Robert Brott

Robert Wilson (Bob) Brott, 75, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest son of Drs. Wilson Lee Brott and Beatrice Agnes Brott (MacDonald). Bob and his family moved to Traverse City when he was a young boy in the early 1950’s. He graduated from Traverse City High School in 1963. He then earned his B.A. degree from Central Michigan University in 1968, and his J.D. (law) degree from Wayne State University in 1971.

Bob practiced law in northern Michigan for nearly fifty years, nearly all of that time in Acme, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of working with and against his fellow lawyers. He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, the Michigan Township Association, and was admitted to practice in the State of Michigan and Federal courts. As many lawyers and clients have said, he was one of the “good guys.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Julie Brott (O’Brien); his four sons, Wilson Brott of Traverse City, MI; Scott Brott of Eugene, OR; Daniel Brott of Traverse City, MI; and Benjamin Brott of Traverse City, MI. He is also survived by his brother Thomas (Karen) Brott, of Sherman, TX, granddaughter Leyla (Andrew) Melton, and many nephews, nieces, and other loved family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Drs. Wilson Lee Brott, and Beatrice Agnes Brott (MacDonald).

Bob was involved with several community organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital Board of Directors, and later as its legal counsel. He was also a long-time President of the Spider Lake Property Owner’s Association. At different times, he was involved with the Masons, Kiwanis, the Elks, and the Acme Civic Association, among others. He loved to play golf with his sons and his friends, he enjoyed downhill skiing in his younger days, and always loved spending time on Spider Lake, cruising around in his boat with his “2 blondes”, his dogs Buddy and Lily, and hanging out at the island.

Bob had a wide circle of family, friends and colleagues who loved him, and whom he loved. He was always quick with a smile and had a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him well.

A graveside funeral service will take place for immediate family only. The 2pm Friday, January 29, 2021 graveside service may be attended by anyone via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83308123885?pwd=dU01dUViQVVRRkxLcHVPZmRwbWdFUT09. The passcode is 591503. The graveside service will also be video recorded and made available on the internet. A public celebration of Bob’s life will be announced and scheduled in the spring or summer.

In lieu of sending flowers, or for those who desire to remember Bob through a memorial contribution, the family would suggest donating a gift toward cancer research at the Mayo Clinic - Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

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