Robert Bruce Garbutt passed away peacefully in his home in Miller Beach, Gary, Indiana on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, of natural causes. He was 86. Rob was a resident of Warwick, New York, for several years.
Rob was born Sept. 29, 1934, in Ferndale, Michigan, to Mildred (O’Camb) Garbutt and Bruce D Garbutt.
Rob had an idyllic childhood where he excelled at speed skating and playing the trumpet all through his school years. It was at this time that he discovered his natural talent for art and design.
He graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Industrial Design. His extensive career saw him create innovative packaging, product design, commercial buildings, homes and even zoos. Belle Isle Zoo, Boblo Island Zoo, both of Detroit, and Jungle Habitat of New Jersey were highlights of his storied career.
He was an innovative thinker who did not settle for the status quo. Rob had a charismatic personality and people enjoyed his company. In his later years, he enjoyed community service, such as his work with the Warwick Historical Society preserving its Union African Methodist Church.
While Rob had many interests and hobbies, such as his love of University of Michigan football, his greatest devotion was to his wife Sandra, who he referred to as the love of his life. He has been by her side steadfastly throughout her long illness. Even as he grew older, he kept himself active with new projects and was designing a home for his daughter. He had a curious and innovative mind to the very end.
Rob is survived by his wife Sandra (Lande) Garbutt, his daughter Gwen (Garbutt) Bettini, her husband William, of Naples, his son Gregory Garbutt of Boise Idaho and Sandra’s daughter Monique Meloche and her husband Evan Boris of Chicago. He also leaves three grandchildren: Alexandra Bettini, Emily Bettini, and Robert Bettini, plus an extended family of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Rob is predeceased by his parents, Bruce and Mildred Garbutt, his sister Faye McCartney, and his ex-wife Ellen (Dunne) Garbutt.
Funeral arrangements are provided by Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage, Indiana.
Rob will be laid to rest with a graveside memorial at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak, Michigan, on May 14, 2022.
Memorial donations in Rob’s name may be made to the American Stroke Foundation (https://americanstroke.org/), the Stroke Recovery Foundation (https://strokerecoveryfoundation.org/), or any other organization working to research and aid those who are affected by stroke.