Obituary for Robert P. "Bob" Fayas
Kingsford- Robert “Bob” P. Fayas, 75, of Kingsford, Mich., passed away Friday, December 25, 2020 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wis.
He was born September 20, 1945 in Iron Mountain, Mich., son of the late George and Irene (Leppanen) Fayas. Bob was a lifelong resident of Kingsford and a graduate of Kingsford High School, class of 1963. Following graduation, he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. Bob proudly served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge, at which time he joined the family business, Fayas & Sons, Inc. On August 27, 1977, he was united in marriage to Barbara Lindgren. Bob was the owner and operator of Miller Products & Supply Company.
For those in the community who knew him, Bob will be remembered as a fair and kind-hearted man, a quiet philanthropist, and in later years, a wise friend and confidant. Bob was practical, but he never chose the easiest route; he loved a challenge from those who doubted him. He counted his missed opportunities as failures, but failed risks were useful lessons because “Only those who risk succeed.” Friends would be reminded of this when he said, “It’s better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all.” Bob walked his own path; no one person could define him, and he was proud of that.
For those who loved him, Bob will be remembered as a deeply caring father, stern but compassionate and fair. He was a wanderer, philosopher, competitor, and an adventurer. Bob was proud of his service as an aircraft mechanic in Europe during the Cold War, and he continued his service through longtime membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and The Forty and Eight. An unmatched work ethic allowed Bob to build a business and a home during the day while earning a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from NMU at night. Bob raced stockcars and hovercrafts, flew airplanes, sailed the ocean, and mined gold in South America. In later years he reflected upon this while watching over his lake and tending to the wildlife which he considered his friends. Throughout his life, Bob maintained a strong relationship with the Lord, allowing him to receive the most joy from watching others benefit from his hard work.
Bob never retired; his commitment to his family wouldn’t allow it. His mentorship ensured the company would succeed, and his sacrifice ensured his loved ones would be provided for. If asked how he could keep it up at his age, he would respond, “I just put one foot in front of the other.”
Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Barbara; two sons, Ryan (Victoria) Fayas and Justin (Holly) Fayas; one daughter, Heather (David) Johnson; one brother, Marvin (Kathleen) Fayas; two sisters, Carol (Dennis) Acotto and Marilyn (Richard) Sinelli; and grandchildren Nicholas, Samuel, Maya, Anabelle, Joseph, and Roger.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one brother, Duane Fayas.
Visitation will be at the First Covenant Church of Iron Mountain on Friday, January 8, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Pastor Kevin Sullivan will officiate. To those who attend, we kindly ask that face masks and social distancing be observed. Burial will take place immediately following the service in Breitung Township Cemetery, Quinnesec, Mich.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Bob’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Bob’s legacy of life.
He was born September 20, 1945 in Iron Mountain, Mich., son of the late George and Irene (Leppanen) Fayas. Bob was a lifelong resident of Kingsford and a graduate of Kingsford High School, class of 1963. Following graduation, he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. Bob proudly served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge, at which time he joined the family business, Fayas & Sons, Inc. On August 27, 1977, he was united in marriage to Barbara Lindgren. Bob was the owner and operator of Miller Products & Supply Company.
For those in the community who knew him, Bob will be remembered as a fair and kind-hearted man, a quiet philanthropist, and in later years, a wise friend and confidant. Bob was practical, but he never chose the easiest route; he loved a challenge from those who doubted him. He counted his missed opportunities as failures, but failed risks were useful lessons because “Only those who risk succeed.” Friends would be reminded of this when he said, “It’s better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all.” Bob walked his own path; no one person could define him, and he was proud of that.
For those who loved him, Bob will be remembered as a deeply caring father, stern but compassionate and fair. He was a wanderer, philosopher, competitor, and an adventurer. Bob was proud of his service as an aircraft mechanic in Europe during the Cold War, and he continued his service through longtime membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and The Forty and Eight. An unmatched work ethic allowed Bob to build a business and a home during the day while earning a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from NMU at night. Bob raced stockcars and hovercrafts, flew airplanes, sailed the ocean, and mined gold in South America. In later years he reflected upon this while watching over his lake and tending to the wildlife which he considered his friends. Throughout his life, Bob maintained a strong relationship with the Lord, allowing him to receive the most joy from watching others benefit from his hard work.
Bob never retired; his commitment to his family wouldn’t allow it. His mentorship ensured the company would succeed, and his sacrifice ensured his loved ones would be provided for. If asked how he could keep it up at his age, he would respond, “I just put one foot in front of the other.”
Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Barbara; two sons, Ryan (Victoria) Fayas and Justin (Holly) Fayas; one daughter, Heather (David) Johnson; one brother, Marvin (Kathleen) Fayas; two sisters, Carol (Dennis) Acotto and Marilyn (Richard) Sinelli; and grandchildren Nicholas, Samuel, Maya, Anabelle, Joseph, and Roger.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one brother, Duane Fayas.
Visitation will be at the First Covenant Church of Iron Mountain on Friday, January 8, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Pastor Kevin Sullivan will officiate. To those who attend, we kindly ask that face masks and social distancing be observed. Burial will take place immediately following the service in Breitung Township Cemetery, Quinnesec, Mich.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Bob’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Bob’s legacy of life.