Robert Bocks

“Non sibi sed patriae" (Not self but country), this is the motto under which Robert Bocks honorably served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. He took great pride in his service and the service of others. Although Robert was a Navy man down to his soul, he had a heart full of love for dogs and his beloved family.

Robert Allen Bocks was born on September 11, 1928, in Holland, Michigan, the fourth of five children born to George and Hazel Bocks. Although Robert’s father worked at a shoe factory in Holland, the family lived on Lake Macatawa, a place where Robert created many wonderful childhood memories. A very independent thinker, Robert built many rafts on which he could freely float around on the Lake and he was usually accompanied on these adventures by a dog. He loved dogs his entire life and had many he called companions. One of his favorites though was Reggie the Airedale Retriever.

Robert received his education in the Holland Public Schools. Aside from his academics, he also worked at the Lake Mac Hotel to earn some extra spending money. Immediately after graduating from Holland High in 1947, Robert followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He went on to be a career man in the Navy, serving for 20 years and during the Korean War. Robert also spent a year serving in Little America, Antarctica with the International Geophysical Support Group. By the time he retired, Robert had attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. As a civilian, Robert went to work as a Supervisor at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island for 10 years.

It was during his military service that Robert met his first wife, Josephine La Fauci, at a USO dance. They were happily married for 20 years and had two sons together: Gregory and Steven. Sadly, Robert lost his wife Josephine to cancer in 1979, and his son Gregory also to cancer in 1996. Some time later, Robert found love again with Donna Ball, who he met through a singles group in Holland called Creative Growth. As a couple, they learned to ballroom dance, something that Robert really enjoyed doing. Robert enjoyed visiting many colleges through a program called Elderhostel, which allowed him to visit 20 different colleges over the years. Robert was an avid reader and considered reading to be one of the most important aspects of an individuals development.

Over the years, Robert had amassed an extensive collection of Navy memorabilia, which he donated to the Holland Museum to be displayed in their military section. Faith, courage, service true, with honor, over honor, over all – Anchors Aweigh Robert Bocks!

Robert Allen Bocks, age 80, of Holland, MI, died on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at Hospice House in Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Josephine (La Fauci) Bocks, and son, Gregory R. Bocks. His family includes his wife of 23 years, Donna (Ball) Bocks of Holland; son, Steven A. Bocks of New York City; granddaughter, Erika Bocks of Holland; stepchildren: Patrick and Sandra Ball of Oxford, MI, Thomas and Colleen Ball of Zeeland, Susan and Anthony Mills of Cedarburg, WI; six grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Karen Bocks of Holland; brother, William and Marjorie Bocks of Holland; sister, Marian Woodby of Holland; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 19, in The Northwood Chapel at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland, MI 49424. There will be no public memorial services held. Please no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland. Please visit Robert’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.