Robert Frost Donaldson, formerly of East Jordan and Manton, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Bob was born on May 29, 1945, to Howard and Lois (Frost) Donaldson, as one of seven siblings. Growing up on a farm, he learned the meaning of hard work, but he also had many adventures with his siblings (about which he is still sworn to secrecy).

Bob graduated from East Jordan High School in 1963 and owned a gas station/garage known as East Jordan Zephyr Service. He then worked for East Jordan Iron Works (now EJ) for 37 years alongside several family members. He retired to Florida in 2004 and returned to Michigan in 2016 to be near his children. No matter where we went, he could spot an EJ fire hydrant or manhole cover anywhere, and he took pride in his life's work.

Bob was a talented photographer and avid reader. He earned a degree in pastoral counseling and was an ordained minister who performed many wedding ceremonies and officiated the weddings for two of his daughters. For the last 20 years, his family enjoyed receiving his near-daily email "blogs" with life updates, family history, jokes, and wisdom. In his last blog on April 4, he remarked that "It is better to grow old with a sense of humor than to grow old with no sense at all." Indeed, Bob had a great sense of humor. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, what he said was worth listening to. In his high school yearbook, Bob's classmates said, "His well-timed silence has more eloquence than speech."

Bob was a dedicated father who never missed his kids' ball games or band concerts. Children and animals were drawn to him (chickadees would eat from his hand) because of his gentle spirit and kind heart. He read the comics in the Sunday newspaper aloud with his daughters when they were young, acting out the characters in different voices. He enjoyed liver and onions, much to his family's dismay, and could devour a bag of black jelly beans.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Karen Hoisington Donaldson; his granddaughter, Nataleigh Musser; and his brother, James Donaldson.

He is survived by his five children: Bobbie (John) Kennedy of Grangeville, Idaho; Samantha (Mike) Zuiverink of Manton; Laura (Bill) Genovich of Lowell; Cathy (Duane) Musser of Charlevoix; and David Schweer of East Jordan. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, along with his five surviving siblings, Marian, Bud, Rose, David, and Linda.

The family thanks Care Cardinal Kentwood and Corewell Hospice (especially Sherri) for their love and care for Bob. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Family Services, P.O. Box 206, Ellsworth, MI 49729, or your local animal shelter. A memorial service will be held in northern Michigan this summer.