Robert Edward Sarhatt

Robert E. (Bob) Sarhatt, 83, of Kewadin & Lansing, MI, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, gently passed away on April 8th, 2010 at Munson Medical Center with his loving family by his side. His great and generous heart could beat no more on this earth, but surely lives on in heaven and in our hearts.

Bob was born March 7, 1927 in Flint, MI to Elishva (Aivasadacha) and Ewas Sarhatt, Assyrian immigrants from Persia. On August 13, 1949, Bob married his high-school sweetheart, Lorraine T Golombek of Bay City, MI.

President & salutatorian of St. Mary's High School, Class of 1945, Bob was a three-sport varsity letter winner and in 2005 was named to the Flint Football Hall of Fame. Bob, a World War II veteran, served honorably as a Staff Sergeant for the U.S. Army, stationed in occupied Germany. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business and continued his finance studies at Purdue University.

Bob never retired, loved his work in insurance & estate planning and was completely committed to his clients. From 1955 to 1973, Bob was a career agent and then manager for State Mutual of America. In 1974, he joined Northwestern National Life and, as General Agent and Registered Representative, was a top producer for them. In his later years, he specialized in investment products. He was an active member of the Lansing Association of Life Underwriters and served in all offices. He was a board member of the Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council and was also past president of the General Agents and Managers Association. He served as a faculty member of the MSU Insurance Institute. Bob won many awards for his professional accomplishments: Qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table for nine years; National Quality Award; National Sales Achievement Award; Member of the “Top Ring Club” for Northwestern National Life and recipient of the General Agents and Managers, Agent of the Year Award, the Lansing Association of Life Underwriters Distinguished Service Award and the Lansing Chamber of Commerce “Business Man of the Year.”

Above all, Bob was the consummate people-person. Everywhere he went, a true friend was made. Bob was involved in many community activities including: Medic Alert; United Way; St. Vincent’s Home; The Boys and Girls Club of Lansing; Walk for Hunger and fund raisers for various Lansing and Waverly swim teams. Recently, Bob’s favorite community service was the Alden Men’s Club, an organization whose mission is to support local families in need.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Elishva and Ewas, his older brother, Edward (Jan) and a still-born son. He is survived by his bride of 60 years, Lorraine, his three children, Sandra Sarhatt Pear (David) of Darien, CT., Rene' Atayan (Christopher) of Bronxville, NY., Greg Sarhatt (Sueann), of Hastings, MI. and seven grandchildren, Alexandra, Alina, Amanda, Channing, Mitchell, Ara, and Zachary, his younger brother Lawrence Sarhatt (Betty) and older sister Florence Mallory (Bill).

In Elk Rapids, MI, visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 12th, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 143 Charles, Elk Rapids, MI, and a Vigil / Eulogy for the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Mass from the Order of Christian funerals will be celebrated at 11 am, Tuesday, April 13th with visitation one hour prior, the Rev. Robert J Zuchowski presiding.

In Lansing, on Wednesday, April 14th, at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, additional visitation will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. with a service following. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert E. Sarhatt Memorial Fund, Alden Men's Club PO Box 261, Alden, MI 49612. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids. Please share a memory of Bob at www.MeM.com.