Obituaries

Robert James McCormick, 91, passed away November 27, 2023, with his loving family by his side at Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Robert “Bob,” was born on July 14, 1932, in Sault Ste. Marie, to John McCormick and Agnus Rates McCormick.

Bob attended Brimley Public Schools before meeting his lifelong love, Loretta Sparks McCormick, at age 19. Bob and Loretta married in 1952 and together raised three children, Joan Marie, Robert James, and William David.

Bob consistently worked hard throughout his life to provide and care for his family. As a young boy Bob earned money to purchase school clothes by trapping animals and selling fur, followed by years of cutting pulp wood and plowing farms as a teen. He affectionately referred to his keen ability to scavenge as “working in the scrap iron business,” including when he retrieved a boat motor from the bottom of the river, rolled the motor up the hill, and traded it for money.

Bob dedicated over 30 years of skill and talent to Chippewa County Road Commission working in various positions including management. Bob could be found doing any one of a variety of trades for the county including welding, operating heavy equipment and cranes, and working as a mechanic. Bob took great pride in his work and enjoyed any opportunity to learn new skills, problem solve and share his knowledge with others.

Bob was innovative, enjoyed challenges and had the ability to take anything apart and put it back together. He had a passion for jigging walleyes up the river, fishing white fish in Mosquito Bay, trapping, hunting, and spending time at his beautiful camp.

Bob was admired by his family and friends for his loyalty, generosity, strong work ethic, love for family and sense of humor. He enjoyed sharing his musical gifts including singing with friends at nursing homes in Sault Ste. Marie and St. Francis Xavier Church.

He was a cherished pillar in his community with countless lifelong friendships, and his storytelling and quick wit will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta (Sparks) McCormick; daughter, Joan McCormick of Traverse City, Michigan; sister, Patsy McCormick; brother, John McCormick; grandsons, Tom (Tracy) Fosmore of Kingsley, Michigan, Jason Clingaman of Brimley, Michigan, Robert McCormick of Jenison, Michigan, and Cory (Maria) McCormick of Jacksonville, Florida; and great-grandchildren, Carter, Autumn, Jakob, Bentley, Jozlynn and Ada.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents John and Agnus McCormick; sons, Robert James and William David; brother, Albert McCormick; and sister, Geraldine McCormick Kirkpatrick.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church at 1 PM on Thursday, November 30th, at 6769 South Bay St., M-221, Brimley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.