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Robert McKendry Obituary
Robert (Bob) McKendry
18 June 1934- December 21, 2024
Bob was the fourth of six children born to John and Mary (Mullan) McKendry in Calgary, Alberta and was the last surviving member of that remarkable family. He left this world peacefully at age 90 on Saturday December 21, 2024, and is survived by his loving wife Renate and his two great children Audrey (Kevin) and Robert (Cathy) as well as three outstanding grandsons, Joseph, Brant and Benjamin and his great granddaughter, Violet. One of Bob’s early interests was automobile and he was an enthusiastic stock car racer in the infancy of that sport in Calgary during the early 1950s. He traded stock cars for fighter jets in 1957 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was selected for training as a navigator on all weather interceptors. During his 31 year career he spent several tours on the CF 100 aircraft in both the interceptor and electronic warfare roles. Bob maintained the view throughout his life that joining the RCAF was the best decision he ever made because it became the gateway to an exciting life that resulted in him and his family living in various parts of Canada, the USA and Europe. He always said that the most significant highlight of this era was that he met Renate, who would later become his wife, while he was stations at 4 (F) Wing in Baden Soellingen Germany.
Bob retired from the air force in 1987 when he was accepted for a position with NATO’s International Staff at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He served with NATO in this capacity for 12 years and witnessed the end of the cold war during that time. He was pleasantly surprised to find that with the end of the cold war his work became even more interesting as NATO began its dialogue with countries that had been members of the Warsaw Pact as well as several former Soviet republics who had now gained their independence.
Bob retired from the international Staff in 1999 at age 65 and he and Renate returned to Canadian where they made their home in Kingston, Ontario. They had many happy years there, rediscovering Canada, getting together again with old friends and Bob’s family members but above all, spending more time visiting with the children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024 form 2pm to 4pm at The Reception Centre of James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society of Kingston. Online condolences may be made at www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com
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June 18 1934
December 21 2024
Death notice for the town of: Kingston, Province: Ontario
death notice Robert McKendry June 18 1934
December 21 2024
obituaries notice Robert McKendry June 18 1934
December 21 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert McKendry June 18 1934
December 21 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
