Robert William Mccoige

Robert W. McCoige, 77, of Goshen, passed peacefully Thursday, December 13, 2018, at Elkhart Hospice House.

He was born July 26, 1941 in Plymouth to Chester Madison and Alta (Schultz) McCoige.

In 1963 he married Jeanette Berger.  Later, in 1983 he married Christine Aufermann.

She survives along with his three sons, Douglas (Maureen) McCoige of Granger, David McCoige of Carmel and Chad (Carri) McCoige of Charlotte, Michigan; four grandchildren, Ashley Madison, Cassandra Lynn, Joseph and Emily McCoige; a sister, Jean McCoige Bystry of Tucson, Arizona, and his dog, Ella.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Jessica Ann and Rachel McCoige and two brothers, Richard & David.

A graduate of Culver High School and Rose Polytechnic Institute (Rose Hulman), Mr. McCoige was an entrepreneur, owning RWM Construction, Double R Truckstop, The Time Out Restaurant and Plymouth Arcade.

Later, along with his oncologist and now long-time friend and confidant, Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, Bob flew to Washington D.C. and testified in front of the FDA and on behalf of IL II (the experimental treatment he received) and Dr. Vogelzang to get IL II approved.

After a recovery period he went to work for the City of Goshen, first as the City Engineer and later as the Director of Public Works, and had his hands in many city projects.

It was with a group of new-found friends in Goshen where he developed a passion for cycling.  Elder Bob and Brother Bob – were inseparable.  Bob completed (3) cross-country rides from west to east coast with Wandering Wheels where he “mentored” young riders.  Bob always looked forward to Saturday group rides out of Goshen with the gang – and breakfast – but more so ice cream…

He also rode the Ride Across Indiana (RAIN ride) which is 158 miles in one day – twice.  The second time he actually did 200 miles in one day.

20 years later Bob had a recurrence of Renal Cell Cancer – this time affecting his pancreas and spleen, following in 2009 when it had spread to his lung.  He was released from the hospital on Christmas Day (after buying the staff that cared for him a spread of shrimp and other items).  In January he went to Florida – barely able to walk up a 3 percent grade on walks – yet in March he left for San Diego for another cross-country bike ride – wow.

Bob loved his pets and most recently had a cat named Mouse and dogs, Jackson and Max.  After Max passed it was a long time before they considered getting another pet.  Finally, Brother Bob – told Doug that if he didn’t get him a dog that he was going to.  The three sons then bought Bob – Ella – a Chocolate Lab.  Doug brought the puppy to Bob’s house one day and as he walked up to Bob – Bob said “hey you finally broke down and got the girls a dog…….” and after Doug handed Bob “Ella” Bob said “oh S#*t…its for me!!!!!”  They have been best buddies ever since.

Bob retired and wintered in Lake Placid, Florida and enjoyed cycling with new friends from the area (and old friends from Goshen and Wandering Wheels) and working on his house and boat.  He was a fan of steam shows, old cars and hit-n-miss engines and was always looking for his next project.

Visitation was Tuesday, December, 2018, from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by an 11:30 a.m. funeral service at Faith Lutheran Church, 5 ^th and Madison.  Pastor John Hickey officiated.

Memorials may be made to National Kidney Association or Center for Hospice Care.

A 10 a.m., Saturday, May 18, 2019 graveside service is scheduled at Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.