Robert Roy Robins was born July 10, 1956, in California, to Elizabeth and John Robins. He passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 70, following chronic health issues.

It is difficult to know how to summarize a life like Rob's. Some people live a long life. Rob seemed determined to fit several lifetimes into one.

An adventurer at heart, Rob was never particularly interested in sitting still for very long. His career began in the kitchen, as a cook at the Sandpiper in Saugatuck, Michigan and eventually took him into general management roles before finding his way to Grand Valley State University, he became an adjunct professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, where he eventually retired

Rob collected experiences the way other people collect things. He earned his scuba diving certifications, a pilot's license and a captain's license, but of all the places he could go, the water was where he seemed most at home. He was a sailor at heart and a founding member of the Inaugural Chicago-Mac GLSS Solo Challenge. His love of the water also led him to captain the Appledore Tall Ship in Bay City and the Schooner Serenity in Saugatuck. The crew he sailed with became much more—they became family. Rob cherished them deeply, and the friendships and memories made on the water were some of the most meaningful parts of his life.

And then there were the stories.

There was the time he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. The time he was nearly kidnapped at the French border while on his honeymoon with Kim. The mountains he climbed, the ice he climbed, the depths he dove, the planes he jumped from (parachuted of course), the camels he rode through the Egyptian desert, the motorcycle trip of a life time with his best friend Tony across the country, the vintage cars he loved, and the many places around the world he somehow managed to call home. He pursued education at Hope College and was involved with the Holland Civic Theatre in his younger years, along with time spent in the military academy.

If you knew Rob, you probably learned pretty quickly that his stories were not going to be short.

He was quick-witted, endlessly curious, and very funny. His personality was every bit as big as his life. He had a way of making an impression—sometimes before he even said a word—and he was, without question, one of a kind.

But beneath all of the adventures, accomplishments, stories and larger-than-life personality was a man who was immensely proud of his family. He is survived by his daughter, Chelsea (Robins) Kleinhans and her husband Nick Kleinhans; his son, Jonathon Robins; his former wife and dear friend, Kimberly (Baird) Robins; his sister, Jessica Schumacher; his brothers, Derek Robins and Tony Robins; his sister-in-law, Jill Baird Mealey; and many extended family members and friends.

He adored his grandchildren, Alice and Blake Kleinhans, more than anything. They were a source of tremendous pride and joy for him, and they will carry pieces of him with them for the rest of their lives.

Rob also leaves behind many friendships that meant more than words can say, including his dear friend Tony Driza, whose friendship, kindness and unwavering support meant so much to Rob and his family, especially during his final days.

The absence of Rob will be felt in more places than we can count. On the water. Around a dinner table. In the middle of a good story. In the laughter that follows a perfectly timed joke. In the people whose lives he changed simply by being part of them.

How do you fit a life like his into an obituary?

You don't, really.

He lived boldly. He wandered far. He collected stories. He made people laugh. He loved the water, adventure, his family, and the freedom to see where the next road—or sea—might take him.

Robert was truly larger than life, and we were incredibly lucky to have shared a piece of it with him.

He will be deeply missed, endlessly remembered, and talked about for a very, very long time.