Robert “Bob” Crist, age 72, of Ithaca passed away March 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bob was born September 26, 1947 to Robert Lewis and Virginia Elaine (VanWagoner) Crist in Jackson, Michigan. He was a graduate of Western High School in Parma, Michigan. Following high school, Bob enrolled at Central Michigan University, graduating with a degree in music education. He enlisted in the Army after completing his degree and served two years as an Army musician. He toured the Southwest United States performing for troops and entertaining in officer’s clubs.
In the early 1970’s, Bob began teaching at Ithaca Public Schools in both the high school and jr. high school music departments where he shared his love of music with countless students. He was known for producing excellent marching and concert bands despite the school’s relatively small size, and for his work with students performing in the musical productions at the school. He was also well known in the area for the Ithaca High School Dixieland Band, which he directed and played the piano. Many Friday nights after IHS home basketball games, the community would gather at the bowling alley to listen to Bob and the Dixieland Band play.
Bob loved people and people loved Bob. His combined love of music and people led Bob to share his talents with many community groups. He played at nursing homes and the Senior Activity Building. He performed in the parks and the farmer’s market in the summer. He enjoyed providing music for the Gratiot County Players, leading the musicians and performing in many of their musical performances. He was also the Music Director for the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca. Everywhere Bob went, he made people happy, whether with his music, his jovial personality, or more likely both. Bob so loved sharing his musical talents that he wanted nothing more than to play piano at local nursing homes and the church again.
Bob’s love of people led him to serve in various community groups. He was a member of the Ithaca Lions Club, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Bob is survived by his brother John (Jan) Crist; his nephew Jason (Melissa) Crist; niece Melissa (Charlie Jr.) Westcott; his grand nieces and nephews Elijah and Samara Crist; and Madison, McKenna, and Keegan Wensley, all of Jackson, Michigan. He is also survived by very dear friends Randy and Tina Miniard, Garrett Miniard, and Bailey Miniard, all of Alma, Michigan; Jordy Miniard-Brewer and Andrea Miniard-Brewer of Harlan, Kentucky, and Carson Miniard-Teed of Ithaca, Michigan, as well as so many well loved friends he knew over the years
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Virginia Crist, sister-in-law Cheryl Crist, and dear friend Candie Hoch.
There will be a memorial celebration for Bob in the near future. Given recent worldwide events, this information will be forthcoming and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bob to either the Ithaca Band Boosters to be used for band camp scholarships, or the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences, memories, and/or stories may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.
To donate to Ithaca Band Boosters in Memory of Bob, click the "Donate" button below: