Robert Price, 87, first Mayor of Norton Shores, MI, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021. Robert was born on June 15, 1933, to Samuel and Elizabeth Price in Muskegon, MI. He attended Nims Elementary School in Muskegon and graduated from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, FL. Robert, as the oldest son, worked in the family's furniture store from childhood through his young adulthood, even driving a truck to Chicago at the tender age of fourteen to bring furniture back to Muskegon. He attended Michigan State University until called home to help when the furniture store burned down. Robert was both family and civic minded. He served in the United States Navy from 1955-1957, and followed his Uncle Bud into the volunteer firefighter corps at Norton Fire Station, eventually serving as its captain. Robert's children for all of their growing up years remember the police and fire scanner on at night and Dad sometimes needing to go help fight a fire in the middle of the night. Robert was instrumental in Norton Shores becoming a city and served as its first Mayor from 1968-1972.

On June 7, 1958, Robert married the love of his life, Mildred Ann Ruth Januska, and they enjoyed 42 years together. Their early courtship included perch fishing near the Muskegon Channel. They had four children and many busy years as Millie taught elementary school and Robert helped grow community businesses from his own carpet store to managing WQWQ radio and the Muskegon Mall. In later years, he worked for Markland Development, was involved in developing Grand Haven's Chinook Pier and properties in downtown Muskegon. Robert was an avid sportsman who hunted and fished, sharing many good times with friends and families Up North in the Baldwin and Wellston areas and Poncho's Pond in Ludington. Robert enjoyed chartering his fishing boat on Lake Michigan, aka the Big Lake, and from 1975-1982 was the proprietor of The Red Rooster, a popular neighborhood tavern on Scenic Drive, north of Muskegon. During the years which spanned the blizzard of 1978, Robert's volunteerism continued. He often used his Scout truck to pull motorists from snow banks and plowed the driveways of neighbors and friends. His children remember riding the roads with Dad during these adventures.

Robert was the beloved Grandpa Bear of 10 grandchildren, T.J. (Jana) Smith, Robert (Julie) McDonald, Madeline (Eddie) Mazorowicz, Ashlyn McDonald, Rebecca McDonald, Abigail Miklosovic, Grace Miklosovic, Sophie Miklosovic, Benjamin Kelly Price, and Eleanor Price.

Robert is survived by: his children, Kellye (Brian) Wood, Laurie (Gary) Miklosovic, Michelle (Michael) McDonald, and Michael (Margaret) Price; his siblings, Fran (Rick) Boyden, and Donald Price; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Mille Price; his parents, Sam and Betty Price; and his brother, James Price.

The family is planning a "Celebration of Life" in the spring, when life renews, on the shores of the Big Lake that defined so much of Robert's life. Messages for the family may be left at www.beaconfh.com .

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.