It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert Hobbs Crocker on Thursday October 14th at the age of 93. He is predeceased by siblings Leon (Lydia), Jean (Gerald), Charles (Betty) and Gord (Dorothy). Bob was a devoted father and husband, a loyal, enthusiastic friend to many and a much cherished grandfather and great grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his wife Ina, his children Gary (Colleen), Gail, and Tom (Loriana). His loss is keenly felt by his grandchildren Cheryl (Chris), Nicole (Neil), Matthew (Mikaela). His role as a great grandfather to Ben, Tess and Kyla was only just beginning but he remained grateful and enthused to be a presence in their early lives. He will be lovingly remembered as an exuberant and much-loved extended family member to all his nieces and nephews as well as his surviving sister-in-law Dorothy.
Bob’s questing spirit imbued his life throughout. At the age of 15, his sense of adventure and wish to help his family led him to leave his loving home in Hearts Delight Newfoundland to find work through the wartime Food Relief Program on the Nelson Dairy Farm in the Monongahela Valley of Pennsylvania. At the conclusion of the war, his ongoing curiosity about the world and desire to serve his country led him to join the Navy which took him to ports of call throughout North America and the Caribbean. His love for the seas however began to compete with his love of and commitment to his growing family leading him to join the Air Force to be closer to home. Military life took him and his family to bases in Halifax, Gimli and eventually Three Wing in Zweibrucken, Germany. These four years in Europe opened up new avenues of exploration and adventure for him and family with camping holidays Spain, France, Holland and West Germany. Upon his return to Canada he settled his family in Toronto until his retirement. With his children now grown, his imaginative sensibility and appetite for novelty directed him to establish new homes in Topsail, Newfoundland and Vero Beach, Florida in the winter months. These were years of sprawling road trips across North America in his beloved Buick as he and Ina seasonally migrated between Toronto, Newfoundland and Florida. As health issues encroached, he reluctantly accepted the need for ongoing care from his family and settled in Burlington, Ontario.
Throughout the passage of time and ever-changing locations, aspects of him remained consistent. He exuded a vitality for life and an unusual capacity for imaginative, celebratory, playful engagement. This was most apparent in the worlds he co-created with children who came to know him. Endless hours could be spent in mutual laughter and a perpetual sense of anticipatory excitement as to what might happen next. He was a marvel to behold.
He brought us all his unique energy and taught us all how to laugh in the midst of life. These are gifts we will continue to cherish. Thank You Bob.
Bob’s family would like to specifically acknowledge the competent and empathic medical care that Bob received from both Dr. Randy Cross and Dr. Ryan Cross. Your steady presence and willingness to be available to the family was much appreciated.
We would like to express thanks and gratitude to Carpenter House for their compassionate presence in the final days of Bob’s life.
Bob’s children would like to specifically thank the staff at the Williamsburg for their years of involvement in our parent’s lives. The genuineness and competence of your care has been a great comfort to us and we are most grateful.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Carpenter House.
Due to current restrictions, the family has decided to restrict attendance at the funeral and visitation to family members. We are hopeful to host a more inclusive gathering at a later date.
Service Arrangements:
Visitation-Tuesday October 19th at Smith’s Funeral Home Guelph Line starting at 12:00 pm (12:30 pm for those who do not wish to view the open casket).
Service- Tuesday October 19th at Smith’s Guelph Line at 1:00 pm
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Hobbs Crocker Thursday October 14th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario