Robert “Bob” Andrew St. Clair, 94, of Onaway, died at Medilodge of Rogers City Friday, October 9, 2026. The son of Robert E. and Helen (Wells) St. Clair, Bob was born in Onaway June 27, 1932. He attended school in Onaway before joining the Air Force, serving honorably during the Korean War from January 1951 until September 1952. Proudly patriotic, Bob was an active member of the Hamburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and later transferred his lifetime membership to Onaway VFW Post 5857.
Bob’s life with Janice began in true Bob fashion: Janice was the sister of one of Bob’s good buddy’s and after pursuing her for a while, he finally convinced her to go out with him. He and Janice R. Dunbar were married December 28, 1963, at the Onaway United Methodist Church. They first made their home in Omaha, Nebraska, where Bob had gone in search of work after suffering a stroke at a young age. Finding work in Michigan while recovering was difficult, but Bob was determined to keep moving forward and make an honest living. In Omaha, he picked apples and cherries before taking a position with the Pepsi-Cola Company. He later transferred back to Michigan and spent many years repairing vending and pop machines in restaurants throughout southern Michigan.
Never one to shy away from hard work, he also built a side business repairing vending machines and delivered discounted scratch-and-dent cans of Pepsi to customers across the state, including many in Onaway. Bob’s heart never strayed far from home, and while living downstate, he welcomed any excuse to head north for a few days. Resourceful, hardworking, and devoted to those he loved, he did whatever was needed to provide for his family. In 1986, Bob retired from Pepsi and moved from Whitmore Lake back to Onaway, the place his heart had always called home.
Raised in northern Michigan, Bob found contentment in the simple gifts of nature and was never happier than when he was in the woods, especially during deer season. One of his favorite places was the family hunting property, affectionately known as the “Sheep Pasture,” where deer camp became a treasured tradition. Each year, Bob and his sons looked forward to the stories, laughter and camaraderie as much as the hunt itself. For Bob, hunting was also a way to provide. The many deer he harvested over the years put food on his family’s table and meat in the freezers of other families who could use a helping hand. Long after the season ended, he kept it alive by retelling his favorite hunting stories, including a few memorable encounters with the game warden. Like all good hunting tales, they may have gained a detail or two with each telling. In the off-season, Bob shot skeet, reloaded his own shotgun shells, and enjoyed being a member of the Whitmore Lake Rod and Gun Club. Though his daughter Brenda did not hunt with him, she was his sidekick on trips to the club and his helper when he reloaded ammunition. He also taught her to play cards, leaving her with fond memories of learning euchre at her dad’s side.
Fishing brought Bob just as much joy as hunting. He treasured his trips to Canada with the guys, where they fished for walleye, pike and perch, and made memories that lasted long after the boats were put away. Janice joined him on a few of those adventures, too. For Bob, the pleasure did not end when the fishing stopped; a lively fish fry at camp was every bit as satisfying as landing the catch. Few things tasted better than a fish pulled from an icy Canadian lake and placed in the frying pan only minutes later.
Bob also traveled to Alaska an impressive 17 times to fish for salmon and halibut and, even more importantly, to spend precious time with his son Robert, who lived there for many years. Alaska was a long way from Onaway, but for Bob, every trip was worth the journey.
That same adventurous spirit kept Bob and Janice on the move. Beyond their fishing trips to Canada and Alaska, they traveled throughout the United States, pulling their camper to Texas to escape half of the Michigan winter. There they visited cousins, made trips into Mexico, and enjoyed the welcome absence of snow. Before long, they would be “On the Road Again,” a fitting theme song for Bob, as they headed to Florida for the rest of the winter and time with their son and daughter-in-law. Naturally, Bob found opportunities to fish there as well, with a little shrimping added for good measure.
Bob had a lasting appreciation for a good pickup truck and enjoyed buying a new model every few years. He was especially proud of the Dodge he bought a few years ago and even prouder of being the first person in town behind the wheel of Dodge’s new body style. He truly loved that truck, and anyone who knew him likely heard about it more than once.
Whether the destination was near or far, Bob was always ready for an adventure. He would try almost anything, go nearly anywhere, and occasionally decide on the spur of the moment that it was time to leave-so off he went. He had a mind of his own and never left anyone guessing what was on it.
His honesty could be as plainspoken as it was memorable, sometimes to Janice’s dismay. Through nearly 63 years of marriage, she became quite skilled at keeping him pointed in the right direction or at least making a good effort of it.
Above all, Bob loved his family. Everything he worked for, built, fixed, hunted, caught or carried home was rooted in his desire to care for them. He made sure there were family vacations and passed along the things he loved most, teaching them to hunt, fish and play euchre. He gave his family what they needed, but more importantly, he gave them his time and presence.
He shared a special closeness with his grandchildren, especially his grandson Andy. Janice was his soulmate, best friend and faithful partner; through life’s joys and challenges, they remained a strong team, grounded in loyalty, love and a lifetime of shared memories.
Bob did not need anything fancy to feel fortunate. Give him his family close by, open woods, fish biting, a road waiting to be traveled, and a dependable truck and he had plenty. His strong work ethic, generous heart, independent spirit, plainspoken humor and deep love for family will be remembered with affection by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Janice, of Onaway; sons, Robert, of Gaylord and Bruce, of Deltona, Florida; a daughter, Brenda
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Katherine; his brother, Gordon, who died as a child; his brother, Buryl “Ed;” a son-in-law, Kurt; and a daughter-in-law, Loretta.
As were Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Military honors by Onaway VFW Post 5857 will be held at Elmwood Cemetery at noon Saturday, November 14, followed by a celebration of life and luncheon at the Onaway VFW Post.
Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Bob to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund or the Onaway Fire Department.
