Robert Warren Dickens (Rob, 68) a beloved father and husband, of Grand Rapids Michigan, passed away peacefully on 11/13/2023 with his family by his side.
Rob was born on February 7, 1955, in Wyoming, Michigan to Robert and Jeanene Dickens. He graduated from Wyoming Park High School, attended Grand Rapids Junior College, completed a dual bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology at the University of Michigan, and later in 2006 he furthered his education by pursing a law degree at Michigan State College of Law. He graduated with high honors, Magna Cum Laude, while working full time and raising a family. Rob worked at Delphi for 30 years as an environmental engineer and finished his career as a manager of the environmental compliance division at Universal Forest Products.
Throughout Robs life he was known for his many gifts and talents earning him the nicknames Rocky, Hoff and MacGyver. He lit up every room he walked into with his bright smile and big personality. His intelligence never seized to amaze all those that knew him. Rob was a walking encyclopedia and could sure tell a good story. He often said when it came to fixing things around the house, cars, and boats that he was blessed with the knowledge to do so but was cursed with the incessant need for it. Rob’s curiosity about life never faded as he continually pushed his boundaries to expand his already vast knowledge. These qualities led to unique hobbies and experiences. He was a licensed VFR pilot, a radio host announcer at WYCE, acted in several plays at the civic theater, fixed up cars like his 1967 mustang, played the guitar, loved a good game of cards, collected coins and rocks of all sorts (mostly Petoskey’s). However, his biggest passion was being on Lake Michigan. Rob spent countless hours sailing, fishing, swimming, watching sunsets looking for the green flash, and exploring the wonders of the lake. He was a member at the Muskegon Yacht Club for 30+ years where he met lifelong friends and began his love for competitive sailing. His acts of selflessness and kindness towards his family will carry on forever. Over the years, Rob had persevered through many challenges and accomplished so much that verse 2 Timothy 4:7 is fitting for him: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
He is survived by his bride of 28 years Ruta; son, Nolan(Lexxi Hoving); daughter, Maija; brother, Dave (Kathy); sister, Betsy (Chris) LaMora; sisters and brothers in-law, Dirk Gale, Karina (Doug) Bostwick, Karlis (Geri) Mateus, Inga (Tom) McGee; many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and coworkers. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jeanene Dickens; sister, Theresa Gale; and in-laws, Vilis and Ilze Mateus.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Robert Dickens will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Ada Bible Church Cascade Campus, 8899 Cascade Road SE, Ada, MI 49301, with visitation one hour prior.