Robert Edward Janes, 91 of
Evanston, passed away on July 24, 2020, at Auberge Orchard Park Assisted
Living in Morton Grove of COVID-19 complications.
Born July 25, 1928, in Evanston, Bob was the son of the late Leonard Reed Janes and the late Lucie
Janes, nee Fogel. Brother to the late Nancy and the late Philip. Beloved
husband of Barbara-Jean Janes, nee Payne, for 54 years. Loving father to Trina
(Greg Smith) and Greg (Leslie). Grandfather to Jackson, Mackenzie, Zach, the
late Henry, Nathaniel, and Theo. Dogfather to Skye and many pets now over the
rainbow bridge.
He died peacefully on Cubs
opening day and hours before he turned 92.Covid-19 blew out his birthday
candle. His family is thankful to have had a chance to say goodbye to him while
some wore PPE in his room and others looked in his room window from outside and
said goodbye via speakerphone.
Bob lived a long, full life
and his family has much for which to be thankful. He was proud to be an Eagle
Scout, Korean War veteran and dedicated community volunteer. He played clarinet for his alma mater Northwestern in two Rose Bowl games – 1949 and
1996.He worked as a CPA and used his accounting skills to be the volunteer
treasurer for countless civic and political organizations. He was a lifelong
Evanstonian. He was an elected Lighthouse Park District Commissioner and their
treasurer.
He served as an election
judge whenever he could, made sure his family always voted, donated blood
regularly and always found a way to help. He was an avid sailor and worked to
clean up Lake Michigan. He was a long-time member and volunteer at Northminster
Presbyterian Church. He taught his family to recycle before it was a
thing. He loved reading and studying maps. He road tripped across America and
traveled the world with his family. He skied and hiked the mountains of
Colorado until well into his mid-80s.He went on an Honor Flight at age
88. He was a faithful Cubs fan who lived long enough to see them win a
World Series. He was soft-spoken and loyal to the bone. His family believes
that he was just the nicest guy on the planet.
To honor Bob’s memory,
please get out and vote, serve as an election judge, donate blood and volunteer
in your community.