Bede Aidan Roper Robertson

When the measure of a man is made at the end of his life, what stands out is his character. Did he live a life of integrity, of love toward others, of selflessness, and as a gentleman, treating people as he would want to be treated himself? It can be said without contradiction that Bede Robertson was just such a man, and his departure from this life to the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, is a loss for all who knew him while we rejoice at his memory.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Bede Aidan Roper Robertson, age 90, of Grand Haven, was called home to eternity in Heaven, where he is reunited with his wife, Judy, and other beloved members of his family and circle of friends. He was born on September 6, 1935, in the village of Cotherstone, England, to the late Rev. George Richard and Emma (Hurst Roper) Robertson.

Bede grew up in the town of North Marston, not far from a WWII airfield, where young Bede watched countless aircraft training for battle. The family moved to Canada in 1945 when he was 12, and eventually settled in Livingston County, Michigan. He graduated from Howell High School and then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, where he was stationed in Korea.

After his discharge from the service, Bede returned to Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Judy Perroud. Years later, when asked about the highlights of his life, no matter the subject he was asked about, Bede always turned the conversation to how much Judy meant to him and brought joy to his life. Marriage followed on December 6, 1958, and later, Bede and Judy welcomed three beautiful daughters, Dawn, Lisa, and Gail to their family.

Bede and Judy created a warm and loving home in Fowlerville as Bede earned a reputation for excellence and professionalism as an electrical estimator for Glover Electric and Crampton Electric - a career he would hold for the rest of working life. Their daughters were each married and brought grandchildren, and eventually, great-grandchildren, into Bede and Judy's life.

A move to Grand Haven meant a large home near the lake and boundless opportunities for family get-togethers and summers with Judy making sure the kids always had something fun to do. When Judy faced a chronic health situation in her later years, Bede showed uncommon and commendable love and care for his bride. There was no sacrifice too large, no task too difficult if it meant caring for and helping her. It was a perfect example of selflessness and unconditional love. On March 13, 2017, Judy went home to her Lord Jesus. Bede bravely faced life without her but never lost his peaceable nature nor his ability to make friends and show love to others.

Bede will always be remembered for his warm smile, his gentle demeanor, and his readiness to laugh. He loved Michigan State sports, a friendly game of golf when the score was an afterthought and mulligans were plentiful, and he definitely had a sweet tooth. Bede never turned down some ice cream, and if a slice of pie happened to be around, he wouldn't say no to that either. He was a character in the best sense of the word, a decent, loving man the type of whom you rarely encounter. He will be missed.

Bede is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Steve) Varcoe of Louisville, KY, and their son, Michael (Joanna) of Mt. Washington, KY; daughter, Lisa (Scott) Lockwood of Saranac, MI, and their children, Greg of Tucson, AZ, and Tera (Jamie) of Clinton, NY; daughter, Gail (Doug) Nick of Gilbert, AZ, and their children, Abby (Mike) of Gilbert, AZ, and Chandler (Kellie) of Mesa, AZ. He deeply enjoyed the blessing of six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 67 years, Judith Perroud Robertson; and his precious granddaughter, Courtney Macheile Varcoe.

Bede was a good man; one of the best. Anyone would do well to be the kind of person Bede was. He will rest in peace in the presence of His Savior Jesus.

The Celebration of Life for Bede will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Grand Haven Community Baptist Church, time to be announced. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grand Haven Community Baptist Church.

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