Robert Baarda Obituary

Robert J. Baarda, age 74, of Grand Rapids, died Tuesday, October 7, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sid and Christine Baarda. Robert is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ann; four children, Kim (Niall) of London, England, Maria (Paul) Danigelis of East Lansing, Jon (Michelle) Baarda of Grand Rapids, Ellissa (Jeffrey) Lauer of Ada; nine grandchildren, Morven, Ben, Anna, Connor, Bailey, Jackson, Teague, Alexa and Sydney; several nieces and nephews; sister, Patricia (Donald) Lundy of Rockford, IL and his identical twin brother, Roger (Diana) Baarda of Grand Rapids with whom Robert had a special bond; the two of them were well known around Grand Rapids as "The Twins" and have been inseparable since birth. Robert served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He was an avid golfer and was an independent builder and developer for the past 40 years supporting the continued growth of the West Michigan landscape. Robert was a wonderful father and supporter of all his family's activities never missing one moment to support them however he could. He was a true hero to us all. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church (2250 East Paris Ave. SE). The family will receive friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a Trisagion Service at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in memory of Robert. The family is being served by: Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service