Richard L “Blue” Robards
January 9th, 1940 - January 13th, 2022
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Blue's Obituary
Richard Lee "Blue" Robards
Richard L. (Blue) Robards, 82 of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at his home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd. Stevensville, MI., 47127. Pastor Jeremy Koehler officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services at 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph and 1 hour prior at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Church or Caring Circle Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Richard’s Memory Book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Rich, 82, was born to John Lynn and Carrie Belle (Hartline) Robards of Royalton Township on January 9, 1940, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Just days after rallying to celebrate his 82nd birthday, he comfortably went to bed and passed away four days later, surrounded by his family. So many humorous stories were recalled and memories enjoyed, such as tales of hunting and trapping, fishing excursions, bowling, golfing (until he hung up his clubs when he got frustrated!). But, as a young man, his absolute love of pitching for the Plangger's ball team and great poker games (winning of course) too numerous to count were Rich's preferred activities. Anyone who was close to him knew that he rarely passed up a poker game or friendly bets with his son, Steve and his nephew, Craig.
With their dad and Uncle Rich, the term, "we're going to have a RockFest!" took on a whole new meaning, when; on the hottest of days (it seems), the kids found themselves out in the dusty, dirty field, picking up all the rocks that would present every summer, and load them on the tractor trailer.Kids always could have their fill of pop, but the rule was, you must drink it and don't leave the cans around, half empty. With their uncle and grandfather, the kids could always have a way to make some "spending cash" for something they wanted.
It just had to be a "Godwink" when Sandy called from Traverse City sell a renewal of Rich's TV Guide subscription in January of 1983. Being a "fluke" that he was home to answer the phone and delight in a lengthy conversation was unusual. Little did they know that they had just spoken to their future spouse! The best was yet to come when Rich and Sandy married in June of 1984 in Stevensville at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church and have enjoyed thirty-seven years of marriage.
Rich is survived by his wife Sandra Robards; sister, Jeanne Spitzer of Stevensville, son, Steven, daughter Anne (Doug) Rentfrow, Sandy's son Steve (Laura) Brinks of Portland, Mi., grandchildren, Derek (Brittany) Brinks, Halie (Zach) Kube, Samantha (Alex) Potter and Lindsey (Nick) Gagnon along with his "greats", Arie, Wyatt., Emma, Cole, Ava, Reid, Henrik, Leonard, Titus, Nadira, and Kimberly. Many nieces and nephews survive with a special shout out to his look-alike nephew, Craig Robards, also Rich and Sandy’s “extra-special” daughter in law, Victoria Borst. His sweet golden retriever, Haven, was his joy, always ready with an arm to hold her head, a belly rub and a treat.
Preceding Rich in death are his father, John Lynn, mother, Carrie Belle, Stepfather, George Horton, brother, Ralph, brother-in-law, LeRoy Spitzer and granddaughter, Monica Rentfrow.
Richard L. (Blue) Robards, 82 of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at his home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd. Stevensville, MI., 47127. Pastor Jeremy Koehler officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services at 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph and 1 hour prior at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Church or Caring Circle Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Richard’s Memory Book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Rich, 82, was born to John Lynn and Carrie Belle (Hartline) Robards of Royalton Township on January 9, 1940, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Just days after rallying to celebrate his 82nd birthday, he comfortably went to bed and passed away four days later, surrounded by his family. So many humorous stories were recalled and memories enjoyed, such as tales of hunting and trapping, fishing excursions, bowling, golfing (until he hung up his clubs when he got frustrated!). But, as a young man, his absolute love of pitching for the Plangger's ball team and great poker games (winning of course) too numerous to count were Rich's preferred activities. Anyone who was close to him knew that he rarely passed up a poker game or friendly bets with his son, Steve and his nephew, Craig.
With their dad and Uncle Rich, the term, "we're going to have a RockFest!" took on a whole new meaning, when; on the hottest of days (it seems), the kids found themselves out in the dusty, dirty field, picking up all the rocks that would present every summer, and load them on the tractor trailer.Kids always could have their fill of pop, but the rule was, you must drink it and don't leave the cans around, half empty. With their uncle and grandfather, the kids could always have a way to make some "spending cash" for something they wanted.
It just had to be a "Godwink" when Sandy called from Traverse City sell a renewal of Rich's TV Guide subscription in January of 1983. Being a "fluke" that he was home to answer the phone and delight in a lengthy conversation was unusual. Little did they know that they had just spoken to their future spouse! The best was yet to come when Rich and Sandy married in June of 1984 in Stevensville at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church and have enjoyed thirty-seven years of marriage.
Rich is survived by his wife Sandra Robards; sister, Jeanne Spitzer of Stevensville, son, Steven, daughter Anne (Doug) Rentfrow, Sandy's son Steve (Laura) Brinks of Portland, Mi., grandchildren, Derek (Brittany) Brinks, Halie (Zach) Kube, Samantha (Alex) Potter and Lindsey (Nick) Gagnon along with his "greats", Arie, Wyatt., Emma, Cole, Ava, Reid, Henrik, Leonard, Titus, Nadira, and Kimberly. Many nieces and nephews survive with a special shout out to his look-alike nephew, Craig Robards, also Rich and Sandy’s “extra-special” daughter in law, Victoria Borst. His sweet golden retriever, Haven, was his joy, always ready with an arm to hold her head, a belly rub and a treat.
Preceding Rich in death are his father, John Lynn, mother, Carrie Belle, Stepfather, George Horton, brother, Ralph, brother-in-law, LeRoy Spitzer and granddaughter, Monica Rentfrow.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.