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March 19, 2025
Kathryn’s truest best friend and heart & soul said goodbye to us on the last day of Winter – March 19, 2025. He was surrounded by a family so grateful for the amazing privilege of his time with us.
Ole & Jean Gilman were proud parents of Robert Norman, born in 1951 in Smithville, Ontario where he spent his early years. Bob married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Kathy Dennis in 1971 and enjoyed 54 years together. They moved north to Lanark, before finally settling in Humphrey with their two children, Sheena (Tony) and David (Michele). Sheena, having moved to Nova Scotia in 2002, provided Bob incentive to visit, explore and capture the beauty of Atlantic Canada on their many trips out East with his stunning photography. Addy and Reid were Grandpa Bob’s pride and joy, loving their boat trips to “Gilman Peninsula” to swim and fish, and countless other memories in nature with Bob as their guide. Like a brother to Linny, Trace (Rick) and dear uncle to Mike, Mark (Sherri), Jess (Ty, and children, Emmy, Aidy) and Jer all living close to where Bob grew up in the Niagara Escarpment area. Predeceased by most of his aunts and uncles, he will be missed by Aunt Sharon, Aunt Dean (Emrick) and Aunt Pat and cousins including Bev, Joanne and Joan.
Bob’s love of the outdoors drew him to his lifelong career with the Ministry of Natural Resources where he helped manage forests, lakes and wildlife. Some of Bob’s closest friends came to him through his work and their mutual love of the outdoors.
Anyone who knew Bob came to know a humble, kind and patient human being. He was an outdoorsman, an athlete, a guitarist, canoeist, boater, avid reader and photographer. His photographs of landscapes and wildlife adorn the walls of many friends and family. And he has artfully captured so many special moments for his loved ones. Bob stayed in touch with members of his junior hockey team, the Caledonia Corvairs – a testament to the connections made in sport but also that special team and their bond.
Bob was a long time member of the Parry Sound Curling Club where he will be remembered fondly as a wonderful friend, teammate, coach and photographer of many events. Bob and Kathy moved to “Dandelion Farm” about 6 years ago, with their horses and live a peaceful life amongst a rich diversity of flora and fauna which Bob enjoyed documenting through his photography. They have hosted many friends and family over their years on “the farm” and felt so blessed to enjoy a slow paced and humble lifestyle. Bob’s close family and friends certainly understand what a special person he was, but even those who only met him briefly have commented on his wonderfully kind soul.
Bob and Kathryn were amazed and so thankful for the regular visits with family and friends during Bob’s time in the hospital. Bob was also thrilled to chat to friends and family from afar using his ipad when travel wasn’t possible. The connections brought so much comfort, support and light. It truly was a ‘Celebration of Life’ that Bob was able to be a part of.
We are so grateful to all the dedicated and caring health care providers of the West Parry Sound Health Centre who went above and beyond with Bob’s care as he navigated his medical journey. Special thanks as well to all of those at the Sudbury Cancer Clinic and especially Dr Lacey Petrie. Your dedication and commitment to Bob’s treatment was incredible.
Per Bob’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the West Parry Sound Health Centre and/or the Northeast Cancer Center in Sudbury. Or to the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
“In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; and like seeds dreaming beneath the snow, your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity”
~Kahil Gibran
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2025
Death notice for the town of: Parry-Sound, Province: Ontario
death notice ROBERT “BOB GILMAN 2025
obituaries notice ROBERT “BOB GILMAN 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of ROBERT “BOB GILMAN 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
