Robert “Bob” Andrew Donovan of Mitchell, formerly of Peterborough, passed away with his beloved wife of 67 years at his side on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in his 95th year.
Beloved husband of Barbara. Loving father of Shelley (Michael) Koester of Winnipeg, Tim (Susan) of Stratford, Lois (Barry) Toppings of Calgary, Christopher of Peterborough and father-in-law of Bob (Janet) Bates of Belleville. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jessica), Timothy (Moira), Sarah (Mike), Steven, Connor, Noah as well as five great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Sharon Bates, siblings Marguerite (Elmer) Golem, Mary (Harvey) Golem, Ruth (Jim) Sinclair, Howard (Frances), John (Doris), Jerry (Betty), Walter (Gaye) and his parents, Archibald Alexander and Emma (Batterman) Donovan.
A devoted family man throughout his long life, Bob was eternally grateful for the many blessings of family, friends and community. Those fortunate enough to have known him are aware that he never took these for granted. He genuinely admired and celebrated the good in all whom he encountered, a winning formula for making others feel loved and appreciated.
Bob lived well and loved well. He believed that individuals have a responsibility to use their god given talents to make the world a better place. He channeled his efforts into a career in education, was an active volunteer, and wrote prodigious letters to the editor advocating on issues of social inequity. He sought to always think of the needs of others, often quoting Micah 6:8 – “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
For most of his career Bob was employed as a guidance counsellor for the Department of Indian Affairs, based originally out of the Orillia office, and later transferred to Peterborough. He worked respectfully and collaboratively with First Nations youth and Band offices to facilitate students in pursuing their educational and vocational goals. As a volunteer Bob worked with distinction at Telecare Peterborough and also at the local chapter of the Canadian Hearing Society. Bob was also an energetic and involved member of Westdale United Church from its early days.
In Bob’s final years, struggling against the advancing ravages of Alzheimer’s disease, he still demonstrated in brief moments of clarity his gratitude for all who gave meaning and purpose to his life, and none moreso than his wife Barbara whose loyalty to the end eased his journey incalculably.
Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Peterborough VON Alzheimer’s Day Program for the caring support they provided to Bob and the family.
The family also extends its deepest gratitude to the dedicated caring team at Ritz Lutheran Villa, in Mitchell, Ontario who worked so diligently to provide Bob with dignity and a welcoming, safe and comfortable home to the end of his days.
A private, family interment was held in Chesley Cemetery on Friday, November 5th. A family memorial service honouring Bob’s life will be held at W.G. Young Funeral Home, Stratford on Friday, November 12th, 2021.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Bob’s altruistic nature, memorial donations to the West Perth Village Development Fund or the charity of one’s choice are greatly appreciated.
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this challenging time. Always Gail and Olaf
Dear Aunt Barbara, Shelley, Tim, Lois, Chris and families.
Uncle Bob was a Gift to our family and to his comunity.
We are left with Happy Memories of our times together.
His qualities of Humanity, Wisdom, Kindness and Caring are his lessons to us.
We are comforted in knowing that he is at Peace.
With Love
Mary Carol and Bob
Thank you for publishing an obituary in the Peterborough paper. I was very saddened to hear of Bob’s death. Please accept my sincerest condolences to the whole family, and especially to Barb.
I first got to really know Bob when we were both on the Board of Telecare Peterborough in the late 1990’S. At that point he was in charge of fundraising. He was so thorough in his preparation and wording for grant applications that I have continued to follow his (successful) format to this day. When I first heard him speak at a Board meeting, I thought he was talking a bit slowly. When I heard what he had to say though, he earned my undying respect. Every word was thought out, every idea carefully considered. He did not speak often, but when he did, we listened. Later when some agencies in Peterborough were setting up an Elder Abuse network, Bob faithfully represented Telecare at all the meetings. As an actual senior himself, he brought experienced insight to the table. He served Telecare Peterborough in many other ways. I have no idea how many hundreds of hours he spent on the phone lines. He filled in where needed over and over again. He attended all our training sessions for volunteers and helped build a sense of community among the volunteers. His contributions are one of the reasons the organization is still strong today.
I have always thought of Bob as a true gentleman. He was modest and kind. For several years he shared with me his annual collection of inspirational quotes. Telecare still uses one that he found for us “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito.”
Bob himself was an inspiration and a role model. It was a privilege to get to know him.
Merrill (Co ordinator, Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough and friend.)
I am writing this for my father George, who also is struggling with Alzheimer’s, but still fondly remembers his first cousin Bob. Bob was older, and funny, and told good jokes my father says. He and Bob would go fishing, and their mothers would be happy when they brought home fish, as it helped the family during the depression . My father’s mother was Sadie Batterman Wathke, Bob’s aunt, sister of his mother Emma.
Thinking of you Barbara at this difficult time.
Bob was a joy to know, always patient, kind and genuine.
I treasure memories of him on the farm, at CCS, and later on occasions when I had the opportunities to socialize with the two of you.
May you be comforted in knowing he now is at peace.
Dear Aunt Barb
My condolences to you and your family . Uncle Bob was one of a kind. He treated his brothers and sisters. With the most respect. And of course his neices and nefews. He is the end of the era. God bless him. He is going home to be with his brothers and sisters. And his daughter Sharon.
Hey , Michael Thinking of you and your family!!! A
Wonderful man from all my reading!
All the best to you