Rob Abent
Age 68. Arnold Robin (“Rob”) Abent passed away on October 25, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born in Lansing on June 13, 1955 to Arnold and Margaret (Loomis) Abent, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan (Lamphere) Abent, son Jonathan Abent, daughter Claire (Chad Casper) Abent, sisters Mary Jill (Gerald) Phillips and Lisa (Charlie) Ham, brother Ross (Steven Border) Abent, brother-in-law James (Susan) Lamphere, and extended family.
Rob wanted to acknowledge the many wonderful people who have been his friends throughout the course of his life. To numerous to list, you know who you are. It has been a joyous ride; thank you all, and may you stay forever young.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on November 11, 2023 at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with visitation preceding at 2:00 p.m. Charitable donations may be made to Fenner Conservancy, 2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910, or the charity of your choice.
22 Messages to “Rob Abent”
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Sharon Edgar
October 26, 2023 at 4:00 pmRob was my mentor a good friend often he felt like family. There was a special sense of warmth and safety in my life, knowing that he was there for me if I needed him and now that’s gone. All my love to Sue, Jonathon and Claire.
Pat iding
October 26, 2023 at 5:04 pmI sold Rob and Sue many vehicles over the years -what a class act Rob was -he had such high morals and integrity-God Bless Rob you will be missed-i know you have earned your reward in heaven RIP praying Sue for you and your family
Karen Hackett
October 26, 2023 at 11:03 pmNo words. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Sue, you and the kids are in my heart and my prayers.
Cheryl Chapko Fabry
October 27, 2023 at 8:11 amSo sorry to hear this Sue. So many memories of Rob when he worked at the Senate Fiscal Agency. He was such an honorable, intelligent and genuinely nice person with a touch of witty, dry humor. Prayers to you and your family.
Lorraine White
October 27, 2023 at 1:52 pmSue, Jonathon and Claire, I worked for Rob for a few years just prior to his retirement. I’ll never forgot a birthday card he gave me one year, it was a generic card, but on the inside he hand wrote “I hope your birthday isn’t crappy!” Usually serious but he did have quite a sense of humor. Rest in peace Rob.
Katie Benghauser
October 27, 2023 at 10:55 pmCheryl hit the nail on the head when she said, “He was such an honorable, intelligent and genuinely nice person with a touch of witty, dry humor.” I so enjoyed chatting with him when I would stop by. He was always interested in updates on my family and mutual friends. We had many good laughs! Thinking of you, Sue, Jonathan, and Claire.
Betty A Underwood
October 28, 2023 at 7:03 amSue, Claire, and Jonathan. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you.
Sue Bennett
October 28, 2023 at 11:32 amI laughed harder with this man than with anyone else I’ve ever known. Rob totally got my cynical sense of humor. I will miss him so much. He was so kind to my husband Willis, a good listener and friend. My heart is breaking for Sue, Jon and Claire.
Audrey Cornell Putman
October 28, 2023 at 3:15 pmSue,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God continue to keep you and your family in His loving, caring hands.
Kurt E. Krause
October 29, 2023 at 10:28 amSue, Jonathan, and the rest of the family – Amy and I are so terribly sorry to hear of Rob’s death. He was such a great neighbor and a better friend. I have often thought of our evenings with him and oftentimes my brother, sitting on our little front porch, drinking a beer and laughing so much. You and Rob are in our hearts.
Mark Murray
October 29, 2023 at 4:22 pmRob was a consummate professional and wonderful human being. He created much good in his work and in his relationship. May this good man now rest in peace.
Philip Jager
November 2, 2023 at 3:43 pmSue & Family –Working on the executive budget side with Rob “across the aisle” on the legislative side with regard to appropriation hearings for numerous state capital outlay projects for colleges, community colleges, state agencies etc.was a joy and so smooth with Rob at the helm! He was a true gentleman, smart, had a great sense of humor. He effectively worked to smooth out any issues that might arise, which can be many in a legislative setting, to ease and obtain passage of the bills. He was one of a kind, and became a great friend. I know he eventually carried these talents to the Aeronautics. Agency. I am going to miss him very, very much. Solace and condolences to all of you for this untimely loss of one great guy!
Delphine Fairbanks
November 2, 2023 at 9:21 pmSue I Met Rob at the time we attended the MAAE conferences. A very fine gentleman and a big loss . He will be missed. I have attended the conferences on behalf of the Authority (DTW) He will be missed by all especially by you and family. I want to express my best to you during your time of grief. Del Fairbanks
Marc Speiser
November 5, 2023 at 2:25 pmRob was a wonderful colleague and friend, a staunch partisan for good governance with a fine sense of humor and perspective. He was, like many of his peers, scrupulous, honest, and rather wry. May his memory be a blessing.
K. L. Cool
November 7, 2023 at 12:41 pmThankful for the opportunity to have worked with Rob at the DNR and saddened to learn of his passing.
Rob was professional, knowledgeable and enjoyable to work with. He was an important part of the DNR’s fiscal integrity.
K. Cool
Laura DeGuire
November 9, 2023 at 1:32 amDear Sue and family – Please accept my deepest condolences at Rob’s passing. I pray that time will help to soften your sad loss, and that you will eventually be able to take comfort in happier memories.
Eric Washburn
November 10, 2023 at 9:43 amDear Sue, Jonathan, Claire and family – thinking of you at this difficult time and remembering all the laughs and happy times with Rob. His sense of humor, wit and kindness always left you feeling uplifted. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Dave campbell
November 10, 2023 at 8:54 pmIt was my honor to know Rob. We had so many good times working Capital Outlay together and pleased we stayed in touch over the years. Was so sorry to get the phone call from him a few weeks ago letting me know his circumstance. What a fine gentleman and a great professional he was. Plus, we could giggle like little boys about stupid stuff. I will miss him greatly and hold good thoughts for you, Sue and Jonathan and Claire.
John Walker
November 11, 2023 at 11:13 amRob Abent, “My Very Bestest Friend of ALL Time!” Looking forward to the time after I’ve started my Journey, when I spy a familiar figure standing on the Path. Then with a voice one can never forget I hear, “Well Marine, what’s taken you so long?!?”
I miss you Dear Old Friend, but whenever I need a boost in spirits I know where to find you; just lightly close my eyes and there you’ll be, ready to pick me up just like you’ve been doing for the last 40 years!
Semper Fidelis, Your Marine (Always)
Greg Rosine
November 11, 2023 at 11:52 amAll that’s been said of Rob is true. Having Rob as a colleague was a treasure. Working with Rob made everything better. He is missed.
Robin Moritz
November 11, 2023 at 1:29 pmA true loss of a legacy neighbor. We’ll miss his great sense of humor often shared in his drive bys.
John Sellek
March 8, 2024 at 4:24 pmI am so, so sorry to hear this. I was shocked to hear this news. Rob was our neighbor. When he came over to chat I always knew I’d have a great talk and a laugh. He was so consistently nice and approachable. Every time we drive through the neighborhood I think of him right away. If you knew our intersection you’d be amazed how many great people we were so lucky to live around. I send my best wishes to you Sue, and your family.
John