Bob Raymond was an amazing husband, father, brother, grandfather (“Papa”), and friend whose calm spirit and kind heart touched everyone who knew him. He lived with deep gratitude, compassion, curiosity, and an appreciation for the beauty in everyday life.

Before retirement, Bob worked as a Computer Repair Technician at Grand Valley State University, where fate would eventually lead him to the love of his life, Star. In July of 2000, Bob was sent to repair a printer in the office where Star worked as Assistant Budget Director. With no one else available to assist him, Star was called upon to help. After the repair was complete, Bob made his way to Star’s office to continue the conversation and get her full name. Later that same afternoon, he called and invited her to lunch.

At that lunch, Bob openly shared his life story — the good and the difficult, his children, past marriages, and his deeply held spiritual beliefs. Star was not frightened away. In fact, after not hearing from Bob for two weeks, and with encouragement from a friend, Star called him and invited him to attend an office outing to a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game. From that point forward, they became inseparable.

Bob and Star were married on October 12, 2001, and made their home together in Grand Haven, Michigan. In 2006, they adopted their beloved feline companions, Simba and Maggie. Maggie, now 20 years old, still reigns as queen of the household — with Bob forever wrapped around her little paw.

Bob always dreamed of being his own boss, and for a few years he and Star worked together as independent distributors for a nutritional and dietary supplement company. Their work allowed them to travel extensively and sparked a lifelong love of adventure and exploration. In 2009, they experienced the trip of a lifetime touring Europe together, traveling from London to Paris, on to Lucerne, Switzerland, and throughout Italy with stops in Venice, Florence, and Rome. Additional travels over the years included a Caribbean cruise gifted by Bob’s parents for all the siblings and spouses, winter trips to Florida to visit family, and visits to Arizona to spend time with his eldest son, Shawn.

In 2016, Bob and Star found their dream home in Whitehall, Michigan — nestled near Lake Michigan, Duck Lake State Park, White Lake, and beautiful wooded trails. When Star retired in 2019, the two embraced what Bob often described as their “best life.” Bob continually expressed gratitude for the many blessings in his life and treasured every day they shared together.

After retiring, Bob devoted himself to music, spirituality, family, and nature. He taught music at a local elementary school, spent time jamming with friends at a local bookstore and coffee shop, and wrote and recorded songs from home. Music became an extension of his spiritual journey, and he was preparing to release an album on Spotify at the time of his passing. Some of his music can also be found on YouTube. His songs reflected his ongoing spiritual growth, his love for humanity, and his desire to inspire peace and reflection in others.

Bob was deeply spiritual and passionate about personal growth, natural healing, homeopathic practices and environmental issues. When he wasn’t making music, he could often be found hiking the local state parks, relaxing in his boat on Duck Lake or White Lake while listening to music, or feeding the birds he loved so dearly. No matter what he filled his time with, he always had a special tenderness for all animals and strongly opposed animal cruelty. He was also a proud member of the White Lake Area Climate Action Council, where he often expressed his zeal for his electric car and solar panels.

Above all else, Bob loved his family deeply. He created countless cherished memories with his children and grandchildren through camping trips, water skiing, tubing, roller skating, board games — especially Monopoly — and sharing his lifelong love of popcorn. Bob had a remarkable ability to see the world through the eyes of a child, embracing wonder, joy, and imagination in everyday life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Star Raymond; children, Shawn Raymond of Phoenix, Arizona; Christopher “Chris” (Kate) Raymond of the United States Air Force, Melissa “Lesa” (Corey) Vandersloot of Conklin, Michigan, and Gaoshan Raymond of Kalamazoo, Michigan; grandchildren, Samuel Raymond, Letty and Graham Vandersloot; siblings, Thomas (Mary Beth ) Raymond, Jackie Kusler, James “Jim” (Barb) Raymond; nieces and nephews, Nikki and Robert Gruesbeck, Andy and Ida Raymond, Amanda and Mike Hughes, Nathan and Erica Kusler, Katie Raymond and Jeff Randles, Austin and Olivia Warner; many great nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Bob was truly a kind and gentle soul — calm, compassionate, and present in every moment. He found peace in the simple beauty of life and leaves behind a legacy of love, music, spirituality, and gratitude. He is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Duck Lake State Park Pavilion, 4733 N. Scenic Drive, Whitehall, Michigan 49461. Bob would want everyone to feel comfortable and come as they are; for those who would like to join in the fun, guests are encouraged to wear a Hawaiian shirt; Bob's favorite style and what he often referred to as his finest attire.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel is in charge of arrangements.