Tributes

Robert Washburn “Bob” Jackson, 86, died Tuesday, December 16 at his home in Cedar after a brief illness. Nancie Jackson, his devoted wife of more than 20 years, was by his side at the time of his death. His first wife Janet and his sister Marilyn predeceased him. He is survived by his brother Ronald, his sons Scott, Dan and Glenn, his grandchildren Sean Jackson and Sarah McComas and their respective spouses Melissa and Richie. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Stephanie and Susan Scheafer, and three step-granddaughters. Bob had a long career that reflected his broad range of interests. He was a landscape architect, insurance broker, school administrator and owner of Energy Unlimited in Traverse City. In later years he turned to woodworking, when he began teaching the craft in his own studio to more than 150 women who continued working with him for more than 12 years. He was well known for his local television interview program during the 1970s energy crisis, in which he extolled the virtues of energy independence by burning wood for heat. For a time he portrayed the clown “Captain Flamingo” at local parades. He was one of a kind and will be remembered for his booming voice, his stories and his colorful quotes, including his personal motto “Illegitimus Non Carborundum.” When he managed the Mt. Christie ski resort near Detroit in the 1960s he filed weekly snow condition reports on local radio with his trademark voice. Even as his health declined he always liked to reach out by telephone to his friends, many of whom looked on him as a father figure. He was a frequent visitor to Traverse City’s Big Boy where he seemed to know the entire breakfast staff. His friends and family remember his unflaggingly positive attitude, even as his health deteriorated. A 1946 graduate of the Leelanau School in Glen Arbor, he distinguished himself as a sprinter for the school’s track team and set an all-state record for the 100-yard dash. He went on to attend Michigan State’s School of Landscape Architecture. A celebration of his life will be held late spring early summer by his family and friends and will feature a rousing display of his beloved collection of fireworks.Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may want to contribute to Heifer International or Munson Hospice House.Condolences may be left online at www.wolfeoneill.com.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Robert Jackson

March 17, 1928 - December 16, 2014