Bob was born on December 21, 1959, in Grand Rapids to Lawrence and Mary (Honton) Bayer. He graduated from Rockford Public Schools, earned an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Junior College and a bachelor’s from Grand Valley State College. On August 21, 1982, he married the love of his life Linda Rae Najdowski at Guardian Angels Church in Manistee.

His lifelong passion for photography began as a child when he received a “spy” attaché case with a hidden camera. In the early 1990s while scuba diving in Cozumel, he rediscovered that passion after watching a dive guide capture the vibrant underwater world. He joined the River City Camera Club and the Grand Rapids Camera Club, where he honed his technique among some of the region’s most talented photographers.

It was through the camera clubs that he was invited to photograph the athletes in numerous sports for the Summer and Winter State Games of Michigan. His skill and creativity led to opportunities with West Michigan Sports Commission where he covered the Meijer LPGA Classic, ESPN X-Games Mastercraft Throwdown, USA Masters Track & Field, the first High School Gridiron Classic event and the Michigan High School Gymnastics Finals.

After moving to Northport in 2016, Died October 13, 2025 he became a fixture of the local creative scene, capturing performances at the Northport Performing Arts Center, exhibitions for the Northport Arts Association and high school sports. His work appeared in the 2021 ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, and two of his photographs hang in the new wing of McLaren Hospital in Petoskey. Over the years, his work earned numerous awards and widespread recognition.

Bob enjoyed walking the local beaches in search of Petoskey Stones and Leland Blues, he learned to polish the stones and started crafting playful stone art. He also found joy in sports, joining golf leagues at Northport Creek Golf Course and spending winters in the bowling league at Northport Pub & Grill.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice Newkirk; his loving wife of 43 years, Linda; his son, Robert Alan Bayer Jr.; and his brother, Pat Bayer. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Bayer, and his sister, Susan Bayer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Northport Arts Association, P.O. Box 262, Northport, MI 49670 or northportartsassociation.org.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced in the new year.

Please share condolences and memories with Bob’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.