Robert Bruce Donley

Robert "Bruce" Donley, age 80 years, of Jenison, Michigan, was peacefully received into the arms of his Lord on May 24, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona. Tucson, Arizona, had been Bruce's seasonal residence for the past eleven winters. He loved the desert and all it had to offer, especially the long hikes into the beautiful surrounding mountains.

Bruce was a service technician on cash registers and computers for National Cash Register and IBM. He also did a short stint at Butternut Bakery. After retiring, Bruce decided to drive semi trucks for six years. He loved the open road and the places he was able to visit.

Bruce met his true love and soulmate, Cheryl Jean, in 1971, at NCR, and after dating for three years they moved on with their own lives. After many years, they found each other again and were married in January of 2012. The past years were filled with many happy adventures and memories to be cherished.

One of many of Bruce's passions was the love of music, which he shared with everyone. Music filled his life each and every day. He loved all types of genres, from smooth jazz, blues, country, rock, folk, and especially the 70s. He always told people you needed to "feel" the music, which he did on a regular basis. He was an influencer of music to many of his family members and friends.

Bruce also had a passion for "old" or "discarded" items. He enjoyed bringing new life into something that another person thought of as "junk". It was amazing to see how he could clean up and make something look new again.

Robert Bruce Donley is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary (Pavlin) Donley. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Jean Donley, 4 children: Anthony (Christina) Donley, Cheryl (Gary) Malhado, Michael (Madelyn) Donley, and James Donley, all of Michigan. He also has 4 stepchildren: Salvatore (Alexis) Vilardi, Janelle (Douglas) Dietsch, Christina (Justin) White, all of Michigan, and Ryan (Matthew) Vilardi of California. Bruce is also survived by one sister, Patricia (Keith) Danhof, and one brother, Jerry (Shari) Donley, both of Michigan along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Bruce loved the adventures that life had to offer and never backed down from a challenge. His words were always "live outside the box", and that is how he lived.

At the end of his life, his caring, compassionate ICU doctor told him that he had fought a great battle, and to never let anyone tell him that he was a quitter. He will be greatly missed by so many family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Robert Bruce Donley will take place on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Spring Grove Park, Grandville, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to meet with the family from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., followed by a service officiated by Deacon Peter Conearo, and then a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.