Robert H. (Bob) Myers Jr.

Bob was born to Robert H. and Josephine (Hafner) Myers on December 15, 1936, in Peoria, Illinois. Educated there, he graduated from Spalding Catholic High School as a student-athlete, lettering in football, baseball and basketball. Following high school, he enlisted and served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Upon discharge, he married Pat Pio and they moved to Normal, Illinois where Bob studied mathematics and psychology at Illinois State University. Bob went on to study for advanced degrees at Harvard University receiving his doctorate in mathematics education. Between degrees he taught for two years at the International School in Ibadan, Nigeria, setting up and directing their “new math” curriculum. In 1969, Bob joined the mathematics department at Northern Michigan University.

Teaching was Bob’s true passion in life. He especially encouraged and advocated for student athletes and women studying math. He received an Outstanding Faculty Award from Mortar Board in 1992 and an NMU Excellence in Teaching Award in 2002.

Playing sports was another intense enthusiasm. Bob was a member of the 1972 U.P. Class C Fast Pitch Softball championship team, but basketball had his heart. In the “Over-35 Men’s League”, and later, the “Over 45 League” he played for decades for Arnie’s Army and the Detroit Free Press. In 1980 they were NIT champs and in 1991 he was named to the All-U.P. Class E Amateur Basketball Team.

After retirement from NMU in 2009, when he wasn’t playing basketball Bob was in his garden. Vegetables were his specialty, and he grew so many that friends and neighbors had to help with the bounty. Every spring he took a week off from his garden to go fishing in Canada with three Finnish friends. Bob also loved political discussions with old friends and was known to volunteer and donate to causes and candidates that he thought should win. He led a full, rich life.

Bob is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carolyn (Larsen) Myers; his sons Robert Joseph Myers of North Charleston, SC and Ron Longo (Christel Polge) of Cloverdale, CA; Carolyn’s children Katherine Cooper (Todd Hathaway) of Epping, NH and Brian Cooper (Charla Lain) of Fort Collins, CO; and his step-son Steve Platt (Catherine Sheldon) of Bend, OR. Bob leaves grandchildren Allison Carlton-Tucker, Katherine Carlton-Robinson, Tegan Myers, Andy Myers-Bailey, Caroline Myers, Midori Longo Rowland, Mariah Longo, Alex Longo, Aiden Cooper, Sharon Ruth Platt and Stephen Platt. Bob is also survived by his siblings Karen (Cliff) Sandlin of Stuart, FL, Tom Myers (Judy) of Arlington Heights, IL, Terry Zawacki (Bob) of Falls Church, VA, Catherine Gomulka (Steve) of Apex, NC and son-in-law Jay Jezylo. Bob also leaves his first wife Pat Myers (Nancy Oatley) of Watton, MI, and many nieces and nephews and great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jennifer Myers-Jezylo, his brother David Myers, and his second wife Shari Myers.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will take place Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sands Township Hall. This will be an informal gathering for the sharing of memories, conversation and light snacks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Bob’s favorite local causes: Public Radio 90 at https://www.wnmufm.org/, or UPAWS

https//upaws.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/upaws/donation.jsp?campaign=3&

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com