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Dave Dueck posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
I’m saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was only a few months older than me. Too young. My Dad and Uncle Henry were first-cousins, and we would visit when they lived in Virgil and later when they moved to the Milton farm. It was no ordinary farm. Such saints.
It’s been many years since I saw Bob, and I’ve never met Carol or the others, but I have a lasting memory of our last visit. Our Niagara Chapel church youth group had spent a winter weekend at the Camp for the Deaf near Parry Sound (no connection to this event, but fitting point of interest), and I had gone up by plane since it was on skiis and could land on the lake. While flying home to St. Catharines I encountered heavy fog approaching Hamilton, so I turned around and found their farm and set down in their field. I had to leave the plane there, and returned to pick it up on a beautiful day a couple of weeks later.
It was a great day for flying so I took each one for a ride - I think there were 8 or 9 in total. I’m guessing Uncle Henry organized the order from youngest to oldest, but Bob was last. Each one enjoyed their ride, but Bob’s was strikingly different. I didn't anticipate his enthusiasm. To top it off, I had forgotten that Bob was a very strong guy, and quite physical, and anyway, what would that matter - we were just going for a ride. The plane was a Piper Cub with tandem seats, and since it has to be flown from the back when operating solo, that is where the pilot always sits, and any passenger would sit in the front seat, so I couldn’t communicate with Bob even if I had known how. I hadn't anticipated that I should have taken out the front Joyce stick, and it hadn’t been a problem with the others at all. Bob held on to the control stick, and while he was so enthralled with taking in the view he held the stick so hard that I couldn't move the control from the back seat very much at all. And he would jerk the stick with his hands as he jerked his head from side to side to take in all that he could see. All I could do was gently put pressure on the stick, probably imperceptible to him, to do a very wide circuit - much further than I had done with the others, so he got a longer ride, which was good. So that wasn't so bad, but I was anxiously trying to figure out how the landing would turn out.
Like with turning, I had to do a long approach with a very gradual descent, but I also had to keep the speed up till the last minute, which isn't normal procedure in a small plane. The worst would have been if we were at slow speed and he would happen to jerk the stick back causing the aircraft to pitch up, resulting in an aerodynamic “stall”, and we would have plummeted. Fortunately they had a big pasture and I had lots of distance to touch down and then chop the throttle. Unfortunately with the higher speed we hit a rock hidden in the snow with one ski that resulted in that leg’s shock-strut brace breaking off. Fortunately for Bob it happened after his ride, or he would not have gotten his ride. The repair was no big deal at all, and the memory is worth much more.
It’s a lasting memory for me and I don’t know if Carol and the kids ever heard about it, but offer it as another story to remember him by.
Dave Dueck, Calgary
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Liz Watson posted a condolence
Monday, January 8, 2018
Bob ‘s smile and positive attitude always lit up the dining room and kitchen at ECDrury. I witnessed the rapport he had with both staff and students. Rest In Peace Bob.
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Sandy Bassie posted a condolence
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Sharon and family,
I was sorry to hear of your father's passing this week. I know he will be much missed.
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Anne Thompson posted a condolence
Friday, January 5, 2018
Carol, Sharon, James and Families:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
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Dave & Barb Gray posted a condolence
Friday, January 5, 2018
Dear Carol, Sharon, James & family - so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Both he and Carol always had a smile on their faces whenever we met them during their time in Milton. Our prayers are that God will give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Cherish your memories. Love Dave & Barb
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Fern Hardy posted a condolence
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Dear Geraldine,I am so very sorry to hear that your husband has passed on. My deepest condolences.
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Barbara (Dueck) Jack posted a condolence
Thursday, January 4, 2018
How sad when we hear of the loss of a childhood friend. My family lived on the next road over, and as second cousins, we played with Bobbie and his siblings often. I have fond memories of the Critter game we learned to play in a silent companionship and of Aunt Ann's kindness. Because I was the same age as Bobbie, we spent a lot of time together, playing and never worrying about our lack of language. It was a good world.
My sympathy to all his family.
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sylvia posted a condolence
Thursday, January 4, 2018
As Robert would say friends forever Rest in peace Robert
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Glenda & Larry Hamilton posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Carol,Sharon, James, and family. We are very sorry about the loss of Robert. Sorry that we can't be with you during this trying time in your life. The only thing we can do is put our faith in Jesus and let help us through this time. This is where our comfort can come from knowing that Robert is with him in heaven.We will be praying for you. We miss and love y'all.
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Rachel Thiessen posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Thinking of you all during this time. He did live a full life. He was very well cared for. Sharon, you have done so well by your parents and family! He will be missed!