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Robert C. 'Bob' Gradwell Leamington, ON Canada QCWA # 26045 Chapter 73 10-10 # 984 |
GRADWELL, Robert (Bob) Charles
Passed away peacefully on July 19, 2018 at Erie Shores Hospice in Leamington at the age of 89. He is survived by his children Helen (Buddy) Maxey, Sheila (Gary) Dunmore, Robert, and Alice (Randy) Fortier. Bob also leaves behind his grandchildren Greg (Sarah) Maxey, Melanie (Stuart) Gobbo, Stewart (Rhiannon) Dunmore, Shaunna Dunmore, Emily (John) Gradwell-Watts & Julia Gradwell (Jason Long) along with six great-grandchildren. Bob also leaves behind his dearest friend and companion Barbara Jacobs. Bob will be truly missed by his brothers Fred (Marg) and Bill (Betsy) as well as his sisters Mary (Roy) Pastorius and Joyce (Sam} Gotts. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Alice, his wife Catherine in 1994 and his eldest daughter Mary in 1980 at the age of 27.
Bob was born in Snelgrove, Ontario in 1928. He married in 1950 and settled in Leamington, landing a job at the H.J. Heinz Co in 1951 where he worked as a Controls Technician until he retired in 1983. To aid in the processing of tomato paste, Bob developed and help design the Turbulent Steam Injector in the late 50s, which was later patented.
Bob had many interests, one of which was his interest in boating. Over the years Bob had numerous boats of varying sizes and would enjoy taking family and friends out for a ride. Bob earned his Amateur Radio Licence (VE3BKG) in 1965. A founding member of the Sun Parlour Amateur Radio Club in the late 60s and later the South Point Amateur Radio Club. Bob received his Advanced Amateur Licence in 1969. He truly enjoyed talking with people from all walks of life all over the world. Bob shared his passion and talent for the radios with many youth through the Boy Scouts.
Bob has been a very proud member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1967, Past Commandant, Past District Deputy Grand Master and Past District Deputy Grand Patriarch of the Patriarch Militant. Bob was also a member of the Rebekah's for 49.5 years.
Later in life, Bob along with his son would display their hit and miss engines at local fairs and Steam Shows. '73's Bob!'
Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell St., Leamington (519-326-2631) Monday 2-5 and 7-9 pm.
Rebekah Prayer Service Monday at 7 pm.
Funeral Service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11 am. Cremation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by cheque to Erie Shores Hospice or the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca