Robert Dennis LaLonde passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, March 28 th at sunset at his home after spending the day with people who loved him.

Bob grew up in Detroit, MI and moved to Grand Haven after obtaining his first teaching job. He was a 7 th and 8 th grade science teacher but taught much more than just that. A former students shared, "he was the best teacher I ever had, he was able to be a great mentor and friend simultaneously." Over the years, he had many jobs, including bait shop owner, nursery owner, monarch euthenist, bus driver, bartender, and more recently Uber driver.

Bob was a social guy and a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 925. He absolutely loved having an ice cold Miller Lite at the Eagles and reminiscing with former students. He was an active member and had recently become the Champlain. After retiring from teaching he spent his days tending to his nursery, Pon-a-Hill, where he is notoriously known for ferns. He spent his days putzin' around the yard with his best friend, Jake. If he wasn't watering, he was attending band practice, splitting wood, or throwing hatchets. Bob was also a coach. He was Grand Haven High's school softball coach and later formed The West Michigan Heat, a competitive traveling softball team.

In 2002, his 16-under team won the National Championship in Kansas City. He was an intense coach and at the same time, he could be gentle and pushed his players to be their best. A former player said, "The way he created a family dynamic within our team is like no other. He was a special person and I'll never forget him." In his last handful of years, he developed beautiful relationships with some truly kind and compassionate people and even joined a Band.

Bob taught many lessons, perhaps the most important is to be gentle with people, we're all fighting our own battles, it's important we show each other grace, compassion and have some fun while we're doing it. Thank you to everyone who shared memories with him at one of the local watering holes - those moments truly made him happy. A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced soon.