Robert Marcel Vercruysse

Robert Marcel Vercruysse, was born on May 12, 1944 and died on February 1, 2023 in Plymouth, MI. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side. Beloved husband of 39.5 years to Cynthia (Kabza) Vercruysse; loving father of Gary Vercruysse, Nicole (Kevin) Nemec, and Anne-Marie (Robert) Welch; grandfather of Claire, Alec, Jacob, Thomas, Addison, Alexandria, and Amelia. Bob is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends and his sisters-in-law Lesley (Daniel) Kabza Criscenti and Susan Vercruysse. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Robert Marcel Jr., his parents Roger Sr. and Mildred Vercruysse and brothers Roger (Lois), and Donald Vercruysse. Robert grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan where he attended Lake Shore High School and excelled at sports, especially basketball, earning many varsity letters. He also enjoyed boating, fishing and duck hunting in his youth. He attended the honors collage at Michigan State University and obtained a BS in Mathematics, and a teaching certificate. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School, summa cum laude, where he served as a research assistant to his mentor and later good friend, Professor St. Antoine. He clerked in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, served as an adjunct professor for the University of Michigan Law School, and had a long and prestigious career as a labor and employment attorney beginning at Butzel Long; forming his own firm, Vercruysse Metz & Murray; and later, partnering with his daughter at Clark Hill. He was actively engaged in mentoring, providing sound counsel, litigating cases, and negotiating labor contracts until his death. When not at work, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on his sailboat or at his cottage, watching his grandchildren play sports and perform, helping others, and finding the best deals. At the end of each night, he could usually be found in a comfy chair with a newspaper and a good novel, a cold beer, and his loyal cat in proximity. He was a great Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation on Friday, February 10, from 2-6pm at the Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, Plymouth, MI 48170. Funeral on Saturday, February 11, 11am at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home in Plymouth. Donations in Bob’s honor can be made to Special Olympics Michigan. https://support.specialolympics.org/a/change-a-life-macy?ms=URL

Robert Marcel Vercruysse

May 12, 1944 - February 1, 2023