SAULT STE. MARIE – Robert Nygaard, 71, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away Thursday, April 17, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie following a lengthy illness.

Robert was born Sept. 5, 1953, and became the foster child of Grant and Ruth Nygaard, Escanaba, when he was three days old. They adopted Robert when he was 3 years old.

He graduated from Escanaba Area High School in 1971, Bay College (where he was editor of the Bay Beacon) and Central Michigan University, graduating in 1975, majoring in journalism. In 1976 he married the former Carol Lundquist of Wells at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Their romance was sparked by their mutual love of music, especially the Beatles.

Following graduation, he worked at the Gladstone bureau for the Daily Press for one year.

Following the Daily Press he found his passion working for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. For 30 years his positions included tribal resource developer, legislative analyst and grant writer. His work led to the tribe’s health center, elementary school, Win Awenen Nisitotung newspaper and elderly services. He also testified before Congress regarding tribal funding, the National Census and adoptive services for tribal members. He discovered his birth family after moving to Sault Ste. Marie.

The Nygaards always enjoyed traveling. Robert and his son, Sam, particularly enjoyed their trip to Alaska. Bob and Carold also enjoyed meeting the Beach Boys in Hawaii when they attended a Beach Boys concert.

Survivors include: his wife of 48 years, Carol, Escanaba; son, Sam, Escanaba; sisters-in law, Pam (Rick) Kercheval, Green Bay, Patricia (Rick) Rudden, Wells, and Judy (Paul) Lynch, Wells; brother-in-law, Bob (Mary) Lundquist, Niagara, Wis.; brother, Floyd LaBranche, Sault Ste. Marie; good friends Steve and Sue Seymour, Escanaba; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: adoptive parents, Grant and Ruth Nygaard, Escanaba; in-laws, Stanley and Jean Lundquist, Wells; brothers, Gerald LaBranche, Sonny LaBranche and Donny LaBranche, all of Sault Ste. Marie; and sisters, Grace Causley, Louise Fournier and Donna Collins, all of Sault Ste. Marie.

Robert enjoyed playing cards, trivia, fishing, cooking, and being a fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. He was a strong Democrat. He and Carold also attend an inauguration ball for President William Clinton’s second term. He was also a longtime member of the Elks.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Medilodge of Sault St. Marie.

A memorial service will be planned for summer.