ROBERT E. ALVEY
Robert E. Alvey (Bob) passed away early Sunday (May 7, 2023) of natural causes at the age of 90. Bob married Mary E. Coon on Dec. 28, 1954, then graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in Feb. 1955. While at the University he was a member of the Air Force ROTC program and a member of the Varsity Rifle Team.
After graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force where he earned his pilot’s wings. In the Air force he attained the rank of captain, became an aircraft commander, flight instructor and pilot flying B-52H Stratofortress. During his active duty he had assignments that took him (and family) throughout the U.S. as well as having several assignments overseas including flying sorties over Vietnam in 1969. After leaving the Air Force in 1970 he moved to Hillman where he had been building a house on Lake Avalon and went to work for R S Scott Associates Inc. as their company pilot and engineer doing aerial surveying and design work.
In Sept. of 1975 he earned his Professional Engineering licenses and was involved with the design of many municipal projects in Northern Michigan including the 9th Street Bridge in Alpena.
He was very involved in the construction of the current Hillman United Methodist Church. In 1981 he went to work for the City of Pontiac in the Water Sewer Department where he retired as the Water and Sewer Superintendent. He enjoyed canoeing, model railroading (HO gage), woodworking, gardening, watching tropical and saltwater fish in tanks he built and boating on Lake Avalon.
He is survived by his wife Mary of 68-1/2 years, his son Harry (Helen), daughter Aura-Leah (John), four grandchildren Michelle (Mike), Erik, Kristopher, and Dustin. Three great grandchildren Ravyn, Ethan and Evan. Bob was also an exchange student father to over 60 FU exchange students starting in 1971.