Bob Synk was born in Allen Park, Michigan. His father was a civil servant and his mother a secretary. It was a Christian home and the family instilled in Bob not just the value of earning and saving, but also the values of caring for others and working for the common good.

The family moved to White Cloud and then to Lansing as Bob was growing up. He has always lived in Michigan except for two years in the Peace Corps.

Bob first came to West Michigan to attend Hope College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1979. After graduation he did social work and volunteer work until joining the Peace Corps. He taught English and math at a small, ill-equipped high school in the mountains of Lesotho. Upon returning from Africa in 1987, Bob enrolled at Grand Valley State University and settled in Grand Rapids. He obtained a degree in computer science and has worked as a programmer ever since.

Bob married Theresa in 2007 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where they are members. Theresa supports Bob’s public service and is a great help to him.

Over the last twenty years, besides working for Progressive Technologies and now ODL Incorporated, Bob has been active volunteering for his church, the South Hill Neighborhood Association, Habitat for Humanity and recently served on the board of Grand Rapids Right-to-Life.

Bob’s volunteer work is motivated by his religious faith. Besides having a personal reverence for God, he seeks to serve God by serving others. Helping people with their immediate needs is important. It is also important to work towards a future where people meet their own needs.

Since taking the oath of office in January 2009 Bob has worked toward both these goals as Kent County Commissioner for District 19.


Bob, Theresa and Murphy at their home in Alger Heights