Robert Alexander McNabb, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2014.
Bob was born December 26, 1929 to Dr. Arthur A. and Janet (McTavish) McNabb in Kalamazoo, Mi. His father was a prominent doctor and his mother a civic leader. The fourth of five children. In early childhood Bob resided in Lawrence, with a brief time in Kalamazoo, then the family moved to Watervliet where he graduated from high school. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout with gold and silver Palms.
Following high school he attended Michigan State University. However, his education was soon interrupted by the Korean War when he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving 1951-1954. Selected by the USAF Security Service (forerunner of NSA) for classified intelligence duty, he attended Yale University to study the Chinese language and culture. Upon completion of his studies, he was assigned to the 1st Radio Squadron in Japan and rose to the rank of Staff Sargent. His assignments ranged from eavesdropping on Chinese radio transmissions to posing as a chauffeur in order to listen in on conversations by Chinese chauffeurs waiting outside high-level meetings between American and Chinese dignitaries. Bob graduated from Western Michigan University after returning to civilian life.
He had a long and distinguished career with the Michigan Department of Social Services spanning more than two decades. He rose through the ranks to head the Office of the Inspector General, a criminal justice agency within the Department that investigates and prosecutes fraud.
Bob was a gracious gentleman with a zest for living. A bon vivant, he enjoyed entertaining friends and family at his home, which was tastefully decorated with art from his travels around the world. He opened his lake house doors to many WMU Spanish students, who enjoyed his hospitably and reciprocated in Spain. Only poor health could slowed down his travels, since he loved exploring exotic places and visiting friends around the globe. Keenly interested in politics, he almost daily emailed political jokes and commentary to friends and family. Always dapper in his kilt and proud of his Scottish heritage, he was a member of the St. Andrew's Society. He was also affiliated with the American Legion. To be closer to his family, he recently returned to Paw Paw from his Florida retirement home.
Mr. McNabb is predeceased by his parents, sisters Janet Atkins and Nancy Page, and his brother Dr. William J. McNabb. He is survived by a sister, Barbara Wieser of Watervliet. Many nieces and nephews survive; Ann (Roger) Engle of Hudson, OH., Jeff (Cindy) Marcelletti of Paw Paw, Dr. John (Melinda) Marcelletti of San Diego, CA., Thomas Bauschke of Paw Paw, Jane Simmons of Lawrence, Susan Wieser of Watervliet, Joyce Wieser of Watervliet, Kevin (Linda) Brien of Olympia, WA., Duncan (Sue) McNabb of Fort Meyers, FL., Kate Brien of Kalamazoo, Stuart (Jill) Brien of Lawrence. He was also proudly blessed with many great nieces and nephews; Janey Engle, Drew Marcelletti, Laura Marcelletti, Mary (Aaron) Singh, Clare Singh , Lilah Singh, Rebecca (Jeff) Ross, Ashlyn Ross, Mathew Simmons, Kayla Wieser, Joey Wieser, Brenden Brien, Alexis Brien, Nicole (Justin) Greer, Mathew McNabb, Shane Brien, Kara Brien, and Cory Brien.
Cremation has taken place. It is suggested that memorials be directed to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001-5004. All are invited to celebrate Bob's life at his home on 309 Birch Lane, Paw Paw, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM on June 27, 2014.