Douglas Fergusson Roby, Jr., Class of 1956

[Posted March 4, 2010] (From the Grosse Pointe News) Douglas Fergusson Roby Jr.
Died: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Age: 77

Grosse Pointe Farms resident Douglas Fergusson Roby Jr. peacefully passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Roby was born in Detroit on Dec. 3, 1932, to Douglas and Ruth Clippert Roby. He was the loving husband of Mary McKean Roby and dear father of Patricia Roby (Edward C.) Gotfredson, Douglas F. (Lynne M. ) Roby III and Charles Clippert Roby. He was the proud grandfather of Jenna Esther Roby, Douglas Fergusson Roby IV, Edward Courtney Gotfredson Jr., and George Edmunds Gotfredson. He also is survived by his sisters, Hermine Klingler and Ruth Glancy, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Roby graduated from the Kiskiminetas Springs School in Saltsburg, Pa., and the University of Michigan in 1956. He was affiliated with the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force for three years. He took his flight training at the Marana Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., and finished his tour of duty at Hanscom AFB outside of Concord, Mass.

Upon returning to Detroit, he began his business career. He was first affiliated with American Metal Products, followed by FitzSimons Manufacturing and then Hydon Brand Electric. His association with these businesses was meaningful to him.

In 1977, he purchased Palmer Equipment Company. His glory years were at Palmer Equipment and all that he was able to accomplish through hard work and consistent dedication. He sold the company in 1999.

In 2002, Mr. Roby ran for election to the Grosse Pointe Farms City Council. He was successful in his efforts and continued in two 4-year terms of office. This public involvement gave him great pleasure. It was a special honor for him to hear the concerns of the people and be a voice for the community.

His family said Mr. Roby was good-natured, thoughtful, kind, and always a gentleman with a light sense of humor. Being in the company of family and friends was special to him. His laugh was infectious and you always knew when he was present, for you recognized Doug Roby’s laugh.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 50 East Fisher Freeway at Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Interment will be later this year at Pointe Aux Barques.

Memorial donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. [Alumni Association note: Doug is pictured to the left speaking at the Michigan Alpha Founders Day Dinner in 2008]