Robert Pool

Robert Pool, 97, of Traverse City and East Leland, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25th, 2023. He was husband to the late Jackie Pool for 66 years, a beloved family member and devoted friend, colleague, and mentor to many, and known for his desire to do worthwhile things for other people.
Born in 1926 to the late Robert and Wilhelmina Pool, he grew up in Zeeland Michigan in a family that prized education, religious belief and respect.  He graduated from Holland Christian High School, Calvin College, and Wayne State University School of Medicine.  Dr. Pool, as he was known to all, had a long and distinguished career in plastic surgery, making significant contributions to cleft lip repair, and training numerous fellows.  He found deep satisfaction in helping patients in the Detroit area for forty years, and on multiple trips to Africa, Brazil, and Ecuador, where he did volunteer reconstructive surgery with ReSurge International (formerly Interplast).
Bob was curious about the world around him and how it and other people worked.  He took particular interest in his children’s educational and professional pursuits. He was a passionate and talented photographer who sought the timeless image, spending many hours at the shore of Lake Michigan in pursuit of perfect light.  He had an encyclopedic memory and a love of tales written and told, and savored sharing laughter and stories with others, including all visitors until the very end.
Together with Jackie, he was a longtime summer resident of East Leland.  Asked recently, he said that the cool breezes of Lake Leelanau, the simple beauty of their cottage, and long relationships with local friends and neighbors were the keys to his longevity and peace of mind.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife Jackie Pool and his siblings John Pool, Lee Pool, Helen Pool, and Mary Kaminskas, and survived by his children Marilyn (Roland) Andreasson, Jonathan (Jennifer) Pool, Steve Pool, grandchildren Peter and Emily Andreasson, and nieces and nephews.
He will be buried at East Leland Cemetery in a private ceremony.  A memorial service and celebration of life gathering will be held at the First Congregational Church, Traverse City, on Saturday, September 2nd at 11 am.
The family wishes to thank Bob’s thoughtful and devoted caregivers and doctors who have supported him in his later years, especially the staff at Orchard Creek Supportive Care, Hospice of Michigan, and Drs. Walter Meeker and Dino Recchia.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Resurge International.