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With a full and happy life, Robert (Bob) Catto, died peacefully at St.Joseph’s Villa on March 19, 2025, at the age of 86 years.
Bob was born on January 21st, 1939, in South Africa to his father Bob Catto (predeceased) and mother Bobsie (nee Ammerlaan) (predeceased), and also his brother Norman Catto (predeceased) in South Africa. He came to Canada to find a better life, and he found it. Shortly after immigrating, he met and married the love of his life, Gillian Catto (predeceased). They were happily (mostly, despite minor bickering!) married for 54 years, and had 2 wonderful children: Malcolm (Georgia Lee) and Vanessa (Mac Bertrand). He was lovingly called Bob by all, Bobby to some, and both Dala and Kaku by his four beloved grandchildren: Zachary, Callum, Charlotte and Tyson.
Always an intellect, Bob went to the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa at age 15, and Queen’s University to complete his Masters. He became a Structural Engineer working for Inco until retirement and continued working freelance well into his 70s. He knew everything about every structure that Inco (Vale) ever owned. He loved Engineering, he used to do triple integrals and differential equations for fun and would solve all of these structural problems by hand –why would anybody need a computer? His father was an Engineer; Malcolm became an Engineer, and some of his grandkids are on the way to becoming Engineers. The Catto legacy lives on.
He was a lover of life, enjoying time spent with friends and family. He created a hobby farm and embraced the challenges of living in the bush and on a floodplain. He and Gillian loved travelling the world and sailing around Manitoulin in one of their beloved sailboats. He loved the outdoors, and cutting wood was a pastime and an art, not a chore. Bob also enjoyed a good glass of Scotch, and a cold beer was never turned down.
Bob could do whatever he set his mind to. In addition to being an expert mathematician, he was also an electrician, a plumber, a mechanic, a handyman, a farmer, a butcher, a barn builder, a lumberjack, a sportsman (including rugby, golf and darts), an expert Sudoku, Scrabble and Crossword player, and a painter. He loved to read books–his love of literature and the arts has also been continued by Vanessa and his other grandkids. Bob also loved to eat and share a good meal with friends, and he could turn any food into a curry–the hotter the better. He loved a good Brit comedy, had a “Farside” sense of humour, and an infectious laugh. Always a gentleman, Bob was kind and courteous, which was consistently mentioned by St. Joseph staff.
Bob, Husband, Dad, Dala, Kaku will be greatly missed by all. However, we are relieved that his last few difficult years without Gillian by his side are now over.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Villa for the kindness, love and dignity with which our dad was treated; we will always be grateful.
Donations in his memory can be made to St. Joseph’s Villa and will be greatly appreciated.
Join us for a casual gathering at the Lockerby Legion branch 564 on Saturday, March 22nd, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to come and raise a glass.
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Homes
Wednesday March 19th 2025
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario
death notice Robert Catto Wednesday March 19th 2025
obituaries notice Robert Catto Wednesday March 19th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Catto Wednesday March 19th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
