Robert Heritier

Robert Heritier The world lost a good man when Robert Heritier passed away on April 25, 2016, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Bob was a long-time attorney in the Detroit area, and founding partner of the law firm now known as Heritier Nance & Smothers in Troy. He was also a champion U.S. Masters swimmer. Robert Louis Heritier was born on July 15, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to Carl Heritier and Emilie Fehr. Carl was a second-generation American and a Detroit bookbinder, and Emilie immigrated to the United States in 1926. Bob's father Carl died unexpectedly when Bob was only 15, and Emilie made sure Bob and his brother Herbert received a college education. Bob graduated from Wayne State University and received his law degree from Wayne State in 1952. He then served two years in military service with the U.S. Coast Guard, then was employed by Chrysler Corporation for a few years. In 1957, Bob joined the Tax Department of Arthur Andersen & Co. He attained his CPA Certificate in 1961. In 1964, Bob left Arthur Andersen and established his law firm, which he ran for 50 years. He retired from the active practice of law in 2014 at age 86. In 1974 at age 46, Bob resumed competitive swimming, a sport he had enjoyed in college. He achieved numerous first-place finishes starting in 1978, and received All American Honors in the U.S. Masters Swimming Program over a 16 year period. He also received the Michigan Masters Swimming Lifetime Achievement award in 2003, for "continuous swimming accomplishments along with outstanding voluntary contributions and a lifetime of dedication and devotion to the objectives of Masters Swimming in Michigan." In a 1983 Detroit Free Press interview, Bob said, "Health itself is not a sufficient motivator to make me work out. Competition is the stimulation that keeps me going." Even with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, Bob faithfully performed an early morning swim workout at a neighborhood facility into his mid-80's. Robert Heritier married Joanne Warner in 1951, and she survives. Also surviving is son David Heritier of Ann Arbor, grandson Alexander Heritier of Champaign, Illinois, and Bob's brother Herbert Heritier of St. Clair Shores. Bob leaves behind family and friends who will deeply miss his friendship, wit, and strength of character. A Memorial Service will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI on May 1st at 11 a.m.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236