Deseret News | Michigan man killed in head-on collision

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Michigan man killed in head-on collision

Carla Fanson | 9:40 p.m. June 24, 2009

Robert Jackson Sr. and his son, Robert Jackson Jr., were considered a part of my family since the day we met them. It is a tragedy that Robert Sr had to lose his life so soon. We just seen both of them on Sunday and they were thrilled to be taking this cross country trip together. The joy in their faces is undescribable. Together both father and son were like to peas in a pod. Robert Jr. looked up to his father so much and he was his best friend. I can only imagine the devistation Robert Jr. will go through when he finds out that his father has passed away. For my family it is hard to believe that Robert Sr. was just here three days ago and today he is no longer with us. We love them both so deeply and will continue to pray for their family. We ask that others pray that Robert Jr. will pull through being in critical condition to make it back home to Michigan.

R.I.P. Robert Craig Jackson Sr. You will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

ChuckY | 4:06 p.m. June 25, 2009

Robert Jr. was one of my best friends i pray for him to get better he was one of the safest drivers i have ever seen he never ever exceeded the speed limit and i pray he is alright

Susan | 7:11 a.m. June 26, 2009

Robert Sr. and Robert Jr. have been a part of my life for the past 17+ years...and they were a part of most holiday celebrations. I am just devastated at what happened...and life will never be the same without Robert. I hope that his son recovers from his injuries....but I know he will never recover from the loss of his father. No man ever loved his son more than Robert Jackson.

Sincerely,
Susan

Comments continue below

Barbara Steele | 2:59 p.m. June 26, 2009

Robert you will be very missed by all, what a horrible way to go, may you rest in peace. He was a very good man, and a great father to his son, and a good friend to all. They had stayed with me a couple years ago overnight while on there way to Florida to Sea World, Disney World, etc. and came through Atlanta. Will someone let me know where to send flowers to the funeral home. Thank you

Bernie Hobrecht | 8:25 a.m. June 28, 2009

Robert Jackson, a.k.a. Professor Volvo, Rambo, Rhomboid, R.J., or "the one with the beard" as you would often say. Words cannot express - how saddened I feel. Thank you for calling me on Father's Day - I'm glad we had one last laugh - you will always be a world class dad, and friend. The countless adventures, stories, and skills you taught whether photography, or handling a difficult situation - never forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done for me; and for the thousands of people you met, their wedding memories (mine included) imortalized through your photo works. You were a loving friend, an incredibly committed father and role model that will never be matched or forgotten. You definetly helped me be who I am today. I'm confident someday we'll meet again - maybe by then a digital twin lens will meet our standards? I promise to keep our stories alive through Robert Jr. another world class photographer! I'm so sorry your story had this sad ending, my heart is consoled knowing you spent your last day with your best friend. I will miss you my friend. Rest now in peace. b.

Rick | 6:37 p.m. July 2, 2009

I was driving the vehicle right behind the Jacksons. My son and I had been following them for miles, the other vehicle appeared out of no where and I had to swerve to avoid the accident. I tried helping both of the Jacksons while my son waived down a trucker to call 911 (we were in a no service zone). The younger Jackson was unconscious. I talked to and tried to help the senior Jackson. He was awake and talking and was coherent. He was talking to me and the paramedics when they arrived. I was surprised to hear he died at the scene. For those who loved him, know that he was not in pain because of the shock. His death must have been fast and pain free. If you would like to contact me, notify me through this site, they have my email address. My son and I'll will never be the same, life has become much more precious, please give our love to the family. We would really like to know how the boy is doing.

April Richardson | 10:21 a.m. July 4, 2009

Rick,
The men you tried to help are my father and brother. I can't thank you enough for your kindness, and would very much like to contact you. I'm not sure exactly how to go about doing so, but I've started by sending an e-mail to the local news editor. Untill then, my family and I send our love to you and your son as well. And to all of our friends and family, thank you so much for all of the kind words and prayers. Carla, Chucky, I'm so grateful my brother has people that care about him as much as you do. Susan, thank you for making Christmas special for Robert Sr. and Jr. year after year. Bernie, you've absolutely captured the spirit and sense of humor of "the one with the beard". You've made me smile, and I thank you for that. Barbara, we are holding off on arrangements for obvious reasons, but thank you for the thought. For now, the online death notice for the Detroit News and Free Press has a guest book that is serving as a memorial. To everyone else, love and thanks. -April

Mary G. | 9:53 p.m. July 5, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Robert Sr's family. It was one of a kind, that is for sure! He will be missed by many. My prayers go out to a full recovery for Robert Jr.

God Speed Robert

Judson Witham | 12:32 p.m. July 15, 2009

I talked a little with Susan about the great tribulation this is for ALL who know and love Robert Sr. and Jr.. Although I've spoken only breifly with her IT IS OBVIOUS that this Lady is a HUGELY LOVING Mom and an enormously dedicated Woman to her FAMILY. May all who minister to and support this Family during these tribulations TAKE TO HEART the value of evry bit of the consideration, love and compassion they share. I want SUSAN to know.... ALL who are there for her Family are friends. May Our Father In Heaven give this Family the strength they need AND ALL the Love Heaven can muster.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Angela Gasparski | 11:27 a.m. Aug. 10, 2009

Robert and I had shared several wonderful years together and he has always held a dear place in my heart. He was my first true love, about 10 years ago... and so much more. His love was an inspiration for me in many, many ways and will never be forgotten. He was the MOST incredible father and I feel privlaged to have spent many fond memories with both Robert and Bobbert. It is truly a shock to hear, even more incredible to believe that such a wonderful man is no longer with us. Susan, April- you've both touched my life incredibly through your caring and generosity... if there is any help I can provide, please don't hesitate. Your family is in my prayers.

Susan Jones | 8:06 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Rick,

Thank you very much for what you did to help Robert and his son. I am so very sorry you and your son had to witness this tragedy.

I can only hope that it has given you greater closeness and a special appreciation for how delicate life truly is. I know I and many others who love Robert and his son have been taking stock of their own lives, and have a greater appreciation for each and every day that we are given with those we cherish.

Thank you April for your comment about the many special Christmases that Robert, Bobbert and I shared. They did enjoy my cooking! LOL

I am so relieved to hear that young Robert is making such good strides in his recovery...though he has a very long and difficult road ahead. Thank you to those those who stand by him through it all. His mom Susan, sisters April and Melissa, aunts Trish and Carole...and the rest of the family.
Your strength and devotion is unparrallelled.

If there is ever anything I can do...I am here...24/7. This site has my contact data.

Sincerely,
Susan Jones

Susan Jones | 11:14 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Young Robert is slowly recovering in a Michigan hospital. His injuries were severe, broken jaw, leg, broken hip, dislocated hip on the other side and shattered elbow...as well as some head trauma. He was in a coma for nearly 20 days. He has since come out of it...and has only learned of his fathers death 2 days ago. He is undergoing a lot of intensive therapy at this time...but his overall condition appears stable and he is expected to recover well...though it may take as long as 5 years.

He is communicating...and seems to be aware of his surroundings, family members and pets names... but he is off on what year he thinks it is. Hopefully all function will return with time.

Thank you to all of those who have prayed for him.
He will need all of the help he can get!

Kind Regards,

Susan Jones

Jim Plante | 11:53 a.m. Oct. 8, 2009

I hope that you will forward this to Robert's family.

I was a professor at Macomb Community College where Robert was a student and later an instructor. We developed a close friendship that lasted for many years. He always dressed so well in my classes that I often referred to him as the professor (that was in 1984 so I may have been one of the first to call him that). Secretary of Labor, Robert Reish was visiting the college and I asked Robert to stand in the lecture area for the photos because he was dressed better than I was.

After he graduated, I hired Robert to teach quality control classes for employers in our area. He was loved by the students and the employers and continued teaching for a number of years. It was difficult for him to find enough time because so many companies wanted him to teach additional classes. The last time I saw him was a few years ago when he helped his daughter to buy my car.

Robert Lee Jackson II | 6:16 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

HI! I am Robert Jr.!(driver at the time of the Lexus LS400-my Dad's car) I was in a coma for almost 4 weeks! I also am held together with much metal--like Iron Man! I finally came home at the end of August! It is so great to be home! I am having a great recovery and have been improving so fast! I have my full long-term memory after such a bad head injury. I do not remember anything at all from the accident which I am thankful not to remember! I was in a wheelchair, now am using a walker and am upgrading to a single-legged cane in two weeks! Yes! I love all of the responses! Thanks Angie for the great comment!!!

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