So how do I say goodbye
To someone who’s been with me for my whole damn life?
You gave me my name and the colour of your eyes
I see your face, when I look at mine
So how do I, how do I, how do I say goodbye?
~ Dean Lewis
It is with profound sadness that the family of Bob (aka “Woody”) announces his peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in Burlington with his daughter Gillian and his faithful companion Murphy, by his side. Bob was and will always be Lizzy’s “my sunshine, my only sunshine”.
Bob was one of a kind … he was larger than life. He had a wicked sense of humour, he had a thick skin, he was confident and not afraid to speak his mind. Bob loved spending time at the cottage on Pine Lake (Gooderham) which he & Mary bought before they were married, he loved bonfires, long walks with his trusted companion Murphy by his side. He enjoyed a good book, his pipe, a cigar, sports and quiet time. Bob always loved charcoal BBQ’s - especially if someone else bought the food & wine. Bob always said yes to a Bloody Caesar. Bob could move on the dance floor – which all started back at the Duke of Connaught public school dances.
Bob was a bit of a fighter in his youth … which led to wrestling and Bob winning an Ontario Wrestling Championship.
Bob’s memories were of graduating high school and university and starting work at Canadian Fine Colour (as “the” chief ink mixer) followed by Canadian Line Material as a junior draftsman.
Bob had a successful career with Armstrong Pumps, Viking Pump, Liquitech Limited (a company he & Mary started on their own) and built a pump division during his 19 years at John Brooks Company Limited. Bob would say that there were many interesting adventures with the team at John Brooks … however, all secrets were safe with him.
Bob and Mary bought 2-acres of land in Mount Albert in 1979 and built their dream home. Bob was always particular about the curb appeal of the property and thought hand-mowing the grass looked better than doing it by a riding lawn mover. After 4 hours of Bob cutting the grass by hand, he changed his mind.
Bob travelled extensively around the world for work (on Government Trade missions) and for pleasure with family and friends. Bob found himself in many adventures … he and Mary survived the 1989 San Francisco Earthquake (where Bob called and told Gill not to buy the Porsche yet, because they were both alive), he ate snake with business partners in China, when in Amsterdam he bumped into Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald who thought Bob looked familiar, tapped him on the shoulder and they spent the afternoon chatting. In Manchester, England his business partner invited a footballer (old chum) to join them for dinner. This gentleman was down to earth, he & Bob chatted about sports, life and introduced Bob to single malt scotch. During the conversations, he asked Bob if he’d ever been to a live football game (answer no). Bob was given tickets to a sold out football game & only when Bob walked into the stadium, did he realize that this gentlemen was none other than Sir Bobby Charlton, English footballer. Bob, Mary and Gillian enjoyed travels throughout Canada, U.S.A., Europe and many Caribbean countries.
Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary, his daughter Gillian (Terry) and his much-loved Havanese dog Murphy. Bob is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Jerry), brother Thomas (Donna) and many special nephews, nieces and friends. Predeceased are his parents, Dorothy (Nelson) and Albert Wood, his sister Shirley, brother Jack and daughter Jean King.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kathryn Swan and the Songbird Medical team for their exceptional care over the years. Thank you to the Chartwell Lakeshore team for keeping Bob smiling. And lastly, thank you to Dr. Mills, Dr. Sun and staff on 6South200 at Joseph Brant Hospital for their compassion and care.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation.
