Robert J. Goudzwaard, age 85, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2016 in Big Rapids, MI. Known as Rob, Bob and Rib to his family and friends, he was born to his parents Adrian and Alice Goudzwaard on November 21, 1930 in Home Acres (Grand Rapids). A lifelong bachelor, he was preceded in death by his parents and elder brothers, Eugene, Warren, and Maurice. He is survived by his cat, Phil; Goudzwaard nieces and nephews, Jane, Gail, Gordon, Gary and Susan; and many loyal friends. Rob graduated from Kelloggsville High School in 1949 and went on to serve in the Marine Corps from 1951-1953. Following his time in service, he became a barber and also worked at Home Acres Block and Building Supply Company. After an early retirement, Rob lived many happy years at his cabin on Bitely Lake, where he enjoyed a life of voluntary simplicity: hiking the woods, picking mushrooms, bow hunting, fishing, and observing nature. Later, he lived in Woodville and Big Rapids, MI. He was a master of the art of conversation who thrived on trivia, bad jokes and riddles. He loved to read about and discuss history and politics and was an especially good letter writer always composed on his ancient manual typewriter. He will be remembered by family and friends as a humble and private man who lived modestly and by his own principles. He was a wonderful and generous friend with a sense of humor and an outlook on life that served as a tonic to all who knew him. He will be missed for many reasons as he was a very special man. Rest in Peace Uncle Rob/Bob/Rib. Cremation has taken place through the care of the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids, daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com