July 16, 2021
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert H. Drummond. Bob passed away at Lakeland Long Term Care Friday, July 16, 2021 at the age of 85.
Survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Brenda, and stepsons – Dan and Paul Bissonette, granddaughter Andrea Bissonette and her partner Bill McRobb, great grandchildren Kayne & Elizabeth and grandson John Bissonette. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Pre deceased by his brother Derek, who died (1934) before Bob was born, sisters Daphne and Joan, his father Henry and his mother Doris. Also pre deceased by his favourite nephew, Rodney Peters.
Bob was born in Harrow, Middle, England, where he attended Lewis County School for boys, and was in the church choir as a young boy. He loved to sing. He shared a passion for sports of all kinds with his father, Henry (Harry) Drummond, until his dad died when he was ten years old. Bob never lost his enthusiasm for sports. Bob’s dad worked at the Post Office on Hide Road, Harrow, England, and instilled a passion for stamp collecting in Bob that was continued through his entire life.
He immigrated to Canada when he was 17. His sisters were already here, having married Canadian airmen, Joan – Peter Peters, and Daphney – Ray Holloway. Bob’s mother Doris followed after settling things in England.
Bob lived in Welland for several years with his first wife Marlene, and worked his way up in the banking industry. After a period in Ottawa, he was transferred to Parry Sound as the manager of the C.I.B.C. Years later… rather than leave Parry Sound to transfer to a higher position at a bank in another city, he chose to withdraw from the bank to pursue a different career, and in time became a partner at Lorne Tudhope Insurance Agency with Lorne Tudhope, Ken Brown, Ken Dobson and Brock Tudhope. He also enjoyed working there with Jeanne Roberts (MacDonald) and Kim Campbell as friends and colleagues.
Bob loved people, and this was apparent as he became involved in many community groups and committees. His efforts made a huge contribution to many people in health planning and promotion of programs and initiatives to improve the quality of life for so many, and are far too numerous to state here. His years spent with Peter Deane on the District Health Council in it’s founding years were a great source of pride and enjoyment. The friends he met on the Ontario College of Pharmacists, The Boards of the Parry Sound General Hospital and Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged were also high on his list.
Bob loved sports, either as a participant or as an observer. Tennis and badminton in his earlier years, but most people will remember him from the golf course. His trips to Myrtle Beach with the guys for golf holidays was a great source of fun and relaxation for him. His buddys, Joe, Ernie, Roger, Art, and Jack to name just a few, spent many an early morning T-ing-off here at our local course. He spent a considerable amount of time on the Executive and as President of the Parry Sound Golf and Country Club. The Hamilton Tiger Cats was his CFL team, and there were many years of fan rivalry between Bob and Ernie, who was a stalwart Toronto Argos fan. They had many a razzing and chuckles over that. Soccer and Rugby were also passions of his and our trip to South Africa in 1995 for the World Cup of Rugby was one of his favourites.
He had a compassionate love of animals and trees. One of the important aspects of all our travels was to check out the wildlife in their natural habitat as well as the zoos and aquariums. We have been members of the Toronto Zoo for many years, and often our anniversary gift to each other was to adopt an animal, which contributed to the expense of supporting the zoo programs. We have visited many zoos globally and always enjoyed our time spent there.
He was so happy when friends came to visit in these last few years, as it was difficult and at times impossible to go to visit where there was an accessibility issue. When friends came calling, he was really thrilled and each of you helped make his life more complete by sharing your time with him. Thank you all so very much.
Family would like to express our appreciation to staff of West Parry Sound Health Centre and Lakeland Long Term Care facility for their compassionate care. Prior to his facility care, he was provided with exceptional Home Care from the PSWs at The Friends. You will all be forever in our hearts.
At Bob’s request there will be no service. Cremation will take place with a private internment of his ashes at Sylvan Acres at a later time.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to: The Toronto Zoo, West Parry Sound Health Centre, Lakeland Long Term Care, Belvedere Heights or the charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of BOB DRUMMOND July 16 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Parry-Sound, Province: Ontario