Roger Everett Bean, age 70, of Shelbyville, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2017 peacefully in the house he built and loved, a house that was a reflection of him – everything was carefully thought out and chosen to be the finest in craftsmanship and quality.  

Roger was a man who lived on his own terms.  He was a polymath and intellectual omnivore with an inquiring mind that loved to solve problems.  His wide range of knowledge came from hours spent reading.  His books and his tools were his most prized possessions; making things his greatest pride. Roger believed he could teach himself to do anything by studying.  Over the years he used his vast talent to become a skilled craftsman in making fine boxes, period furniture, knives, guns, and fountain pens and was widely acknowledged as a gifted artisan.  His creativity in the kitchen and presentation of gourmet meals is legendary. Roger generously shared his wisdom and knowledge with others, mentoring and encouraging their growth, inspiring them to believe they too could make anything they wanted. He was an Officer in the U.S. Army.  Roger’s career included many years at Steelcase, followed by consulting in strategic planning, authoring two business books, and teaching entrepreneurship at Michigan State University. 

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Merle Bean & Rita E. Alcock Bean of Port Allegany, PA.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lynnette (Owens Younggren) Bean; sons, Stefan Bean of Kalispell, MT and Jeffrey (Yukie) Bean of Portland OR; two granddaughters, Katie and Lexie Bean; and close friends of many years. To view some of his woodwork projects for which he was so proud, please visit: http://lumberjocks.com/RogerBean/projects/page/1. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Michigan Radio (WUOM) or WMUK. 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, or sign Roger’s online guest book, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com 

Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.