere that he went. He had an incredible memory, and probably knew more about your family or business than you did. Three things that contributed to this were his broad base of hobbies, inquisitive nature and the ability to socialize with anyone. His hobbies included boating, skiing, motorcycles, cars, and collecting (just to name a few). After he retired from Ameritech, he and his wife Linda enjoyed their sailboat on Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron, and an annual trip up to Mackinac Island which lasted two weeks. Bob also found a love for motorcycles and motorcycle trips in his later years, (a Harley–Davidson Heritage Softail to be exact) and was a member of the Waterford Hog Chapter. Cars were another passion Bob had, so much so that he was one of the original members of Jaguar Affiliates Group of Michigan and still remains a member of that club. In the early days, he was an active member of the MG Car Club. Bob was also an avid collector and had an extensive list of items which he collected – from antique lamps all the way to horse saddles. Bob was an extremely hard worker, and just like his hobbies, he had an extensive number of ventures which kept him busy throughout his life. Not only did he spend 38 years in sales with Ameritech Advertising (Yellow Pages), he also had several other business ventures which kept him busy, and provided for his family. Bob was born at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan on September 14, 1924. He grew up in the City of Detroit, and attended school at St. John's Military Academy and Redford High School. From high school he enlisted in the Army Air Force Cadet Training Program to become a pilot. He trained at a number of bases during World War II, including Cimmeron Field in Oklahoma. From his service to our country, Robert had a sense of pride and patriotism that could not be rivaled, and he made sure that it was known. After being honorably discharged from the service, Bob attended the University of Kentucky and was an avid fan of their basketball program until the day he died. Upon returning to Detroit, he took a job with Michigan Bell Yellow Pages where he met his former wife Jane. Together they raised their four children. It was obvious to anyone that knew him how proud he was of his family. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed. Robert was the beloved husband of Linda. Proud father of Bob Jr. and his wife Debra, David, John, Jennifer Hall and her husband Jim; Devoted step father of Edward and his wife Julie Szeremet, Joe Szeremet and his fiancée Gretchen. Cherished grandfather of Tracy Nikolas, Lindsay Hall, Ashley Hall, Lauren Hall, Taylor Szeremet, Madison Szeremet, Quincy Szeremet, and Eden Szeremet. Robert's funeral service will be Friday, March 23, 2012, 11:00am at A.J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Home, (32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, Michigan, with Joseph Szeremet officiating. Family will receive friends Thursday, March 22, 2012, 4:00 to 8:00pm. and Friday at 10:00am until the time of service. Memorial Tributes to the American Cancer Society.