Robert E. Wilds

Robert E. Wilds, of Harper Woods, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the age of 91. He was born July 14, 1927 to Harvey and Esther (nee Miner) Wilds in Detroit, Michigan. Bob attended Annunciation High School and graduated in 1945. After high school the following year, in September of 1946, Bob joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Japan from December 1946 until January 1948. Bob was proud to serve his country and was honorably discharged in February of 1948. Upon Bob's return from his service in the Army, he attended the University of Michigan where he captained the U of M Bridge Team and in 1949 won the Intercollegiate Bridge Championship. He graduated from the University of Michigan with his Bachelor's Degree in 1950. On July 12, 1958 Bob united with Elizabeth Genna in Marriage and began a wonderful life journey for almost 61 years. Once earning his degree at U of M, Bob went to work for Brooke, Smith, French and Dorrance and worked his way to being elected Vice President after being with the company for 4 years. He worked hard and it showed with his accomplishments. BSF&D merged with Ross Roy in 1960 and again he worked very hard and was elected Vice President. He remained with Ross Roy until 1966 and then went to work for Goodbody & Company who was later acquired by Merrill Lynch in 1970. Bob stayed with Merrill Lynch until he retired on August 1, 1992. Bob‘s pursuit of excellence and dedication to his work earned him many awards through the years. He won numerous advertising awards in Fortune Magazine, Business Week and Chemical Week as well as awards in advertising awards in ABP Annual Competitions. He also prepared an advertising program for Advertising Week in Detroit. Another of Bob’s proud moments was writing and producing a narrated Bridge Show for WKBD-TV in Detroit. Bob was good at what he did and always strived for success. Bob and Bette enjoyed traveling. In 1964 they embarked on an amazing European trip that included Paris, Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Palermo, Terrasini, Rome and London. In 1975 they traveled to Mexico City, Taxco, Acapulco and Guadalajara with Frank and Emilia. In 1976 along with Karla, Paul, Debbie, Jeanette, Frank and Frances Maisano and Frank and Emilia Rizzo they traveled to Italy. Bob and Bette returned to Italy in 1998 with Rose, Sam, Fran, Marie and Dorian. Bob’s enjoyment of playing Bridge did not stop when he graduated from U of M. In 1955 he won the Michigan State Open Pairs Bridge Championship with Morrison McLennan and in 1957 he won the Detroit City Men’s Pairs Bridge competition with Floyd Sayed. In 1965 he became an ACBL Life Master. He was a member of SOMBA and elected to the board of directors in 1962 and the President of SOMBA in 1966. He continued playing bridge for many years and in 1970 he played in the Omar Sharif Bridge Circus and in 1979 the “Cinderella Team” of Bob and Bette Wilds and Ed and Jo Wunsch defeated the second seeded team in the MBA Grand National Teams. Bob also enjoyed bowling and traveled to “The Great and Greatest” Bowling Tournament at Great Gorge, New Jersey. He also was an avid golfer. He joined Gowanie Golf Club in 1976 and remained active at the club holding several positions including Chairman and elected Secretary until he resigned in 2002. Bob was a very accomplished and dedicated man. He worked, he traveled, he bowled, he played bridge and just plain and simple enjoyed life to the fullest. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Bob is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Elizabeth “Bette” Wilds. He is predeceased by his parents and 5 brothers. He is survived by many loving in laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Family and friends will gather Friday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. until time of Memorial Mass 11 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Monastery, 1740 Mt. Elliot, Detroit. Interment Mt. Elliot Cemetery, Detroit. In lieu of flowers memorial donations addressed to the Capuchins are preferred.

Robert E. Wilds

July 14, 1927 - June 27, 2019