Robert Wayne Champion

Robert Wayne Champion

May 4, 1945 - November 2, 2022

Robert Champion has taken his final trip around the sun. He will be remembered as an avid traveler who was happiest in the seat of a motorcycle, train, or car. Bob loved putting miles on the odometer. He once drove from the western US to Canada with his family and, when they returned home, circled the block to make the journey an even 6,500 miles. That’s the Bob we knew and loved. He will be sorely missed.

Robert was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Kelly and Viola Champion. Bobby grew up with his brother, Jim, and went to Mackenzie High School. After graduation, Bob became a proud Spartan. He attended Michigan State University for three years before finishing his studies at the University of Michigan. Bob subsequently completed Officer Candidate School for the Army and served in Korea during the Vietnam War.

After his service, Bob ventured on a new path. He went back to school and earned an MBA from Wayne State University. He worked as a loan officer at various banks over several decades, earning the nickname “Banker Bob.” In 1976, he married the love of his life, Kathy, in Downer’s Grove, Illinois, and they moved to Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. The couple welcomed a daughter, Julie, in 1979, and a son, Robbie, in 1982.

Bob made so many beautiful memories with his family. Some of the highlights were traveling by train from Detroit to California, Boston, and New Orleans, across Europe, and even in Australia. He continued to travel in his later years, making many trips by motorcycle between Detroit and California and, later, by train from Detroit to Philadelphia and Atlanta. After he retired from banking, Bob volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Detroit. He fixed tools and was awarded “Non-Construction Volunteer of the Year”. Bob also volunteered at a cat shelter, despite being allergic, and rescued many cats and kittens he found on the street. He adopted four adult dogs over the years. Bob was always ready to help a friend (with or without fur).

Robert is predeceased by his wife Kathleen Champion, brother James Champion, and parents James “Kelly” and Viola Champion.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Champion (Kevin Boulware), son Robert Champion, and four grandchildren: Kathleen, Cooper, Theresa, and Maggie. He leaves behind two nieces, Laura and Anne-Marie, and his nephew, Jim.

A funeral will occur at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at St. Paul on the Lake (157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat Humanity Detroit <https://habitatdetroit.org/donation/> https://habitatdetroit.org/donation/.