Robert "Blair" Lyman

Robert "Blair" Lyman Jr. passed away on February 16, 2023 at the age of 85. He lived in Battle Creek his entire life and was the only son of four, growing up surrounded by three high energy sisters. He was married to his wife Bertie, the love of his life, for 60 years. They raised three kids, Robbie, Craig, and Lisa who he adored and spoke to on the phone daily even as adults. Blair was part of the National Guard and began his career alongside his father and sister at the family business, Lyman Printing Company, which he eventually took over. He later worked in Lansing, Michigan as an aide to Senator Joe Schwarz.

Those who knew and loved Blair would agree that some of the best words to describe him were "in motion," social, laughter, jokester, and loyal friend. Blair always had a huge smile and loved teasing the kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, siblings, and friends. He loved spending time at the extended family cottage on the Muskegon River to his later cottage on Duck Lake where he, Bertie and their kids spent every summer and most July Fourths and other holidays with the large extended Lyman family. He followed local and national news closely, and often sent newspaper clippings with a note to out-of-town family and friends to keep them up to date on the happenings in Battle Creek. He loved books and read every presidential biography. In keeping with his social nature, he spent many mornings at Continental Bakery, gathering with friends for coffee and he also enjoyed visits to the casino with family and friends. Over the years, he and Bertie became regular babysitters to their five grandkids and spent countless hours attending all their activities and sports as well as nieces and nephews across generations. He also enjoyed many spring break family vacations with his children and grandkids.

Blair was preceded in death by his beloved oldest son, Robert "Robbie" Blair Lyman III, his parents Marion and Robert Blair Lyman, beloved sister Sandy Tungate and brother-in-law Don Tungate. Blair is survived by his wife Bertha Ferrari Lyman, of Battle Creek, and children Craig (Shannon) Lyman, of Wheaton, IL, and Lisa (Chris) Mayer, of Grand Rapids, MI. He leaves his younger sisters Carol (Ross) Morrison and Connie (Rick) Duffett. He also leaves five grandchildren, Kestin, Brooke, Morgan, Blake and Chace. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10: 00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church, 92 Capital Ave. NE Battle Creek, Michigan with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Blair's name to the Robbie Lyman "Be Bold" Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://app.donorview.com/w76pg, U of M Cancer Center or Willard Library. Personal messages for Blair's family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.