Robert S. Bruinsma, age 93 of Canadian Lakes, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, September 9, 2019. He was born June 17, 1926 in Grand Rapids the son of Samuel and Rose (Hornberger) Bruinsma. Bob graduated from Creston High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy serving during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned to Grand Rapids where he attended Grand Rapids Junior College and later the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Hancock on April 10, 1947. They made their home in Grand Rapids where Bob accepted a management position with Wepmans Menswear. He managed the formal wear division at Wepmans until he made the decision to open his own business. In 1961, Bob and Elaine moved the family to Big Rapids and established Towne and Country Mens Shop. During the next 33 years, the business grew to include womenswear and became a respected member of the Big Rapids community. Bob was a member of the United Church of Big Rapids, the Lions Club and worked diligently at keeping a good relationship with Ferris students and faculty. He also was a past president of the Michigan Retailers Association and had served on the Board of Directors for Citizens State Bank in Big Rapids. Bob and Elaine retired to Canadian Lakes where they have lived for nearly 25 years. Bob is survived by his wife of a remarkable 72 years, Elaine; three children, Beth (Robert) Noe of Austin, TX, Doug Bruinsma of Colorado Springs, CO, Wendy Oertling of Canadian Lakes; grandchildren, Allison Lustig, Adam Noe, Jessica Bruinsma, Elana Bruinsma, Jack Bruinsma, Shawn Oertling and Christopher Oertling; six great-grandchildren; a sister Margaret Fuller of Grand Haven; several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two half-brothers, Ben and Simon Bruinsma and a sister, Mary Rosenberger. Funeral services will take place 12:00 p.m. (noon) Friday, September 13, 2019 at the United Church of Big Rapids with Pastor JT Hills officiating. The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, September 12th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Memorial contributions in Bobs name may be made to The United Church of Big Rapids or a charity of the donors choice. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Friday, September 13, 2019 12:00 PM United Church of Big Rapids 120 South State Street Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Thursday, September 12, 2019 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Visitation Thursday, September 12, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307