Albert Zane "Bob" Ellison age 81 of Stanwood, passed away, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Bob was born at his family home in Austin Township on September 12, 1926 to John "Frank" and Mary Ellison. On December 2, 1949 he married Charlotte Crame, with whom he shared 58 beautiful years of marriage. Bob served in the U. S. Army during World War II, stationed in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged after three years of service. He returned home to Stanwood and earned his living working many construction related jobs. He helped to dig the basement for the original Stanwood Elementary School using horses. Throughout his lifetime he was also employed with the pipeline and worked in the oil fields. He was forced to leave this line of work due to declining health. He was a volunteer at heart and wore many hats in the community over his lifetime. He mentored young animal lovers as a 4H leader for many years while his children were active in the organization. He proudly served the residents of Mecosta County as a founding member of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Posse for 35 years until his retirement in 1999. Many of those years as Captain of the Posse. He has remained an honorary member of the organization since his retirement. He also worked closely with local law enforcement and animal control to capture and care for animals at large. He was a member of the Buckley Old Engine Club since 1993. For several years he organized the traffic control and parking venues for this popular event. Bob was an animal lover! As a dear friend of Dr. Duanne Cummings he was entrusted with the care of the buffalo of Stanwood for many years. He was even mentioned in a book written by Dr. Cummings. He was specifically fond of his horses and owned several teams of Belgians over the years. He took great pride in showing them off and won many awards at local events and parades. For a number of years he gave hayrides with his team at the Canadian Lakes Campground. Bob enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Amish community and was especially close to Willy and Manuell. He enjoyed spending time with them and accompanying them to auctions and such. Bob took pleasure in attending the Stanwood Free Methodist Church with his family. Bob was a source of constant joy to everyone who met or knew him. He always had a corny joke or a funny story to tell. He could tell a story like no one else and he loved to talk! Anywhere, anytime you could count on a funny story or joke to put a smile on your face. He was a wonderful husband and father, the world's greatest "Poppy" , a generous volunteer, and a loyal friend. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by everyone who knew him. Bob was preceded in death by his father Frank Ellison in 1980, his mother Mary Ellison in 1988, a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Darlene Ellison, an infant granddaughter, Marcie Rushmore in 1969, and a special friend, John Janicek in 2008. Bob is survived by a large and loving family: his wife of 58 years, Charlotte. One son, Gerald (Lora) Ellison; one daughter, Janet (Tim) Bowman, all of Stanwood, seven grandchildren: Dan (Angie) Ellison, Keith (Becky) Ellison, Amy (Troy) Parker, Michelle (David) Bigelow, Melinda (JJ) Higgins, Melissa (Toby) Smith, and Misty (Shannon) Cooley. Two special "extra" grandchildren: Kara and Ronnie Huey; 22 great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Cody, Kailey, Tyler, Krystyn, Hannah, Keegan, Ethan, Gage, Ty, Gregory, Lane, Sadie, Blakely, Maddie, Charli, Tim, Cole, Tobie, Trevor, Clay, and Cassie; one great-great grandson; Brandon. Two Brothers: Harry (Gladys) Ellison and Lester (Joyce) Ellison. One sister: June (Robert) Spedowski all of Stanwood. One special niece, Dolly Marek and many, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 28th at the Stanwood Free Methodist Church with Pastor Ron White officiating. The family will greet friends on Tuesday (today) at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at the Stanwood Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post # 98 honor guard. Memorial contributions can be left at the funeral home to the Ellison family.