Remembering Bob

Robert F. Maul 1954 - 2009
Friend of Rowing in the Saginaw Valley

Bob Maul a community leader to emulate, died Sunday, April 5, 2009 peacefully at home in the arms of Arlene, his wife of 15 years. He was 55 years old.

Bob founded the Saginaw Rowing Club and was also a member of the Bay City Rowing Club. Bob was a tireless cheerleader for rowing, and so many other things. Memories of shared experiences, both on and off the river will be forever cherished. Those whose lives he touched will remember a kind man with a smile that came from the heart, and a passion for living each day to the fullest!

Bob was born January 18, 1954 in Saginaw to Glenrose and Frank Maul. He was the unofficial mayor of Old Saginaw City, an honor friends and colleagues bestowed on him for tireless commitment to improving Saginaw while having fun doing it.

A boundless source of inspirations, he founded the Lawnchair Film Festival and the Saginaw Rowing Club, illuminated 12 church spires and the tower of the Saginaw Water Treatment Plant and helped establish the Easter egg hunt and ice skating rink on the grounds of the Saginaw County Courthouse.

Bob was vice president of the West Side Civic Association, a board member of the Bay City Rowing Club and co-founder of Diva Night at the Pit and Balcony Theatre, where he was a longtime volunteer. He was honored by the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce as the "Spirit of Saginaw Award Recipient" in 2006.

As founder of Maul Investments, a real estate enterprise, he owned and managed the New Amadore Apartments. He and Arlene owned the Red Eye Coffee House in Old Saginaw City and other properties there and elsewhere.

He was an avid snow skier, rower, and enjoyed the arts.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Arlene; his parents, Frank and Glenrose Maul; his mother-in-law Etsuko Colby; five siblings, Barbara Dankert, Julie Cook, and Daniel (Nancy) Maul, all of Saginaw; Mary Maul, MD of Reno, NV; and Nancy (Robert) Benton of Parker, CO; aunts and uncles, Mary Lou Alexander of Alamo, CA; Jim and Jackie Ruggirello of Shelby Twp., MI; and Mike and Fran Ruggirello of Pennsylvania; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by Robert Colby.

Funeral service were held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Thursday April 9, 2009 under the leadership of Rev. Darren Elin and Rev. Sarah Fossatti.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Lawnchair Film Festival, or to the Saginaw Rowing Club.