We played together for almost 5 years, always having fun and pulling pranks! We always argued about wine and the doubling cube, I can’t remember a game without using the cube! I’m sure he will continue to play even in Heaven, cheating on Thursdays and every other day that ends with 'y'. I will miss you, great backgammon partner!! RIP

Posted by Luciano from Italy (luc_1945) on March 23, 2026

My husband Gene went to school with Robert Lee (what we always called him), We knew him through the military, the loss of his parents, marriage, fatherhood and all that life can throw at you. He was always a good friend and he will be missed by so many. My condolences to the family. RIP

Posted by Gene and Irene Bradley on March 18, 2026

I first met Robert at a bar in Bass Lake, Indiana over 40 years ago. He told me his name was Robert Smith and I didn't believe him. He showed me his drivers license and I thought it was fake. But there was nothing fake about him; he was a truly caring, loving person who made life fun everyday. Robert was full of adventure and shared those adventures with me for over twenty years. Even the simplest of things were fun when he was there. He once met an Asian lady in the grocery store at the meat counter, talked with her for 20 minutes and came away with a family recipe. He loved all animals......at one point, we had 9 dogs, 22 cats and a horse named Bonnie. But his "heart dog" was Casey, whom he rescued from a ravine on a cold, snowy day in December 2001. He was out on a daily walk with the other dogs, when they heard a faint cry from a tiny, orange, fluffy puppy. Casey came home with him and stayed until he was almost 13. I'm sure they are reunited now. He loved his daughter Marla, and his granddaughters Violet and Rose. I know they will miss him just as I do..... Rest in peace, Robert. Enjoy running free with your pups.

Posted by Geri Centner on March 18, 2026

I am so sorry for the loss. I was so saddened to think I won’t ever see or talk to Bob again. Bob and I volunteered together driving the Benton Harbor VA van. He always called the veterans the night before trips to remind them of the trip and to fill them in about their driver. Besides the veterans, keeping the van clean and the maintenance up to date was important to him. Sometimes so much so, he would call to vent before he cleaned it. I have many memories of Bob. He mocked me by repeating a comment from a man who said that I had pretty teeth! Then he would drop off chocolate covered cherries for a gift to the VA office on holidays. He was a rule breaker driving the van (we all know how); which now makes sense on why he was promoted 3 times to the corporal rank in the Marine Corps! But my overall favorite moment with Bob was meeting him for lunch at Captain Lou’s Boathouse in June 2024. Who’d a thought he was a Limo driver! I bet he was a fun part of those trips! Bob was a complicated man. Although he didn’t like being told what to do and when; he loved his family, his country, the veterans, everyone he drove to Chicago, and chatting it up with whomever would listen. I will miss you Bob.

Posted by Mindi Logan on March 16, 2026

Our deepfelt love to all of Robert's family. Thank you so much for the message on facebook! We were lucky to have lived close to him South Haven! He loved the docks, water and loved loved his family and friends! He is so very deeply missed and know that he is enjoying himself looking down upon everyone and feeling the love! Bless you Robert, we were so very lucky to have you in our lives and backgammon fun enjoyment! Such a wonderful man and honored by so many! Bless you!

Posted by Steve and Tanya Bucel on March 16, 2026

Bob was my neighbor, he was always a lot of fun to chat with. We talked about air traffic/aviation in general. My son got married /reception on our property a few years ago, and I hired bob to haul the folks back and forth to get ice/beer/ and trips for the drinkers to get back to their motels in south haven. Our family always fondly talks of that experience, and had the gift of never meeting a stranger. He was well liked and received by our guest and none of them ever previously met. He had a great gift to interact with people, and he was very involved with taking veterans to the VA hospital in battle creek. I had not seen him cept just before Christmas as we took him a \"care package\" then. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. He will be very much missed. Marty

Posted by Marty Pfaff on March 16, 2026

I had the blessing of meeting Rob, whom I called Robert several years ago in our Mutual Back gammon league, one he started. Every night for years I have played teams and every night like clock work; there was RL ) his screen name). The lobby then would get lively and the jokes would fly. He literally was a bright spot in the dark of night for me,. My screen name is Primesspct, and he called me Jane. He always had a film to recommend, or a song to share. I watched every single one. Sometimes you can tell a good person when you meet them, even online. I knew from the start he was a good man, with a gift. The ability to make people laugh and have a good time. That is medicine for the soul . You will be missed Robert, Sleep well until we meet again my friend.

