Robert P. Barnsdale

January 14, 1926 - October 17, 2021

Robert Proctor Barnsdale, 95, of Saline, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 17, 2021. He was born January 14, 1926, to Bernice (Proctor) and Charles Barnsdale in Trenton, MI. During the great depression, his family moved for his father’s work to Detroit, and then Maybee, MI. He Graduated from Dundee High school in 1943. He loved sports and played football, baseball, and ran track. He worked at the Willow Run Bomber plant prior to being drafted by the U.S. Navy in 1944. Due to being color-blind, he was classified as special assignment and trained at the Cooks & Baker School while stationed at Treasure Island, California. He then served in the Philippine Islands, and after the war ended, was stationed in Hawaii, where he cooked for senior Navy and Marine officers. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Ship’s Cook 2nd Class. He graduated from the U of M Business School with a BBA in Business Administration in June 1949, and then an MBA, also from U of M in June 1950. He worked for 38 years for Ford Motor Company, starting as a cost and financial analyst, and retired in 1988 as the Manager of the Accounting department at the Rawsonville, MI., facility. Bob married Lucille Matilda (Happy) in April 1947. She preceded him in death in 2001. They spent most of their marriage living in Ann Arbor, and then moved to Saline following retirement. He continued his athleticism by participating in Dexter to Ann Arbor running events, and was also very proud of his post-retirement volunteering through the AARP as a tax preparer for retirees. This 20-year accomplishment ended in 2013, with a certificate of service proudly displayed in his living room. Bob married Rosalind (Rosie) Chrisp in August 2002. He leaves behind Rosie, five children Susan (Barry) Austin from Arizona, Janet McGinty from Colorado, Larry (Sharon) from Florida, and Greg (Marie) and Ron (Margi) from Michigan. He also leaves four grandchildren, two step grand-children, and several great-grandchildren. He felt especially close to Hannah, Madelyne, Juniper, and Bruce. He was the eldest of three brothers (Jim and Norm), who preceded him in death, as have his father and mother. He was also the oldest descendent of his mother & father’s families. In addition, Bob was preceded in death by his son-in-law Steven McGinty. Visitation will be held at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline, MI on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 PM. The funeral service will also be conducted at the funeral home on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with a visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. A private burial for the family only will be conducted Monday afternoon at the Northside Cemetery in Maybee, MI. Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to Arbor Hospice, First Congregational Church (Ann Arbor), Journey of Faith Church (Ann Arbor), or a charity of your choice, and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To leave a memory you have of Bob, to sign his guestbook or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.