BOB (ROBERT) PATRICK RUDDY 79
Bob Ruddy, passed away on April 11th, 2021 at Extendicare Tri-Town.
Bob was born in King Kirkland Temiskaming District, Ontario to Basil and Verena Ruddy (McPhee) on August 2nd, 1941. He often joked about how after he was born, his father took one look at him, and went off to war.
When his father returned the family moved to Lorrain Valley and shared a home with his grandparents, Patrick and Martha Ruddy (Czapeskie). By age six the family moved to North Cobalt, a little village that he loved with his whole heart, right up until the day he died.
Bob’s love of music began early in life. He grew up listening his father, Basil, playing the fiddle, and Bob taught himself to play guitar. “I used to practice in the outhouse. I’d play the guitar and sing at the top of my lungs, making all of the neighborhood dogs bark!” He wrote his first song, “The Wild Goose Flies” at age 12 (in the outhouse) and continued writing songs (in more comfortable conditions) for the duration of his life.
Bob was the lead singer with many bands over the years and performed at weddings, community events and in bars/taverns/halls throughout North Eastern Ontario. He loved performing more than anything. In his later years he joined the Quality Time crew and performed with the talented group to raise money for Camp Quality, a special camp for children suffering from cancer – a place to get away from it all and have some fun. He also performed with the Temiskaming CT Scan Choir fundraiser, but often remarked that his voice was too loud to be in a choir. No guff, the man didn’t need a microphone.
When karaoke became popular, Bob jumped on that bandwagon and started his own karaoke business. People loved singing when Bob was running Karaoke, but there were always many requests for him to sing his locally famous renditions of Jay and the American’s ‘Cara Mia’, and Roy Orbison’s ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Crying’ etc. The list is too long, you’d be reading this obituary all day.
By the way, Bob also got married and had kids. Bob married Carol Labine, a shy, young woman from North Cobalt. Carol was best friends with Bob’s sister Judy (Pasich) and she often told the story about how when she first lay eyes on Bob, she fell head over heals in love. Bob and Carol were married on September 21st 1964 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 21st, 2014, surrounded by their family.
Bob shared his love of music with his family and his children grew up learning to play musical instruments and trying to sing as good as their dad – it never happened. Bob is loved and well known in the area for his powerful voice but Carol was always his biggest fan, often saying things like, “You sing that song better than Orbison ever did.” And she meant it.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ruddy (Labine); his parents, Basil and Verena Ruddy (McPhee); and his sister Myrna Coe (Ruddy). Bob is survived by his children; sons Patrick and James (Marylou); daughter Marie (Darryl) Gutscher; five grandchildren Shannon Flannigan (Darby), Matthias Gutscher, Benjamin Ruddy, Maxwell Ruddy and Bridget Ruddy; and three great grandchildren, Dante-Marie Flannigan, Gordon Flannigan and Ramona Flannigan. Bob is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Judy Pasich, Bruce Ruddy, Penny (Denise) Danard, Peggy (Margaret) Reid, Chris Ruddy, Mike Ruddy and Cathy Warren, and many nieces and nephews.
Due to health issues, Bob spent the last four and half years of his life at Extendicare Tri-town. The amazing PSWs and nurses treated him like a beloved family member, making his final years in a LTC home much more positive. They played music together, sang together, joked and laughed together. Bob’s family members are forever indebted to these beautiful hard working people.
During his final days, his main caregivers, Lacey Breault and Chyanne Dubuc-Lavallee, were at his side. Chyanne and Lacey were chief mourners, side by side with his daughter when ‘Code Angel’ was called at Extendicare and Bob left the building. Bob’s family send their love and heartfelt thanks to these two beautiful ladies.
Bob had many nurses and caregivers over the years but Ashley Bird was extraordinary in many ways. “That nurse is really smart.” He would say, and it was always followed by “And beautiful inside and out.” Bob didn’t throw around the compliments like confetti. If he said it, he meant it. Bob’s family would like to thank Ashley for always being there, not only for Bob but his family as well. Ashley was always someone that his family felt they could depend on and trust.
Bob always had a lot of fun joking around and laughing with his nurse, Mimi Fortin. His memory faded over the years but his love of Mimi didn’t. “I just love that Cobalt nurse, she’s down to earth!” He would exclaim. Thank you for the good times, Mimi. Thank you for the much needed love and laughs.
A special thank you to Nurse Judy (Judy Chambers) for always stepping up to the plate over the past four and a half years and advocating for Bob. If Bob needed something, Judy would get it done. Judy always had his back. Bob loved her for it and his family are eternally grateful.
Last but not least, the family sends ardent thanks to nurse Emilie Runnalls (Barbeau) who kept Bob comfortable during his final days. Thanks to Emilie’s advocacy, compassion and care, Bob passed away peacefully and without pain or fear.
Forgiveness is asked for not mentioning every single loving person who cared for Bob at Extendicare, the writer is terrified of missing someone and hopes that you are aware that you are in our thoughts and hearts. Please know that you are appreciated more than can be expressed in words.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you sign any petition you can find that gives PSW’s and health care workers better pay and better work place rights. That’s right, Bob was a union man and always looked out for the overworked and underpaid – no matter what job they were doing.
A celebration of life – “Bob Ruddy – Jam Session” will take place as soon as COVID is evicted from our lives – now that’s going to be a party you won’t want to miss.
Memorial contributions to a charity of your choice will be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Condolences and contributions may be left at www.buffamleveille.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Bob Ruddy Sunday April 11th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Haileybury, Province: Ontario