Robert Paul Viar

Viar, Robert Paul Sr. February 2 1934. Passed away peacefully in his home July 5 2026. Husband of the late Rosalie Viar and father to four sons: Bradley (Christine), Dennis (Deceased), David (Elsie) and Paul Jr. (Kirsten). Proud Grandfather to Brent, Kendra, Alena, Ciara, Katlin, Sara, Daniel, Joshua, Amelia and Jackson. And very recently, Great Grandfather to Wyatt Viar. Paul was born nearly a hundred years ago in the modest hills of West Tennessee. He is the last in an epic line of five brothers and two sisters- a family for the ages which produced war heroes, saints, rogues and a tycoon. Nobody gave Paul anything besides the boundless love of his wife. And none of what Paul accomplished would have happened without her devotion. He worked at General Motors for 28 years and always described it as the greatest company in the world. The best part of working at GM? Saturday overtime and lunch with his friends after work. Paul somehow retired at 54 for a summertime job at Oakley Industries. He stayed ten years. Nobody knows what he did there. Paul’s true calling came late in his life in the rough and tumble of local politics. He loved the fight in it as much as any issue of the day. Paul loved to argue and there was never a shortage of issues to argue about. Ever. He served on the Millenium Committee, the Planning Commission and most every board in Shelby always reviewing the “bill runs.” Representative of much of his political work was his unsuccessful attempt to kill a high dollar local bridge project, in turn labeling it “stupid”, “wasteful” and “insane.” He loved Tuesday open meetings and work sessions, talking with people and solving problems. Spending not so much, never liked spending. After this third career on the Township Board, Paul eventually slowed down. There were recent trips to the Reagan Library in California and a trip to Germany and Poland last fall with his beloved niece Katlin and husband Arash. He was still mowing the grass and raking leaves last November and had to be chased off the roof more than once. Paul loved the Tigers rooting against them every pitch. He likewise loved the Lions and memorably cheered the boys’ second half collapse against San Francisco with the Super Bowl at stake. Paul loved CNN and Tapper (hated?) but the television never strayed too far from Fox and whatever game was on. Paul was always moving. When Paul was alive, he lived. A giant personality. An impactful legacy. A long life marked by triumph and tragedy and a gift to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons, 54880 Van Dyke, Shelby Twp. 48316 from 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Robert Paul Viar

February 7, 1934 - July 5, 2026