Robert E. Friar, PhD's Obituary
Robert Edsel Friar, 89, longtime resident of Big Rapids, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Corewell Health in Clawson, Michigan, attended by family and loved ones.
He was born December 30, 1933, to Ralph Victor and Reathel Faye (Gentis) Friar on the family farm in Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana. Growing up on the farm during the Great Depression and World War II, Robert remained forever a proud "farm boy" who had plowed fields with a horse-drawn plow. He graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1952. Well into his 80's, Robert would show off his basketball lay-up to the grandkids, regaling them with stories from his high school playing days. With a graduating class of nine, and only two other guys in his class, playing on the basketball team was almost compulsory, even though he had blown off several fingers with a dynamite cap as a child.
Robert pursued a lifetime devoted to academics. His proud association with Purdue University began with a BS in Agricultural Education in 1956, resulted in a total of 3 degrees, and culminated in a Purdue University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. Robert taught for 2 years at Flint Creek High School in Steuben County, Indiana before returning to Purdue for a Masters in Biological Sciences. Upon completion in 1959, he taught science at Clay Township High School in Indiana. His fellow teacher, Frances Anna Urban, captured his heart with her spirited personality and intelligence. Her nice legs, perfectly shown off by fashionable high heels, and pretty green eyes clinched the deal. They wed on August 12, 1961, in South Bend. As "the cool young teachers" and senior class advisors, they built friendships with their students that lasted a lifetime.
As Robert worked on his PhD at Purdue, they welcomed three children. He was very proud that they all continued his legacy of academic achievement in the sciences: Ken (Mary) Friar, MD of Traverse City, David (Susan) Friar, MD of Traverse City, and Debra (John) Hibbeln, DDS of Rochester, MI. Juggling toddlers and research, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois. Over the years, summers were spent packing the clan into the station wagon and traveling the country with first tent and then pop-up camper, weaving between national parks. Robert ran over Ken's foot in Rocky Mountain NP, David fell into prickly pears in the Badlands, Debra plummeted down a glacier, and fabulous family memories were made.
Upon completion of his PhD in Animal Physiology in 1967, the family moved to Big Rapids, Michigan for a life-defining position at Ferris State University. As a professor and researcher in Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Sexuality, and longtime Head of the Biology Department, Robert had a positive influence on generations of students during his 49 years of teaching. He was truly an extraordinary teacher, using every conversation to encourage, empower and educate. Among his many honors at Ferris were: Educator of the Year Award, Distinguished Teacher Award, and Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall. Robert was a director of the Ferris Foundation, served on presidential and faculty search committees, and numerous other committees. Coming from humble beginnings themselves, Robert and Frances were dedicated and generous contributors who created endowed scholarships for needy students at Ferris State. He attained international prominence in the field of human sexuality. He was very active in the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, honored by their Distinguished Service Awards in 1993 and 1998. Robert was a two-time Fulbright Scholar Award recipient, at that time an unprecedented achievement. Upon receiving the award, he asked the US State Department, "Where am I needed most in the world?" That simple question led the family to live in Khartoum, Sudan while he taught at the University of Khartoum. Living in Sudan during a famine and amidst political turmoil, colleagues became friends and then family, with relationships that lasted a lifetime and spanned the globe. This experience, and the people he shared it with, were among the most precious of his life. As in his entire life, Robert always went where he was needed most, to help those who he could help the most.
There was no greater joy for Robert than his grandchildren. Every day was a science lesson with Grandpa! He loved every moment with them: hiking, traveling, working in the garden, fixing something mechanical, giving a piggyback ride, discussing future plans, arguing big topics. Robert was an excited and attentive listener. He was the grandpa most likely to lead them into some crazy adventure that was laced with a whiff of danger. Because he knew "something about everything", Grandpa was always up for a good conversation. And oh golly, the tales he did tell! Robert loved nothing more than hearing about the grandkids' adventures and achievements, and treasured every photo and note they texted him. Carrying on his legacy of adventure, excellence and service are Alison (Ben) Thompson, Jonathan (Gabriella) Friar, Victor Hibbeln, Benjamin (Ky) Friar, Alexandra Friar, Henry Hibbeln, Nicholas Friar, and Ethan Friar.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, on March 11, 2001. For the last 13 years of his life, Robert found joy with his partner, Anita, of Birmingham, Michigan. Together, they enjoyed extensive travel, the arts, adventures, laughter, and a vibrant community of friends. Anita and her family enlarged the circle of people who loved him, and greatly enriched his life.
Brilliant, eccentric, hardworking and independent, Robert dearly loved the people he gathered around him: family, students, colleagues, friends. Robert was a stand-in father and grandfather for anyone who needed someone like him in their lives. Right up until his last day, he walked several miles daily and exercised at the gym. Robert left this world exactly the way he would have wanted, suffering a fall while racing off on foot into an oncoming storm to buy ice cream and oatmeal (which he deemed essentials of life).
Robert will be honored with a private family burial at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. His life will be celebrated with a private memorial service on July 14 with his extensive family in Indiana, presided over by his brother Donald Friar. Memorial contributions in Robert's name may be made to the Friar Family Foundation of scholarships at Ferris State University (igfn.us/form/kAQr6Q). Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?