Bob received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Forestry from Michigan State University. He was most proud of saying “yes” when asked, and pitching in wherever he could.
Bob had a busy year in 1970, when he helped form Metropolitan Forestry Consultants, Inc. (MFC), became a member of the Michigan Forestry and Park Association (MFPA), and joined the Forestry Division of the City of Lansing. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming the Manager of Field Services covering Forestry, Parks, Golf Courses, and Cemeteries at the City. He also served for many years as President of MFC, and was Secretary/Treasurer of MFPA. Additionally, he worked as West Bloomfield Township Forester for almost three decades, and was elected President of the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA). As he said, “to keep out of trouble,” he operated five choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in the Lansing area.
Throughout the years, he was an expert speaker, trainer, author, and consultant on all things related to Arboriculture. Over the course of his career, he was bestowed many awards and recognitions, including a Life Membership from the Society of Municipal Arborists, and the MFPA Professional Service Award for his decades of service in Urban Forestry.
He was preceded in death by his father, W. Kenneth Cool, in 1967, and his mother Beulah Helen Cool in 2002. Surviving are his wife, Ann M. Cool, of Mason, four children: one daughter Laurel Cool (Alim Khan) of Lausanne, Switzerland, and three sons: Jon (Kelly) Cool of Cascade, Jeffrey (Vanessa) Cool of St. Joseph, and Peter Cool of Williamston, two stepchildren: Al Ashby of Toledo, Ohio and Ana Ashby of St. Paul, Minnesota, eight grandchildren, one brother, Ken (Sarah) of Springport, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at the Williamston Free Methodist Church, 4400 N. Williamston Rd., Williamston with Rev. Douglas A. Bradshaw officiating, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow in Webberville Cemetery, Webberville. Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Mr. Cool to the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance - www.miarbordayalliance.org, 551 Courthouse Dr., Charlotte, MI 48813; Hillsdale College - www.hillsdale.edu, 33 E. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242; or Williamston Community Schools Girls Basketball Boosters, 3939 Vanneter Rd., Williamston, MI 48895.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com.
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