November 16, 1936 – February 8, 2013
Bob Waller passed away peacefully at Bethell House Hospice, Inglewood, at the age of 76 years, after a three-year battle with a stage four brain tumour. Loving husband of Susan Fletcher, his partner of 34 years. Dear father of Shannon (and Bruce), Julia (and James). Loving Poppa of Madison, Charlotte, and the newest addition, Vivienne. Dear brother of Doug. Fondly remembered by Marilyn, mother of his daughters. Bob was called to the Bar in 1962 and first worked in private practice in Hanover, Ontario. Bob became a pilot in 1967 and continued to fly for 40 years. His love of flying took him to de Havilland Aircraft where he was working as a lawyer when he met his beloved wife, Sue, whom he married in 1981. Bob subsequently became General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. After 26 years, he retired in 1999 with the honorary title of ‘gentleman of de Havilland’. In 1988, he and Sue moved to the country and, in 2000, built their present property which they have enjoyed thoroughly for many years. After retirement, Bob began a small business in plain language editing which he ran until 2012. Bob pursued a variety of diverse passions and interests. To honour his ‘Waller’ name, Bob built dry stone walls, both on his and friends’ properties and helped coordinate the building of the Healing Walls at Headwaters Hospital. He also took up long distance biking, loved singing, and was well-known for his inquisitive nature, determination, honesty, and integrity. The family wishes to thank all the friends and community who actively supported Bob’s cancer journey, neurosurgeon Dr. Marmor of Trillium Hospital, Maureen Daniels and Dr. Mason of the Pencer Brain Tumour Centre, and the incredibly wonderful staff and volunteers at Bethell House Hospice.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home Baxter & Giles Chapel, 273 Broadway, Orangeville (519-941-2630) on Friday afternoon 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 o’clock. Funeral service will be held in St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 5 First Avenue, Orangeville on Saturday, February 16 at one o’clock. Reception to follow in Monora Park Pavillion, 500 Monora Park Drive, Orangeville. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Trillium Health Care Foundation, Neurosurgery Unit in honour of Dr. Marmor, 100 Queensway West, 5th Floor, Mississauga L5B 1B8 (www.trilliumgiving.ca) or Bethell Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 75 Stn Main, Inglewood L7C 3L6 (www.bethellhospice.org). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Betty Dean
My Condolences
My thoughts are with your whole family during this time of sorrow.
He fought a good fight.
Betty Dean
Ayuna Joan Weir
Many heartfelt tender thoughts to all of you from all of us up here at Soulwinds.
What a gift to have spent time with Bob and to know something of his wonderful spirit.
His presence will be with everyone who had the privilege to know him.
much love
Ayunajoan Brenda MaChree and Mahti
Joan and Ed Escubedo and Family
Dear Susan,
We were so saddened to learn of Bob’s passing, Our hearts are with you in this time of profound sorrow.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Joan and Ed Escubedo and Family
Marlene & Ron Green
Much love to the family at this time. We enjoyed Bob’s company and he will be sorely missed.
Love Marlene and Ron
Wendy & David Purvis
Bob was such a remarkable and inspiring man. We are so lucky to have known him. Our thoughts are with you. Wendy & David P
Yehiel and Maria Meghory
Sue,
We are so sadden to hear of Bob’s passing. May your beautiful memories together bring you comfort during those difficult days. We will always remember him with kindness. He was truly a gentleman.
Carl & Sandy Kinzinger
Dear Sue and family
We were so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing even though we knew his time was near. He is now in the arms of our Lord of Grace where he will live forever in the light of Christ. We will remember him always. Much love to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Carl & Sandy
Pat Shaw
Dear Sue,
I worked with Bob way back in the de Havilland days. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless.
Pat
Bala and Marc Rosen
Dear Sue and Family,
In spite of knowing that Bob’s passing was immanent, the reality – or finality – is still something of a shock. We loved Bob and will miss him very much – as will you all.
Our sincerest condolences to you and family and sending you blessings and prayers in this time of transition.
With caring, respect, and much love, Bala, Marc, and Evany
Brian and Tricia Searle
Sue,
Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss.
As former neighbours, we have, regretably, lost touch over the last few years. It was therefore with great sadmess that we learned of Bob’s passing.
Bob was one of those delightful characters who, through their quiet humour and intelligence, left a lasting and warm impression of a deep and strong character.
