Robert "Doc" Wayne Doctor

Robert Wayne Doctor passed away at his home on Crooked Lake surrounded by his family on December 12, 2020; he was 83 years old.

Bob "Doc" Doctor was born on January 6, 1937, in a farmhouse between Ellsworth and Atwood, the son of Silas and Johanna (Veenstra) Doctor. Growing up in those small communities and working on the family farm helped shape a lifelong appreciation of hard work, family, faith and a love for the outdoors.

Bob graduated from Ellsworth High School where he excelled in basketball and track. He then attended Central Michigan University where he received his BS degree in teaching in 1959.  He went on to attain his MS and Specialist in Education degrees from Michigan State University. 

Bob married Darlene Houck on January 31, 1956, and together they raised three children. He began his educational career in Northport, Michigan where he was a teacher and basketball coach.  Shortly thereafter, he was hired as teacher and principal in Interlocken and later transitioned to an administrator at Interlocken Arts Academy--with the distinction as the only faculty member that couldn’t read music!  He served as principal at Boyne City High School for two years before becoming principal at Petoskey High School in 1967; a position he held for 26 years.   During his tenure at PHS, Bob served on the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Representative Council for 10 years including two years as President. He also served on the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Association, including a role as president of this group. Having played a key role in the success of Petoskey athletics, he was inducted into the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

After retiring from PHS in 1993, Bob was principal at Duran High School until 1998. Upon full retirement, he returned north to his home on Crooked Lake.

He was a devoted father and a cherished grandfather. His grandchildren will fondly remember their times with Grandpa tubing on Crooked Lake, fishing on Lake Michigan, riding the four-wheeler and playing many spirited games of euchre at deer camp.

With many hobbies and interests, Bob enjoyed his retirement thoroughly-- especially gardening and growing his wonderful sweet corn at Back Acres, fishing for lake trout and salmon on Little Traverse Bay and woodworking in his shop.

Bob loved sports! He closely followed the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and, most of all, his beloved Michigan State Spartans. He was a founding member of the Gunnel Grabbers—a group of local canoe enthusiasts that explored the wild rivers and lakes of Ontario each spring.  Hunting, however, was his greatest passion. He loved his time hunting for rabbits in the swamps around Ellsworth, elk in the Rocky Mountains, and pheasants in South Dakota.  Bob was a proud member of the Yes Deer Hunting Club for 46 years where he treasured hunting whitetail deer, bear and turkey, as well as the camaraderie of 17 other members, including some of his dearest friends, son and grandson. 

He was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Petoskey for 33 years where he served as Elder.  He was a former member of the Petoskey Kiwanis Club as well as the Lions Club of Duran. An avid golfer for most of his life, he was a long-term member of Petoskey-Bay View Country Club.  Bob was also involved in basketball officiating at many levels for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Johanna Doctor and his younger brother, Ken.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Peggy Tittle, his children Debbie (Michael) Davies, Terrie (Steve) Briley and Michael (Monica) Doctor, siblings Fay (Ted) Sesslar, Vangie (Mel) Willie, Silas (Mary) Doctor as well as 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Bob’s family is very grateful to Cheryl Goodrich and the staff of McLaren Hospice for the loving care they provided in Bob’s final months. 

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so at the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey or the Top of Michigan Trails Council. 

A celebration of life memorial ceremony will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey on July 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Bay View Country Club from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Arrangements are by Stone Funeral Home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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