Robert Leo Brent
Robert Leo Brent was born December 23, 1941 in Chicago, Ill; died May 24, 2019, at the age of 77, in East Lansing, MI. He was educated at Ferris State University, Michigan State University (MSU) and the Corcoran School of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. For more than 30 years, Robert worked as University Artist at MSU, creating a legacy of design and interpretation that will live on for generations. After MSU, Robert owned and operated the design firm Robert Brent Illustration in East Lansing, MI until his death. In addition to a superlative artistic talent, Robert’s family remembers fondly his humor, intelligence and kindness for animals. He died surrounded by the people and pets who loved him. Preceded in death by his sister, poet Barbara Brent Brower, daughter Elizabeth Jane Brent and mother Josephine Brent (née Stresen-Reuter), Robert is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son Andrew, his daughter-in-law Katherine (née Haun) and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Robert Brent.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Calhoun County Animal Center, 165 Union Street South, Battle Creek, Michigan, 49014.
8 Messages to “Robert Leo Brent”
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Stephen C. Roberts
May 25, 2019 at 3:48 pmHi, my name is Stephen Roberts; Bobbie was a first cousin. I hadn’t seen Bobbie since 1958. There were 7 of us; Barbie and Bobbie (Josephine Stresen-Reuter Brent), Alfy, Freddy and Jamie (Al Stresen-Reuter), and Bucky and Stevie (Libby Stresen-Reuter Roberts). We all played together at family get togethers or at ‘the cottage’ in Macatawa. I missed him a long time and now I’ll miss him a little more. Now there’s just Alfy and Stevie.
Elaine and Gary Kropp
May 26, 2019 at 7:35 amAndy and Kate, please accept our sincere thoughts of sympathy on the passing of your father/father in law.
Rick Seguin
May 27, 2019 at 12:11 pmI worked with Bob for a while during his University Development years at MSU. He tried to come off as a curmudgeon sometimes, but it wasn’t hard to see the soft interior. He didn’t suffer fools, and that made me try hard not to be one around him! I enjoyed our talks and laughs, and I am honored to be one of the people to receive a personalized caricature upon my departure from University Development. I have and will continue to treasure it, and I’m sad to find his wit, compassion and deep caring have left us. I’ll always remember him fondly.
Bryan Griffin
May 27, 2019 at 3:59 pmI’m so sorry to hear this. I worked with Bob at University Development many years ago. I loved chatting with him, sharing some laughs and passing the nerf football around in the hallway. Bob was truly a classic individual and will be missed. I’ll always smile when I think of Bob, his smile, laugh and the stories he told.
Brian Knitter
May 28, 2019 at 7:25 amPains me to hear this. So many memories of Bob but my favorites are on the golf course with him. Rest in peace my friend.
Regina Cross
May 28, 2019 at 10:21 amSo sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I worked with his wife Nancy at the MSU Alumni Association and Bob would come into the office from time to time and there was always a quick witted reply of some sort when we would chat. Nancy loved him dearly and you could tell they shared many days filled with laughter. My condolences to Nancy and Andy and the entire family.
Steven Brower
May 28, 2019 at 11:56 amI really loved my Uncle Bob. He always did the right thing and he always pretended to be grumpy. He and Nancy were always kind and helpful to us, despite our varying abilities to respond appropriately. I looked up to him and I still emulate him. Especially when I’m pretending to be grumpy. He was a great person.
J. Michael Brower
May 28, 2019 at 2:43 pmI, just like Steve, really loved Uncle Bob. He did do the right things, and I’m probably as grumpy as he ever was, but that’s not my point: I had a private love for him, and, with the passing of my Mom, he provided a shoulder to cry on: I did that. He didn’t back away. I did love him, and I hear my own voice, sometimes, saying things he would have said. He was an honorable man!