Dr. Robert \"Bob\" P. Hamet
June 28, 1939 – March 11, 2020
Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Bob Hamet’s name to the Comstock Public Schools Foundation or First United Methodist Church.
Obituary
Dr. Robert Philip Hamet passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on June 28, 1939 in Wauseon, Ohio, the son of the late Robert and Erna (Buehrer) Hamet. He grew up in Bryan, Ohio, where he graduated from Bryan High School in 1957. After graduating high school, Bob attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on a baseball scholarship. He became a standout pitcher and integral part of WMU’s baseball program’s success, appearing in the College World Series two times. After graduating college in 1961, he signed with the Chicago White Sox organization and began his professional baseball career in Lincoln, Nebraska. As a minor league pitcher, he had the opportunity to pitch against, and strike out, MLB great, Pete Rose! After his baseball career, Bob returned to WMU, earning a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. His educational career began with the KVISD at Youth Opportunities Unlimited. He was a lifelong advocate for education and a treasured superintendent for Comstock Public Schools for 25 years, before retiring in 2001. He was essential to the success of the district, serving as a humble leader who gained the love and respect of the Comstock community. Bob devoted his life to public service. He was a mentor and board member for the Kalamazoo Area Academic Achievement Program (KAAAP), a founding member of the Excellence in Education program, helped to establish the Comstock Public Schools Foundation, was an active member of the Michigan School Board Association, a Bronson Hospital Trustee, and a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities. Bob coached all four of his children in little league, touching countless young lives through his powerful leadership. In addition to various public service awards, he received the Golden Apple Award in 2001 from WMU’s College of Education. He was a collector of sports memorabilia and baseball cards, an avid lifetime fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and loved being out on the golf course. Bob had time for everyone he met and built his life around the importance of building relationships. Above all, he cherished his family and leaves behind a legacy of love. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Carol (Carr) Hamet; his four adored children, Amy (Cheri) Hamet, Molly Geerlings, Peter (Olatz) Hamet and Ryan (Allie) Hamet; four beloved grandchildren, Hannah Geerlings, Ander, Libe, and Ian Robert Hamet. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Derek Geerlings.
I will never forget the first time Dr. Hamet came in to my kindergarten class. We had been going over rhyming words in the “at” family, and we just talked about the word Patanf how there are 2 different meetings – to tap somebody on the back and a person’s name, including my husband, Pat. In walks Dr.Hamet and they all ask “Are you Amat her husband”? I didn’t know what to say but Bob handled it graciously. He was the most caring, compassionate man in every aspect of life. Praying for the Hamet family all of whom he was so proud??
Dr Hamet was a great man. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Kimberley
We are so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He is respected by so many, after not only providing great leadership, but also caring friendship to his Comstock Schools Family. We send our deep sympathy to the Hamets and hope that your precious memories will bring you peace. Richard and Rene Bush & Family
I remember as a kid, Dr. Hamet would come into our elementary classes and read to us! I always enjoyed when he would randomly visit East Elementary!!!! Not only could I see how he was with the teachers, but the connections that he had with the students as well!!! There are few people in your life that leave a mark in your life, and for me, he was one of them!!! He will always be remembered and he will be missed by many!!!!
Rip bob will be missed by family and friends
Dear Carol and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. What a beautiful, full life he lived. I know you are all proud of him. Even though I only met him once, he was so nice. I will keep you in my prayers. Thinking of you especially, Carol. Gayle Dow
Bob was a class act. I knew him through Comstock school systems and on a more personal level as a member of the ad hoc mens basketball league that lasted for years at the old Comstock High School. Bob was a sharpshooter, a defensive standout, a great teammate but more importantly a person I admired and looked up to. He was encouraging to all and it was a joy to be on his team. RIP my friend! I will always miss your “no look” passes!
Carol and Family. So sorry to hear about Bob. He was such a caring man. The Comstock community has lost a wonderful man! Thoughts and prayers be with you and your family. Bari & Barb
I, personally, did not know Bob, but my dad, Jack Redmond, and he we’re good friends. My dad respected Bob greatly and really enjoyed lunchtime basketball games with him back 30 years ago. I hope many happy memories bring you comfort.
I got to know Bob while playing softball for First Methodist, many years ago. I’ve seen him periodically since. I always liked and respected Bob. He was unfailing good natured, a real gentleman. He was a class act and will be missed.
Carol and family. . .Our sincere condolances to you and congratulations to him now whole, complete in glory in God’s home set aside just for him! Bob was an incredible man who lived an incredible life of love, faith, commitment and service! We need a world full of men like him and he now joins all the Saints in heaven to rejoice and serve for eternity. . . Til we all meet again. Peace and comfort to you during this time of grief and loss. . . .
Prayers to the family, sorry for your loss. Dr. Hamet was one of the most wonderful and caring gentlemen I have ever met.
Dear Carol and family, Bob was certainly a hero of mine and for me. My memories are all positive of our relationship and of the times that we experienced together. He was the one who had trust in me and was my mentor, not in just education, but in life. Bob led by example and was sincere in thought and act. He will be missed. But, I also know of Bob’s faith in Christ and know he is now without pain and at peace. My prayers are with you, Carol, and the family during this difficult time. Irv
Carol and family, it was such an honor to know Bob through First Church. As has been said by others, he was a real gentleman. Even when his memory started to fade, I remember him searching me out at church to thank me for something I’d done…that just hows his underlying kindness persisted even in the face of trouble. Back in the late 1980s, I was a substitute middle school teacher, occasionally working in the Comstock Middle School. Several times I heard teachers speak of him with such respect. I was quite taken aback, because it is rare for teachers to feel that way about a superintendent. It just confirmed what I already knew through our association at church: Bob was a class act! You all are in my prayers.
Carol and family… We share your deep sadness. We have lost a giant of a man. Class surrounded him. Others emulated him. All who knew him loved him. My life is richer because I knew him. His fantastic athletic skills were uncommon but his kind personality and compassion stood out even more. “A man of faith that blessed all who knew him” is how I came to know him and respect him. I grieve with all of you who knew and loved him best. When we were with him, joy doubled; now that we have lost him, may your sorrow be halved by knowing how so many other lives were blessed by his life. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us. Love and prayers, Carol, to you and your wonderful family.
Dear Carol and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Bob was a true friend and I will forever treasure the fond memories of our many years of working together. His unwavering focus on the needs of others always made challenging situations better — often with a touch of humor. He was a servant leader in the truest sense of the words. While we miss him greatly, Diane and I are truly blessed to have known him as a friend whose life leaves the world a better place.
You are all in my heart. He was such a kind man.
Dear Carol and family, I remember you and Bob with great affection. He was certainly a man of many accomplishments. Always had that great smile! I am sorry for your loss.
Carol and family, so sorry for the loss of Bob. I remember Bob back in Bryan growing up and pitching for Bryan. Although a little younger than Bob I followed his baseball career. The last time I saw you guys was at the Warren Hamet reunion at the Pulaski hall. Again sending my condolences from a cousin still living in N. W. Ohio. Ken Hamet
Bob has been special all his life. After reading the loving remembrances from lifelong friends, I know that he went on from high school to become treasured to many, many people. I know I will never forget him. He has always been loyal to his life of caring and nurturing to all who needed it. May God bless him and keep him….any may I meet him again.,…
Carol, You have our sympathy in the loss of Bob. I remember him from school as being a very nice guy. My husband (Dan) has good memories of playing against Bob in baseball and basketball. That was many years ago, but good memories. You two were such a cute couple. It sounds like he was still a really nice guy who was loved by many. You and your family are in our prayers for God’s peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time of loss. God bless you.
I have known Bob for many years, he was by far the best superintendent Comstock ever had. What a great man to lead my children in their education. -Timothy Lisk