Rochester Clarion [Rochester, Oakland, Michigan], February 12, 1970, p.1.:

Dr. Robert H. Wilson, retired director of Parke-Davis Biological Farms in Rochester died at age 86, in Crittenton Hospital February 5 after a brief illness. He had been a resident here for nearly 58 years and had contributed immeasurably to this community's organizations for civic, fraternal and professional advancements.

Dr. Wilson was a native of Ireland, being born in County Antrim there on December 18, 1883. He came to the United States and to Rochester in 1912, after earning his degree from Kansas State University in 1909.

Among organizations benefiting over the years from his participation as a member and leader, are the Rochester Masonic Lodge which granted him a life membership, Rochester Chapter 165 Order of Eastern Star of which he was a Past Patron, Royal Arch Masons of Rochester, of which he was a Past High Priest, the Rochester Elks Club, and local senior citizens organization.

He held life memberships in both the American Veterinary Medical Society and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Society and was a past president of the latter. At Parke-Davis where his career spanned 40 years, he remained a consultant until his death.

In local politics and government, Dr. Wilson's record reached back into the 1920s when he was an Oakland County Deputy Sheriff. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for Avon Township in the 1930s and later served the school district as a Board member and president. He was also a Rochester councilman from 1938 to 1948, and village president from 1946-48.

Dr. Wilson was a man of great personal popularity and was held in high esteem by friends and acquaintances. Rochester Mayor Roy Rewold recalled that Dr. Wilson was chosen to preside over an honorary City Council meeting at the opening of Heritage Week in the city's centennial celebration last September.

"He was a dedicated public servant and a public figure that the city and entire community will sadly miss," the mayor said. Rewold said that Dr. Wilson was influential in bringing the city manager type of government to this city.

Services for Dr. Wilson were held Monday this week in Pixley Memorial Chapel, Rochester, with interment in Stoney Creek Cemetery, Rev. A.P. Rickard of St. Paul's United Methodist Church officiated. There was a graveside Masonic service, and a Lodge of Sorrow Sunday evening at eight o'clock.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, three sons who are Dr. F. Hugh Wilson of Rochester, Robert of Rawlings, Maryland, Allen R. of Harper Woods, and one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Elinor) Hathaway of Dallas, Texas. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Jane Barnes of California. There were seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The family requested memorials in Dr. Wilson's name to the Clinton Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Robert Wilson