Posted by Dawn counts on March 16, 2026

ROBERT I KNOWN SINCE THE FURST DAY GAMMON LEGEND SOPENED UP meaning #1 GAMMON LEGEND BACKGAMMON LEAGUE WAS THE ONLY #1 FIRST ORIGINAL BACKGAMMON LEAGUE WHEN SHG OPENED UP IN APRIL 2008 WHEN HA ROBERT AND ARIZONA STAR WAS AN ADMIN HERE!. PLUS ROBERT I WILL MISS PLAYING THOSE 64 POINT LADDER MATCHES AND I WILL MISS YOUR 10 AM AND 5PM TOURS AND RIP ROBERT ' XOXOXO FROM ALEXANDR A AND CRUZ AND FROM PHOEBE AND KEVIN KLINE

Posted by Alexandra on March 16, 2026

He was a good HDT in Gammon Legend ( its a backgammon league ) thank you. I am a german player.

Posted by Anonymous on March 14, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Rob. He will be missed by many. RIP Rob.

Posted by Dorothy Winklepleck on March 14, 2026

Robert or as I called him Robbie was a true legend who used to have so many birthdays in the league he should have been 100 i only knew him for around 3 or 4 years but quickly realized he had the ability to make people laugh . He also must have been one of the few people who was never scared of Salty Pelican that also made me laugh as the few times she would come into the lobby he would say something like salty you never send me cards any more or chocolates. I will remember him for his love of old movies the way he used to joke in lobby about winning when he was beaten , His kindness in driving the Veterans also his love of animals and people . RIP Robert You will never be forgotten

Posted by Lee Alchin (koalla50 ) on March 13, 2026

Robert was a very good man. I got to meet him once and it was like the whole town knew who he was. Used to tell me about where he was from. I just happen to be out there visiting one of my friends in Battle Creek and he was only an hour away. He loved his country and the vets. Told me a lot about them. He was a very proud man and an awesome friend. Always made us laugh in backgammon. He was very loved by all. This is very sad to have to see him go. I will miss him a lot already do. He will always be remembered. Name of his league in Gammon was Gammon Legends. All in there feel like he was a legend in himself. Thank you for letting us share our thoughts on your father. He loved everyone no matter if you was a stranger or not.

Posted by Anonymous on March 13, 2026

Hug's to Rob, Head Admin of Gammon Legends. Will miss you and our backgammon games. I promise to keep your wish and will "allow cheating on Tuesdays and other days ending in "Y". You brought so much joy to your players... always the jokester and bringing cheer to anyone who entered your life. You told me you were tired and needed a rest.... I didn't know just how tired you were. I will miss you Rob.. Hugzzz... until we meet again.

Posted by Debby Salmond on March 13, 2026

I have known Robert through backgammon! He was a calm funny loving guy! He loved his admins and his playersand htd! He is surely missed by all who knew him! I hope hes playing backgammon in the clouds! Until we meet again my friend RIP!

Posted by Sandy F Mintz on March 13, 2026

ROBERT MISS PLAYING BACKGAMMON LADDER MATCHES AND GAMMON LEGENDS BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENTS WITH YOU SIR ROBERT AT THE GAMMON LEGENDS BACKGAMMON LEAGUE YOU WERE HA OF REST IN PEACE ROBERT,

Posted by Anonymous on March 13, 2026

Bob was a gift to the DAV Transportation Program, coming down from South Haven to St. Joseph to get the Van and drive Veterans to their VA appointments in Battle Creek. He logged over 1000 volunteer hours and loved to hear the veterans stories. Always the problem solver he sought to help in numerous ways. I'll miss the fresh tomatoes from his garden, his banter and the kindness he showed to our veterans. Please let us know when his arrangements for Ft. Custer are made. Maureen Adams, Director Berrien County Veteran Services

Posted by Maureen Adams - Director Berrien County Veteran Services on March 13, 2026

ROBERT L. SMITH Head Admin of Gammon Legends 1947 - 2026 Emoji Gone, but forever in our hearts. RL_S5 - Honorary HA R.I.P

Posted by Anonymous on March 13, 2026