Robert L. Streadwick

Robert (Bob) Streadwick passed away March 4th at his home in Sanford, surrounded by his family.

Born in Detroit, Bob was a proud Michigander who loved the outdoors. For many years, he fly-fished rivers and streams throughout the state, and in his parents' native Canada. More recently, he enjoyed simply observing wildlife as he kayaked, bicycled, or hiked, with his trusty dog by his side. An avid motorcyclist, he loved the freedom and adventure of the road. He motorcycled across the US and Canada many times, awed by the scenery and vastness of the terrain. He also enjoyed traveling more broadly, experiencing new cultures and dabbling in new languages. He was grateful to be able to share these experiences with close friends and family.

Bob spent most of his career teaching English in the Michigan public school system, at the high school and junior high levels. Early on, he also taught at Alma College and Mid Michigan Community College. He was committed to his students and took great joy in their success.

Bob graduated from Bloomfield Hills High School, earned bachelor's degrees in English and Philosophy from Alma College and a master's in English from Central Michigan University. He was a passionate life-long learner, who read voraciously even as he battled brain cancer. He loved literature, art, and music, and was an accomplished guitarist, for whom playing was an integral part of every day. A friend recently described his guitar as an extension of his soul. He will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, and sense of humor. If he had been able to read this, he would no doubt have found it all too much, and would have cut out the compliments and inserted a few quips.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who is survived by his wife, Jeanne Dodd, his son and daughter, Ian and Madalyn (Wayne Schreck), and grandchildren Madison Hunter (Micah Hales), Will, and Ava-Marie. He was preceded in death by his son Geoffrey, who died tragically at age 27. Bob fought stoically through his grief and through numerous difficult illnesses, with never a complaint. His focus was gratitude and concern for his family.

"The family of Robert Streadwick is postponing the celebration of his life that was scheduled for June 20th at the Midland Center for the Arts, due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus. The family is very grateful for the expressions of kindness and sympathy from friends and neighbors. "For those interested in making memorial donations, the family asks consideration of the following: The City Rescue Mission of Saginaw, 1021 Burt St., Saginaw, MI 48606; Midland's Open Door, 412 W. Buttles, Midland, MI 48640; The Humane Society of Midland County, 4371 E. Ashman St., Midland, MI 48642; and the Missaukee Humane Society, 5310 W. Houghton Lake Rd., Lake City, MI 49651.