Truly, Bob was a real gentleman in the real sense of the word. He will be sorely missed.
Maureen Jutras
Dear Sue, Shannon and Julia
Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a true gentleman and inspiration for all his accomplishments.
May your many great memories buoy you through the difficult times ahead.
Maureen Jutras & Bill Henderson
Michael and Susan McMillan
Dear Sue and Family,
Though Bob is out of his suffering and now at peace, he will be missed by so many. He was , like his Obituary says, a true gentleman combined with honesty and integrity….I for one experienced that many times.
God bless.
Mike and Susan
Louis Grech
Dear Sue and Family:
Our sincerest condolences to you and family. Bob will be greatly missed by all . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lou and Joan
Ric Allison
Dear Sue and Family
I was fortunate to have worked closely with Bob at deHavilland for a number of years. Bob was talented, sincere and level-headed. But I think I will remember him most for his kindness.
Patt Crown
Sue: Very sorry to hear of your loss. But at least for Bob the long journey is over. Mary Kay and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and the family , may you find peace and rest,
Philip Catterall
Dear Sue and family,
I only knew of Bob through knowing Shannon and Julia and their families.
A very remarkable and loving father.
At peace now with Our Lord.
God Bless you all and help you through your loss…love Phil
Lynn Sinclair-Smith
Dear Sue and family:
I first met Bob when I organized The Healing Wheel project, which is a 200 ton beautiful dry stone wall surrounding a garden of regional trees, a thyme walkway and limestone benches where people can go to peacefully meditate, listen to the birds, read or whatever gives them some peace.
Although I had 80 volunteers to co-ordinate that I told I could only let them work on the project for 2 days, Bob just assumed that he
was there to help me, John Shaw-Rimmington and the project, for the duration. I couldn’t have done it without him. I welcome any
of his friends and family to visit, especially in the spring, summer and fall when we have the album out for all to see the photos of
the volunteers and the building process. There are several wonderful photos of Bob in the album and also on the website http://www.friendshipgardens.com and go to Healing Wheel. He will always live on in the Healing Wheel, to us.
Sue I will be sending you a photo and note separately. He was a
special man and friend to many of us. Lynn
Don Gillies
Mimi and I are currently on vacation in Florida so we will not be able to attend. Our hearts go out to Susan and all the family in their time of loss. Bob was a good friend over the years and we shared many good times, especially at Muldrew Lake. May he rest in peace. Don (Gillies)
Verna Hunt
Dear Sue, Shannon, Julia and families:
May you have comfort and ease through this time of Bob’s death. All the experiences of joy and support that he gave to you will be with you forever.
sincerely
Verna Hunt
Jeanine Lynch
Dear Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. I just saw this today….. I will certainly keep you in my prayers for God to comfort you and be with you throughout each day. You are a special person and I know you gave Bob so much love.
Jill MacLean ( Billy )
Hi Sue. My thoughts are with you.
Love Jill
John Hakner
Dear Sue and Family,
It was with great sadness that I read of Bob’s passing but relief that he is no longer suffering.
I will always carry the indelible memories of flying with Bob in the DH Flying Club Cessnas – we had the most fun while we were conducting his (almost annual) check ride – and the discussions we had, on so many varied topics (including building drywalls), while to the annual ‘Westenders’ Christmas lunch in Mississauga.
At every visit with Bob I always learned something new!
My sincerest condolences.
John Hakner
Mahendra (Minoo) Patel
Dear Sue and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and family. Bob was a remarkable person and will always be remembered for his wisdom and the guidance he provided to all of us in DeHavilland. Bob will be greatly missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mahendra (Minoo) Patel
Elaine Willard
Dear Sue and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He brings to me memories of a real gentleman and a super tennis player. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Elaine
Barry Morris and Linda (McBride) Morris
We are saddened by the news about Bob. We worked with him many years ago at de Havilland and had many wonderful one-on-one times with him. He was truly a remarkable and caring individual. Although our paths did not cross often over these past years, we will truly miss him. This is a very difficult time, Susan for you and your family, but we hope you gain some solice in the fact that Bob was very much respected for his work, his talent and as a good and wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time. Barry & Linda
Nicholas Dietrich
Dear Sue:
I’m not sure if you remember me, but I had the pleasure of working for Bob while I was a young lawyer at Smith Lyons. He was a very patient client and indeed a gentleman and pleasure to work with. We spent many long hours together on many projects and he taught me a lot about the practicalities of the law. He was of course much more than a client – a true mentor to me and I will always remember his kindness and decency.
