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Robert "Bob" H. Carey, 75, passed away peacefully Sept. 26, 2021, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Cloquet, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 22, 1946, in Duluth to Harvey and Jean (McDonell) Carey.

Bob excelled at sports and played basketball for the University of Minnesota Duluth. After college, he met his love and best friend, Mary Day. They were married Aug. 14, 196,9 and spent 52 wonderful years together.

After teaching and coaching basketball at McGregor and Silver Bay, Bob earned his administrative degree and became the high school principal in Appleton before settling in as principal of Moose Lake High School. He spent his last five years before retiring as athletic director at Cloquet High School.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing, and camping with family and friends. He and Mary could also be found at any sporting event or musical performance involving his children, grandchildren, and other relatives. Travel was another passion as he enjoyed many family trips with Mary, his siblings, children and grandchildren. Bob was always emcee of the family, a larger-than-life personality who brightened up any room with his laughter, and he will be missed dearly by all he knew.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Jimmy and Dennis.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Shannon (Mike) Karisny and Lisa (Dan) Lamirande; son, Ryan (Heidi) Carey; grandchildren, Avery (Dan) Beck, Cassidy Neuville, Zander Neuville, Luke Lamirande, Olivia Carey and Kendra Carey; siblings, Pat (Tanya Repka) Carey, Marilyn (Robbie) Maas, Jane (John) Cacich, Nancy (Steve) Waters, and John (Tracey) Carey; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5 at Nelson Funeral Care. Family and friends may gather at

1 p.m. with eulogies and a time of sharing at 2 p.m.

Pine Knot News, Oct. 1, 2021