Robert Thomas Ames

Robert Thomas Ames beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator and coach, age 86 of Rochester Hills, MI. died October 25, 2020 at Troy Beaumont Hospital.He was born June 1, 1934 in Algonac, MI. to the late Robert H. and Geneva (nee Furtaw).He married Joanne Margaret Goltz on June 30, 1956 in Detroit, MI. Robert was a multi-sport athlete at Algonac High School competing in football, basketball, baseball, track and field.He achieved Michigan All-State status on a couple of seasons.During many summers between 1952 to 1962, he also played for some lower level minor league baseball "farm teams" around the Michigan Thumb and South Ontario areas and he occasionally would later recognize a few opposing team players who appeared on major league rosters during the later 1960s or 1970s.After graduating from his beloved University of Michigan (where he was proudly also a member of the 1952 and 1953 football teams), he served as an officer and flight navigator/bombardier in the U. S. Air Force. After completing his ROTC service duties, he became a high school teacher and, in varying years, a coach of three sports: football, basketball, and baseball - first at Capac High School (1960 "? 62), then at Warren Lincoln High School (1963 "? 1973).From 1974 to 1992, he served as an administrator and associate principal "? first for Utica Ford High School and then, for Utica High School.He also devoted his time and volunteer efforts as he was able for his children's schools and Catholic church communities.Bob and Jo enjoyed 21 retirement years in Crossville, TN before recently moving back home to Michigan.All 86 years were chock full of family, friends, sports, music, and overall love of life. And he might have enjoyed a beer now and then. Robert is survived by hiswifeJoanne;childrenRobert C. (Hisayo Tanaka, Tonja Broom, Rebecca Reynolds) Ames, Donald (Julie) Ames, Nancy (Ronald) Rossi, Michael Ames, and Timothy (Sherry) Ames; grandchildrenMelissa (Mitch) Thompson, Holly (Stefanie) Fortier, Jesslene Ames, Adam Rossi, Maegan Ames, Samantha (Richard) Wickham, Kevin Rossi, Kelli Ames, Jordan (Robby) Engdahl, Raven (Chase Keith) Broom, Danielle Ames, Christina Lahren, Douglas Lahren, Brandon Ames, Matthew Ames, Hanaki Ames-Tanaka, and Sara Ames-Tanaka;great grandchildrenTristan Hight, Brynlee Thompson, Addison Fortier, May Wickham, Rhett Keith, and Jack Wickham;siblingsJames Ames, Carol Kensington, and Mary (Spencer) Adkins.Predeceased bysiblingsThomas Ames, Charles Ames,sisters-in-lawJean Ames and Diane Ames; and abrother-in-lawKenneth Kensington. Due to COVID 19 restrictions and for the safety of family and friends, a private family memorial funeral mass will be held.A public celebration of life will be held when the COVID restrictions are cleared. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to these charities' that were close to Bob's heart: National MPS Society https://mpssociety.org/give/(please reference: In Honor of Robert Ames) Algonac Clay Township Historical Society PO Box 228 Algonac MI 48001 achs@algonac-clay-history.com Algonac Sports Boosters 9541 Phelps Rd. Algonac, MI. 48001 Arrangements by the Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac. www.gilbertfuneralhomeinc.com

Robert Thomas Ames

June 1, 1934 - October 25, 2020