LAKE LEELANAU - Robert Leon (Bob) Spaulding, 80, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at MediLodge of Leelanau, with family at his side. Bob was born on April 16, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Leon Edward Spaulding and Dolores (Lamley) Spaulding.He met the love of his life Karen Joyce Graves while attending Ferris State College (now University). On December 18, 1971, they married in Dundee, Michigan, and spent 54 years together building a life full of adventure and love. Bob graduated from Dundee High School in 1964 and went on to pursue his education at Davis Business College in Toledo, Ohio. With a big heart for service and seeking adventure, Bob joined the Peace Corps and served for 3 years in Colombia, South America. He returned stateside to attend Ferris State College. Following their marriage, Bob and Karen were employed through Alcoa for a project with Compagnie de Bauxites de Guinee, in Guinea, West Africa, where they lived and worked for 5 years. Their adventurous spirit then led them to Coiba Island, off the Pacific coast of Panama, to jointly manage a deep sea sport fishing camp named Club Pacifico de Panama. While managing the fishing camp in Panama, Bob earned two IGFA World Records, one for Pacific Barracuda (24 lb 3 oz on 4 lb test line) and the other for Mexican Needlefish (12 lb 10 oz All Tackle). These years overseas created stories they would share for the rest of their lives. Bob’s life underwent a big change in 1983 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, undergoing neurosurgeries and the resultant disabilities he faced with so much courage, strength and perseverance over more than 40 years.

Bob’s passions included photography, morel mushroom hunting, bird watching, TCM Classic movies, and continuing in the tradition of his father growing special German tomatoes. He was a huge fan of NASCAR Racing, and while in Panama, had the opportunity to fish with NASCAR Champion Driver Cale Yarborough appearing with Cale in a television series aired by Outdoor Life. He was a fan of all kinds of sports, especially NFL & college football, soccer, Tiger Baseball, and Women’s Volleyball. Over many years, he followed the career of Leland legend, Alisha Glass Childress, through high school, university, professional and Olympic volleyball.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Karen; his children, Chandra Mary Spaulding and Kevin Caleb Spaulding, his grandson, Elijah Spaulding; his sister, Lana (Christopher) Kanitz; nephews, Dean (Erin) Kanitz and Corey (Michelle) Kanitz, and their children Callie, Emmie, Eevie, Jacob and Nolan.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leon and Dolores Spaulding.

A private family celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Keswick United Methodist Church in Suttons Bay on Tuesday, July 21st at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the family to assist with final expenses.

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.