Robert Bernard "Bob" MacGregor, 92, died Sunday, July 28, 2013 in St. Luke's in Duluth.

He was born on Oct. 11, 1920 in Superior to Robert and Florence (Nault) MacGregor.

He attended Carpenter School and Central High School class of 1938. After high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy as seaman first class and served as a member of the musical unit of the Pacific Fleet Services entertainment section. Bob played the clarinet and saxophone and with some of his band mates formed a small group called "The Bilgewater Septet." The group was honored by being asked to play for Admiral Halsey's birthday party at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki. The Navy Band was assigned to entertain the sailors on leave from the Pacific Theater. They were joined with such entertainers as Phil Silvers, Robert Stack, Buddy Ebsen, and Boris Karloff.

One of Bob's band friends introduced Bob to his sister, Helen Fern Loomis, and they married in California in 1944. Bob and Helen wanted to raise their children in northern Wisconsin so after the war they moved from southern California. Bob worked as an appliance repairman for Sears in Superior. He also worked as car salesman in Duluth. His first love was music so he formed several jazz, dance and Dixieland bands through the years. They played at various venues around the Twin Ports such as the Flame Restaurant, Northland Country Club, Kitchie Gammi, and Highland Supper Club. They also played many weddings and anniversary parties. Along with playing in bands, Bob enjoyed singing four part harmony and was a founding member of the Harbormasters chorus and sang with several barbershop quartets.

Bob was an avid trout fisherman and was known to give away his daily catch to his friends with large families. He also enjoyed league bowling and in his later years, bowled a 300 game during a tournament. Bob was a true animal lover and rescued many dogs through the years.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife Helen (1989); his parents; his brother William "Scotty" Macgregor.

He is survived by son Jim (Ruth) MacGregor; son Dan (Sherry) MacGregor; all of
Superior and grandson Matt MacGregor, Zimmerman, MN; a niece and a nephew. He will be missed by his dog Willow and his grand-dog, Willy the Pug.

The visitation will be from 5 until the 7 p.m. service, Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior. Reverend Father Ronald Olson will officiate. Military rites will be accorded, at the funeral home, by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post. #435.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior, at a later date.

The family would like to thank Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation in Superior and St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth for the high quality of care they provided.