Robert Kevin Alliston, 66, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Blodgett Spectrum Health (Select Specialty Hospital) in Grand Rapids, with his family at his side. The son of Ira & Alice (Durnin) Alliston, he was born June 30, 1952 in Ferndale, MI. In the spring of 1980 he married Mary Ann Walters in Grand Rapids MI and together they shared thirty-eight years of marriage. Bob was a Professor at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI where he taught for many years, first in Hospitality Management, and later in business classes in the College of Business. Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Alliston; children, James & Adrienne Alliston, and Tess & Tom Dodd; and most beloved grandson, Ari. Also brothers, Dave & Linda Alliston (nieces Betsy & Lauren), Bill & Myra Alliston, Steve & Paula Alliston (nieces Jill & her daughter Maci, Julie, and Elaine): and sister, Jeannie Alliston (nephew Trent & Yuki, their sons Shion & Kai). Bob was preceded in death by brother, Paul. Bob is also survived by longtime friends, Bill & Sue Lee, Dale & Kay Moser, and Al & Laura Wetherell. Their constant friendship and concern for helping Mary Ann throughout the years made Bob so happy - you had a very special place in his heart. A Memorial Celebration will take place on Sunday, December 9, 2018 for friends and family. Memorial Contributions can be made in Bob's memory to the Donald W. Maine College of Business Annual Scholarship, Davenport University Foundation, 6191 Kraft Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 or to the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation, 100 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his kindness, his courage, his zest for living, his love of family and friends, his indomitable spirit, his ability to have meaningful conversations with everyone he met, and his near-constant humming and whistling. Bob was diagnosed with a rare craniofacial cancer in 1989 and over the past 29 years underwent numerous surgeries, hospital stays, rehabs, excruciating pain from daily migraines, and finally long-term care for his worn-out body. Through it all he maintained a remarkable joy for living, and he always worried about how his illness affected his wife and children. His life was a master class in how to live with grace under circumstances that would break most of us. Rest well, dear Bobby, you've earned it. Honoring his wishes cremation has taken place.

Published in Grand Rapids Press on Oct. 21, 2018