Bob Ellis is still touching lives, even in death.

At Orchard Creek Health Care in Elmwood Township, a memorial garden and park was created in his honor this year. On Friday, Orchard Creek held a dedication ceremony where Ellis’ friends and family gathered to honor a man employees called "their shining star."

Tribute to Bob Ellis

Ellis was a successful businessman and educator, having worked in a 25-year automotive advertising career, and later as an advertising and marketing professor at Northwood University in Midland. Nine years ago, he had a heart attack while visiting Traverse City, where his son lived, and after his recovery decided to retire to the area. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially golf, where he frequented Leelanau County courses like the former Veronica Valley.

In 2006, Ellis suffered from additional health problems that led to a 7-month stay at Orchard Creek before his death last Sept. 12 at the age of 82. It was at the facility he touched the lives of both residents and employees.

Justine Novak, who works at Orchard Creek, recalls his impact.

"He was ours, and we loved him," said Novak, adding that when he had to go to Munson Medical Center for surgery he longed to return to Orchard Creek, where his "girls" were. Novak said she’s worked at Orchard Creek for nearly two years, and few of the people she’s met there have been “as amazing” as Ellis.

Friends and family

"He was an amazing man, and to know what he did before he came to us, he was incredible," said Novak.

Sherry Tykoski, Orchard Creek’s executive director, said Ellis’ family, including his two children, Mary and Rob, also had an impact on staff and residents.

“He had an exceptional family, who were here every day for hours and hours for the entire seven months. The dedication of his family was heartwarming to all of the staff here,” Tykoski said. “For more me, and I’ve been doing this 20-plus years, no other family in that time has been as dedicated and compassionate to their father.”
Tykoski said Ellis’ daughter Mary even moved from downstate to the area when he became ill.

"They were always asking, 'what can we do?' They were there through the good times, the bad times, and the hard times. Whatever they could do, they did," Tykoski said.

Rob Ellis said that when he first walked into Orchard Creek, he knew it was the place where his father belonged.

"The employees who got to know him personally, they bent over backwards to take care of him," he said, adding the memorial park would have been something his father “would have loved” at Orchard Creek.

"He liked coming outdoors and getting on the deck and loved getting fresh air and the sun on his face," said his son. "He enjoyed the outdoors, even if it was only 5-10 minutes."

Tykoski said the deck behind the Assisted Living building, which overlooks a wooded area and Cedar (Hines) Creek, was enhanced by the addition of a cedar walkway and a cemented area so residents can get closer to trees and water. Also, park benches were added, a picnic table was situated near trees and flowers, and a memorial plaque was installed.

“It became the Bob Ellis Memorial park because of donations that started from his family, and then it just took off,” Tykoski said. She added that many residents enjoy being out on the deck and sitting on park benches which line the small creek. Some residents who helped during the project.

"It wasn't uncommon to see them out behind the deck picking up twigs or cleaning up the gardens." said Kasia Parcia, who is also employed at Orchard Creek. The staff is planning events in the garden and on the deck this summer to entertain the residents.

"It's been a lot of work," said Novak, "but it's been worth it."

When residents relax in the park, they can also observe the "shining star" tree in honor of Ellis, whose name is engraved on a plaque on the memorial rock below.

Three names, including Ellis’, now appear on the plaque. Other names will be added when families or residents make contributions to the facility.