Robert Gillespie

Robert Jewell Gillespie, 65, of Beaver Island, died Thursday, July 9, 2015, at McLaren Northern Michigan In Petoskey. He was born January 14, 1950, on Beaver Island to Jewell Francis and Rita Mae (O'Donnell) Gillespie. Robert graduated from the Beaver Island School in 1968.

He worked as a diver and dock builder and commercial builder. He was an expert at building shipwreck furniture. He built the Beaver Island Community Center, and the Beaver Island Medical Center, the CMU Biological Center, the fire-hall, school, car wash, yacht club, and the Beaver Island Boat Dock.

Robert was a member of the Beaver Island Wildlife Club, a life member of the NRA, and enjoyed golfing, boating, and hunting.

On May 25, 1991, he married Lisa L. Vance on Beaver Island. He is survived by Lisa, and their son, Cody of Traverse City. Robert is also survived by his brothers and sisters, John (Jeanne) of Beaver Island, Billy (Jan) of Chicago, Mary (Edward) Palmer of Beaver Island, Danny (Tammy) of Charlevoix, Richie (Laura) of Beaver Island, Julie Gillespie of Charlevoix, Kathy Maudrie, and Cindy (Dusty) Cushman of Beaver Island.

One of Robert's favorite sayings is a quote from John Wayne: “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”

The wake will be 6-8 pm Friday, July 17, at the Holy Cross Church on Beaver Island where the Rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Funeral mass will be 11 am, Saturday, July 18, at Holy Cross Church, the Reverend Patrick Cawley officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery on Beaver Island.  A luncheon will be served at the Holy Cross Hall following the services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Beaver Island Medical Center, or to the Rita Gillespie Memorial Blood Drive.