My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
Kind regards, Nicholas
Syd. Sharpe-Neale
Dear Susan,
My Very Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to you and your family on the Very Sad loss of your dear husband. I worked with Bob for about 11 years at de Havilland Aircraft in Toronto, until I retired in 1989. I always found him to the happiest, kindest , humoristic, most helpful, most knowledgeable, most courteous true gentleman of the finest order that I have ever worked with. I shall always have very fond memories of him.
Kay Smythe-Davies
My love goes to you all. A cousin tells me she lat saw Bob as he launched his canoe at the Muldrew Lake landing and headed out for a paddle.I am so glad he was in my life. Kay
Bernie and Pat
We are so proud to have known Bob. You are a treasure that will continue to live within us. Your help was and still is a comfort. Our love to you both and your family. Bernie and Pat
Bruce, Stella, Josey and Axl
Thinking of you all in what must be an incredily difficult time.
Bob exuded positive energy and spirit, and a real zest for life; qualities which his children and grandchildren have obviously inherited in spades. Hugs and kisses to you all.
Allan Gunn
Sue
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family on the loss of your husband.
May the memories of the good times you spent together stay with you and help you celebrate the life you had together
Allan Gunn
Mike Garrett
Bob was a wonderful guy. I still have fond memories of our Sunday tennis game up near Mono Mills – the tennis might have been unremarkable but conversation afterwards with Bob was sparkling. All the best Sue and family as you go through this difficult time.
Mike and Marg
Ernest Nemeth
Dear Susan & family,
So sorry to learn of Bob’s valiant struggle and final release, having fought the good fight. My heart felt sympathy reaches out to you all. He was a good man. I first met met him at De Havilland in 1973 during the heady Dash 7 days in marketing and sales and then on through to my own retirement in 1992. He was a congenial friend, a true Dehavilland /aviation enthusiast and as a lawyer, a champion of clear speech. Knowing him was a great learning experience. As life paths inevitably and regrettably diverge, I last met him as a volunteer on his Headwaters Hospital dry wall project years ago; but my memories of him will linger on.
May your own memories ease the burden of your loss.
Rob Butler
Inspired by integrity, Bob was steadfast in his principles. Friend to everyone, hostile to none; civility prevailed. That’s what my nearly 40 years on knowing Bob revealed. Whatever after life there is, after this one, Bob has surely earned the best.
My heartfelt condolences to Sue and family.
Rosemary Whitfield
Sue
My heart goes out to you. I know what you are going through. I wish I could help like Bob helped me.
At De havilland he was always so kind and gentle. Remember thoes days. I do. It will give you peace.
May your spirit find comfort in the thoughts and prayers of those who care about you.
Rosemary
Jerry Harper
My condolences to Bob’s family.
I knew Bob since 1981 at de Havilland, and words cannot desrcibe the esteem and respect that Bob commanded.
A truly fine gentleman, and exemplary human being.
Jerry Harper
Connie and Rocky Mezzone
Sue
Rocky and I were sadden hear of Bob’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are will you. and we offer sincere condolences from our family.
Your former neighbours The Mezzone Family- Rocky, Connie, Steve, Stephanie and Sara
Ben Lall
Dearest Shan, J & Marilyn,
I was reminded of Bob as I looked at his photograph on this page. I was flooding with memories of him all of which are wonderful.
Thinking of you at this time of sadness.
Lots of love
Ben & Sangeeta
The IFAC Team
Bob brought his unique skills as a plain english writer (strange for a lawyer as I often told him) to the work of our organization in New York and Toronto.
His challenges to our drafting were always filled with warmth and inquiry and left us feeling better for his interventions with a much more readable product thanks to his sharp and lucid mind.
He will be sadly missed by his friends, Jim, Alta, Stathis, David and Stephenie
Jim and Esther
Bob and Sue have been friends of the Ewing Family for many years. Weekends spent on Muldrew Lake were followed after you ceased to become lake residents with overnight stays at our own cottage and boating past the site of your former property to reminisce!
We will remember Bob for his civility and warmth. And did we mention his sharp wit?
