Robert 'Bob' Ryder

RYDER, ROBERT "Bob" Robert E. "Bob" Ryder, age 68, died unexpectedly of an abdominal aortic aneurysm on October 21, 2012, in Kalamazoo. Bob was born July 4, 1944, in Kalamazoo, the son of Roger and Harriet Snyder Ryder. He was a graduate of Portage High School in 1962, recently celebrating his fiftieth reunion. Bob joined the Army Reserves in 1967 and served until 1972. Bob began his life-long career with Frost Standard Service. In 1968 he opened Ryder's Standard Service which evolved into Ryder's Auto Service Centre in 1982 and is still in business today. Bob was known to be able to fix anything, he enjoyed fishing, vegetable gardening, and flying after acquiring his private pilot's license many years ago. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On July 16, 1965, he was united in marriage to Janice E. Betke, who survives. Also surviving are Bob and Jan's three children, Eric Ryder, Ben Robin Ryder and Melissa Andrew Pavlak; three granddaughters, Olivia, Samantha and Alexandra who were the light of his life; two sisters, Barbara Richard Goldschmeding and Nancy Zakarias; a brother, William Becky Ryder; in-laws, Linda Ryder and William Weessies; nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; by a sister, Judy Weessies; a brother, James Ryder; and a brother-in-law, Gene "Zak" Zakarias. A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, October 25th at Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church 9316 Oakland Drive with Rev. David Breen officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 24th from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Street and at the church on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's memory may be directed to the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes or a charity of your choice.