Columbus, OH — Robert Max “Bob” Dyksterhouse Jr. passed away Thursday (April 1) at the age of 77.

He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Sylvia and Robert Dyksterhouse. A graduate of Michigan State University, he spent over 50 years raising and training Standardbred horses, a passion he never considered a job. He amassed 218 training wins through his career, with his last coming in September 2017 with Kill The Lights in the Michigan Breeders Stakes.

He was a loving husband to his wife, Nancy, for 47 years, and an incredible father to Dr. R. Max Dyksterhouse and Mark Simon Dyksterhouse. Kind and generous to all, and with a great sense of humor, he was affectionately known to his many friends as “Bob-O”. He leaves behind his sisters, Dianne (Dick Kanda) and Cheryl (Fred Braam); sister-in-law, Beverly McIntosh (Dale); brother-in-law, Tom Simon; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark. He lived the life he loved and loved the life he lived.

Arrangements were entrusted to Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville, Mich. No public services will be held.