April 26, 1940 - October 24, 2023
Passed away quietly in his sleep in the early morning hours of October 24, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Barb (Booth); sons Douglas (Wendy) and David (Erin), and daughter Marni (Jan Reimers); grandchildren Lindsay, Mark, Jesse, Autumn and Nathan; stepgrandchildren Erik and John Anthony; and predeceased by his beloved grandson Kyle. Also survived by his loving “adopted” family, brother-in-law Jim (Linda), and sisters-in-law Sharon (Tom Hooker) and Nancy (Tim Harkins).
Bob grew up in a friendly family neighbourhood and attended Etobicoke Collegiate. It was there that he played football as the quarterback for the Etobicoke Rams football team. Throwing a clean long spiral was always a joy for him!
In his Grade 11 year, he and classmate Barb Booth began dating. True young love became a union and a happy marriage of 62 years was celebrated in August.
Bob was a man of formidable talents. At 23 years of age, he started a career in the pharmaceutical industry, rising to Canadian Sales Manager in the parent company in 11 years. Periods of time living in Sudbury, Ottawa, Mississauga, and Montreal were embraced and enjoyed. During that time, a young family of 3 children was created. Sons Doug and David, and daughter Marni, became the joy of his life. Sharing his knowledge and adventures with his family provided the foundation for enduring reward and happiness. He and Barb truly felt blessed always.
At age 30, Bob left the corporate pharmaceutical life to enter a career in real estate in the industrial field, moving the family from Montreal back to Ontario. He became a registered broker quickly, and soon found that assisting clients to locate and build new spaces was greatly in tune with his love of engineering and construction. Loyalty and complete honesty were the hallmarks of his service, along with his ability to communicate and analyze every fine detail of any transaction.
Bob’s love of this work continued until his death. Retirement? Not in his vocabulary! He was rewarded by the sincere friendship of long term clients until his passing.
Known as “Builder Bob” by his children, and “Bunker Bob” by his best golfing buddy, Bob engaged with enthusiasm and passion in every activity and hobby. With his wife Barb, life was full of shared adventures. Building their cottage together at the age of 23, raising their family, golf as often as possible, bridge games, hikes, boating, and travel were all shared pleasures full of happy rewards.
Bob was also a news junkie. His friends know that strong opinions were expressed about almost anything, with lively debates of which we’re sure—in his opinion—he never lost!
Barb is so grateful for the continuous support of many good friends, and especially daughter Marni, sons David and Doug, and granddaughter Lindsay, along with all the other family members who made it possible for Bob to be at home until the end of his journey.
Many heartfelt thanks also to Dr. Chu and the kind support of Halton Home Care Services for the constant and empathetic care from wonderful PSWs and nurses. Nurses and doctors at the Georgetown Hospital also provided much-appreciated emergency care and understanding.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bob”s life for friends and family will be planned for spring 2024.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Georgetown Hospital, CAShh (Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills), or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Funeral Home