Sue to you and the family please be assured our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kaz Osuchowski
My acquaintance with Bob had lasted only 3 years, mostly as a partner or an opponent across ping-pong table and practically spanned the time when he had faced his mortal enemy.
He has done it with bravery, positivity and a touch of a wry sense humor that was inspiring, not to mention he played pretty well till the last point.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those who had a privilege to have him around and must feel a profound loss now.
Kaz
Don Cooper
I was very sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We were classmates at Adelaide Hoodless PS in Hamilton 60+ years ago and I was very glad to encounter him again in Toronto much more recently, particularly after I met Sue when she worked at the Toronto Community Foundation.
My sincere condolences to Sue and the entire family.
Don Cooper
Rick & Esther Fleming
Many years ago, my Mother Eunice Fleming met Bob and Marilyn and a friendship developed. Through the years, they kept in touch and my Mother visited often and knew Shannon and Julia very well.
Mom and Bob’s friendship continued with Bob and Sue and Bob very kindly visited my Mom here in Gananoque.
We also knew Bob well and appreciated how highly my Mother held Bob in her esteem.
My last conversation with Bob was when my Mom died and he was as usual very kind in his remarks. He will be missed.
Rick and Esther
Alan and Jennifer whike
Dear Sue:
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Bob was a special person and a dear friend. We have many happy memories. We are so sorry we cannot be with you on Saturday, but you will be much in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & MC Porter
Sue
Our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. You will always cherish your memories of your life with Bob.
Bruce & MC
Patricia Yeargin Edwards
I remember Bob as being a true gentleman and a scholar. I know his family will miss him very much.
Barbara de Beaupre
Dear Sue,
It is so unfair that Bob didn’t win his battle, since he fought it so valiantly, and with such grace.
Unfortunately I will be in Vermont this weekend but my heart goes out to you and yours.
Bob couldn’t have had a more wonderful companion and loving wife than you. He was a lucky man in so many ways, gifted with strength, wit and a loving family. Must have been hard to leave that behind.
Love and hugs,
Barbara
David and Diana Finch
Dear Sue
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Bob was a special person and we will all miss him. You are in our prayers.
Dave and Di
Nancy Frater
Sue,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories of the love given and the times shared together bring you comfort.
Nancy
Paul Collard & Susan McIlwain
Dear Sue
Our thoughts have been with you and your family these last few weeks. I am so glad you are all together through this time, you are all such an amazing bunch. I wish we could have been there to celebrate Bob’s life. The video was so touching to watch.
My love to you and the family
Paul
Diane and Jim Dailly
Dear Sue
Diane and I were deeply moved by the beautiful service for Bob. I will always cherish many fond memories of Bob…He was indeed a wonderfully kind and caring gentleman…He was my hero for many aircraft negotiations …Deepest sympathy…
Mary-Anne Holmes
Dear Sue and family I was sad to read of Bobs passing,cancer is such a mean disease. It tends to rob us of our most beloved people.
I have wonderful memories of Bob at Palgrave tennis and Bolton pickleball. His slow thoughtful manerisms came through in both these sports making me wonder if he was ever going to hit the ball! But just like the rest of his life he did so with precision and accuracy.May all your wonderful years together sustain you in your grief. Mary-Anne
Owen Hughes
Not sure why I have not already signed on this page long ago. I met my dear friend Bob in 1980 I think, in Findhorn Scotland. Today is February 8, 2023 and some minutes ago the picture taken at Findhorn came up on my screen and I thought I must share it with Sue, in case she hasn’t seen it. How is that for timing: 10 years to the day since Bob passed away!
I live in Québec and when I married my French-Canadian wife Claudine in 1985, Bob was kind enough to come to our wedding. Although we didn’t see each other very often, we remained close and I was able to speak with him at the hospice near the end, something I have never forgotten. I went cross-country skiing with Bob, Shannon and Julia, must have been 1980, and on that same visit, Bob took me up for a flight over the city. The last time I saw him was with Sue at Orangeville I think. Claudine and I had the kids with us and Bob played some backyard baseball with them as I recall. I guess that was 25 years ago.
He was one of the people I somehow grew closest to over the years in spite of distance and I am proud to have known him and been his friend. And now I am finally signing this page. My thoughts are with you Sue, on this day, and Shannon and Julia too. I add the famous photo.