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(Naval Lieutenant, RCN, WWII) Passed away peacefully on June 11th, 2013 at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in his 89th year. Bob has been described as a brilliant man, loving husband and father and someone who could tell a good and often long story. Loving father of Stephen and Susan. Older brother of Murray and best friend of Elda German. Predeceased in 1991 by his loving wife, Betty (nee Watson) and in 1974 by his dear son, Jeffrey. Proud grandpa of Jeffrey (Ralphs) and Jeremy (Ralphs). Bob was born in Toronto, Ontario on January 3rd, 1925 and after enlisting at the age of 17 became the youngest naval gunnery officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. He met Betty at Balmy Beach Canoe Club and they married in 1949. He studied microbiology at The Ontario Agricultural College (now Guelph University) graduating in 1948. He joined Canadian Breweries Limited (later Carling O’Keefe Breweries) in June 1948 and in 1954 was appointed to Head Brewer at the Hamilton plant and later Head Brewer of the Toronto and Montreal plants rising to become Director of Brewing Services for Carling O’Keefe Breweries. In 1954, he earned the degree of “Diploma Member of the British Institute of Brewing”, one of only three to do so outside of Britain at the time, achieving a perfect score on the exams. He retired on December 1st, 1989 and enjoyed many more years of golf with his friends at Burlington Golf and Country Club where he was a member since 1953. He met the second love of his life, Elda German, in 1998 with whom he enjoyed many wonderful years of travel, especially to Myrtle Beach, and also get-togethers with members of his OAC 1948 graduating year. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care over the past 3 months.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held on June 20th at 7 PM at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either the War Amps Ontario or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ontario in Bob’s memory.
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5 Guestbook Entries
June 15, 2013 | Norman & Jackie Wells
Dear Steve & Susan:
We had so much respect for your Dad and enjoyed his cheery hello’s and stories at BG&CC over the many years we golfed together. Bob will always bring a smile to our hearts when we think of him.
sincerely, Norm & Jackie
June 16, 2013 | Bryden and Betty Lou Rosborough
Dear Sue, Chris, Jeffrey, Jeremy and Steve,
Please accept our most sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear Father and Grandfather.
Both of us remember Bob well from days gone by at Burlington Golf and Country Club.
May the memories of wonderful family gatherings, and good times shared with your Dad and Grandfather help to comfort you at this time.
Sincerely,
Bryden and Betty Lou Rosborough
June 17, 2013 | Lauren and Arnold McLean
We would like to extend our condolences to Bob’s immediate and extended family. Bob was in many ways a very special person. In his navy service and in his professional life he was a true professional. In what I knew of Bob’s family life he was an example to all in the way he managed to support wife Betty and his son in dealing with the medical difficulties they experienced. Bob was a loyal friend and associate who always had time to shoot the breeze and exchange thoughts not only on business but on a wide variety of topics of mutual interest.
I knew Bob for over 50 years through our mutual connection with the brewing industry.
He was a great friend and I will miss him.
June 18, 2013 | Jerry Edge
I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Also, as a long time member of Burlington Golf & Country Club, I enjoyed many years not just golfing with Bob and later Steve, both gentlemen on and off the course, I spent many long hours listening to Bob. One trip stands out. Bob and I drove back to Burlington from Florida years ago. I found him to be the easiest person to travel with while listening to his interesting stories along the way.
My condolences to Steve and family.
Jerry Edge
June 19, 2013 | Chris Silverthorne
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