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Robert Warren Cheesman was born to John Henry Cheesman and Eveline Rosa Saunders and grew up during the war, on Blair Avenue in the working-class Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto. He was raised with older brothers Charles and Harry (both now deceased) and younger sister Doreen (Harry). His mother was left to raise the four children alone after his father John died when Robert was just 12.
Robert was treated for lung problems as a child and spent a full year at the IODE Preventorium in North Toronto. In 1949, due to the generosity of a church parishioner, he attended Camp Koinonia (located near Parry Sound). During this brief but significant stay he accepted a minister’s invitation and, in the privacy of his tent, knelt and dedicated his life to the Lord. This commitment never wavered; his faith was the anchor and foundation of his and his family’s life. At the same camp he was introduced to Shirley May Goddard, which ultimately led to their marriage on November 6, 1954. Bob and Shirley moved to Islington (Etobicoke) and together raised five children. He and Shirley took the children to Koinonia family camps and a cottage at Bala, but also embarked on epic family tent-trailer journeys with all five kids to the Rockies and the East Coast. Robert and Shirley spent many memorable weeks at Willowbank in Bermuda, and enjoyed numerous cruises in Europe, the Caribbean, and on the Kawartha Voyager in Ontario.
Robert had varied interests: he collected stamps, gardened, had a large HO-scale railway in the basement and loved classical music. He enjoyed hikes on the Bruce Trail. He had a strong baritone voice and sang with the Koinonia Choir and several church choirs. He was quite handy and maintained an active workbench. He and his family remained involved with Camp Koinonia for many years, where he served on the Board of Directors both in finance and property, and spent many weekends volunteering on construction projects. He continued to offer his experience and guidance on various church and other boards throughout his life, almost always as treasurer; most recently at the retirement residence in Hamilton where he lived out his days. He loved genealogy and compiled extensive records and stories of both his and Shirley’s sides of the family. He was especially known for his dry sense of humour.
Bob began his employment at Bell Canada at the age of 20, working as a linesman, then in switching stations, and finishing as a traffic manager. It seemed he always met a Bell man while on vacation. He retired at 55 and proudly noted that he lived longer in retirement than when he had worked! Dad was never given the opportunity to partake of higher education; but he was a natural engineer and planner. He once wistfully related how he’d have loved to have been involved in the planning of large-scale infrastructure projects like building the Toronto airport.
Robert died just two days short of his 92nd birthday following a brief illness. He leaves Shirley, his devoted wife of over seventy years, and was predeceased by their first two sons: Brian (Laurie) and Bruce (Susan). He will be missed by son Stephen (Susan, now deceased), and daughters Sandra (Jeremy) and Barbara (Greg); as well as 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Well-done, good and faithful servant!
On Thursday, Feb. 13, Visitation (9am), Service (10am) and Reception (10:30am) will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line, Burlington (905-632-3333). Donations in memory of Robert may be made to Camp Koinonia.
For those who wish to view the service remotely, you can do so by clicking here.
Friday February 7th 2025
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
death notice Robert Warren Bob Cheesman Friday February 7th 2025
obituaries notice Robert Warren Bob Cheesman Friday February 7th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Warren Bob Cheesman Friday February 7th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
