What would Bob want? He would want us to keep this not too maudlin and maybe throw in some references to hunting and fishing. In honour of that, we are very saddened to announce his passing at Health Sciences North (HSN) Sudbury, Ontario, on October 28, 2021. Just before hunting season.
Bob was the very loving husband, partner and champion of his wife of 41 years, Brenda Leuschen Farkas. Predeceased by his parents, Antal and Katalin Farkas and his mother-in-law Hilda Leuschen, he is survived by his dear sister Kathy Hancock (Craig) of British Colombia. Also deeply mourning his passing, and going to miss his irreverent humour and great stories, are his in-laws and fellow out-laws, Don Leuschen (Michelle Marcoux), Susan Leuschen (Gary Choy) and Allan Leuschen (Magdalena Perez), along with his many valued friends, old and new. Uncle Bob will be greatly missed by his nieces Kyra (David), Jasmine (Jordan) and Valerie (Jeremy), his nephews Karl (Martha), Damon (Danica) and Ivan, and his great-nieces and great-nephews.
Bob spent his career with CP Rail, in the Toronto Yard. Over a period of 38 years he went from a diesel machinist, to brakeman, then conductor and ultimately became a locomotive engineer. He felt fortunate to have worked at a job he loved. Bob was also an ardent outdoorsman, always happiest out in the bush or on the water, frequently riding or rescuing his Argo. He loved to observe and share his knowledge of nature with others. In 2015, Bob retired to their lake home in Northern Ontario, but he did not slow down. He restored his beloved 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser and built and organized a well-tooled shop, where he enjoyed tinkering on a multitude of projects. Bob’s shop and the continuously-stoked wood stove became a magnet for social gatherings with neighbours.
Bob was thrilled to fulfill a dream to drive the Alaska/Dempster Highway, first on a solo trip in 2018 and then in 2019 with Don, where they dipped their hands in the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk. And yes, he drank the Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson City.
Many thanks to the HSN staff, including the incredible team in the Intensive Rehabilitation Unit (IRU), the Geriatric Outpatient Program and the Independence Centre and Network (ICAN). Special mentions go to Dr. Mike Franklyn, who generously shared his vast knowledge and experience of post-stroke rehabilitation, Vineet Johnson and his team at IRegained Inc., Julie Vaughan-Graham of Physio-Logic and Hilary Deverell of Neuro North Physiotherapy. Following his stroke in February, this incredible group supported Bob as he determinedly worked to regain his independence with his fierce work ethic, all the while maintaining his positive attitude and sense of humour. A special thank you goes to Don and Michelle who supported Brenda so she could support Bob.
His lovely hazel eyes were donated to the Trillium Gift of Life Network.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food bank. Bob loved to feed people.
There will be no service, but please raise a glass in his memory. As well, condolences, photos and any great stories you might want to share of Bob can be emailed to bobfarkas.remembrances@gmail.com.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Lougheed Funeral Home, Sudbury.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Bob Farkas Thursday October 28th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario