“Some succeed because they are destined but most because they are determined.”

Author Unknown

If Bob Johnson put his mind to something, you knew to just sit back and watch it happen because whatever he set out to do, it got done. It didn’t matter if it was in his personal or work life, or in our community, Bob was always committed because he had a goal to reach, no matter how difficult. Often his efforts went unnoticed, however, we all have much to be thankful for when it comes to what Bob provided to our community. He truly will be missed.

Robert “Bob” John Herbert was born on Monday, February 27, 1950, to Gordon “Earl” and Lorraine Mildred (Wismer) Johnson in Listowel, Ontario. Bob was the third of five children: joining older brothers, Lyle (1936) and Lowell (1938), with younger siblings Elizabeth (1953) and Michael (1955) following closely after him.

The Johnson family lived within the town limits of Listowel and “Robert” attended Listowel Central Public before moving on to Listowel & District High School. It wasn’t until enrolling in the two-year Agricultural Course at Centralia College in 1968, that he became known as Bob. His first job, as a trainee, took him to Chesley where he worked for the United Cooperatives of Ontario at what is now Klages Mill in Chesley. During this period of his life, Bob called the Elmwood Hotel his home – seriously! He worked hard and soon transferred to the Port Elgin Co-op. In the summer of 1970, he was moved to Kincardine and because he was a fast learner, he became Branch Manager within weeks. Glenys Clara Fry was employed there as a “Gas Bar Bunnie”. Her job; pump gas, check the oil, tend to customers in the store, stock shelves, keep the store clean and convince Bob to ask her out on a date! She called him Bob until her soon to be mother-in-law told her in no uncertain terms that his name was Robert. I think I can safely say he had an eye for her too, as the young couple were married on Saturday, July 10, 1971, at Knox Presbyterian Church in Kincardine.

What was two, soon became three, as the newlyweds welcomed their eldest son, Noel in December of that same year. After residing in Kincardine for a couple of years, Bob took a job in Glencoe to manage the Co-op there and to operate the elevator. They remained there until the fall of 1975, the same year Robin was born, whereby they moved to the County Line outside of Chesley, renting their home from Dave Thomson. Bob had received another promotion and was working as Territory Manager for Grey Bruce Co-op, out of his office in Elmwood, overseeing several locations.

The Johnson Family was made complete in 1978 with the arrival of Jarrett. Not long afterwards, Bob made the move to Masterfeeds in Owen Sound, where he was the Branch Manager. A position he held for the next four years.

Finally in 1979, able to purchase their first home, the family of five moved to Elmwood where they remained until 1983.

When the house was sold that same year, they needed a place to call home, so Leonard Calhoun offered his farm on Lot 13 Con 6, Elderslie Township as a place for them to live, for only the cost of heat and hydro. Of course, the Johnsons moved there.

That same year Bob and Leonard took a sizable risk by venturing out on their own to start B & L Farm Services. They had $20,000.00 in their pockets and a dream that they could make it work. Glenys wasn’t so sure that giving up a regular paycheque was the thing to do but accepted Bob’s decision as the next step in their journey and even became the company secretary.

B & L was incorporated in 1984 and became B & L Farm Services Ltd. Bumpy and Lumpy were on their way.

On July 26th, 1985, the Johnsons purchased their farm for $60,000.00, a place they called home for 33 years. Bob loved his cattle whether they were his purebred Hereford cows or his Charolais or Limousin steers or heifers. He tried his hand at pig farming too but only until loading the fats proved difficult when his farm hands began to mutiny on him.

There were always either ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and goats at Glenrob Stock Farm. For many years Bob and Glenys showed and bred Doberman and Miniature Pinschers. Noel even lent his expertise to the show ring.

When Noel was but a teenager and dreamed of his own car, Bob being the good dad he was, purchased their first classic, a 1974 Nova. The rest is history. Everyone who knew Bob knew he loved cars; it was his passion. His favourite car through the years was his ‘67 Chevelle, which he owned until his aging knees could no longer man the heavy clutch. At one point he and Glenys owned, drove and maintained 13 cars. Bob thoroughly enjoyed going to the big US street rod shows with his Humpback Panel truck. NASCAR and attending to see his hero Matt Kenseth perform brought great joy to Bob. He loved collecting garage regalia and of course, along with Glenys, was a staple at most car shows throughout Southwestern Ontario for years.

On December 18, 1978, Bob was installed as a member of the Kinsmen Club of Chesley. He and Leonard, who had brought him into the fellowship of Kin, were instrumental in developing and establishing the Minor Hockey Banquet, whereby individuals attending only paid $1, and the Kinsmen Club picked up the rest. Through the years he held a variety of positions within the Club, as well as serving as Deputy Governor twice. Bob was also a huge part of establishing the yearly Agrifair exhibition in Chesley each April. This event raised 100’s of thousands of dollars for our community through its 35+ years of existence. In more recent years, the annual free Kinsmen Christmas dinner, established for locals within our community, who might not otherwise enjoy a Christmas meal, was a highlight for Bob, as he always enjoyed giving back. Bob received the highest honour within Kin Canada when he became a Life Member on September 26, 1992, an honour bestowed on only a select few. He truly lived his life with the Kin motto in mind, “Serving the Community’s Greatest Need.”

Bob’s volunteering didn’t end there, he was a minor hockey coach during the time that his sons enjoyed the sport. He was also a Mason, an executive member of the International Plowing Match in 1993 and wore a variety of other hats through the years. His proudest achievements within his community came when he chaired the Chesley Homecoming in 1995 and his involvement in the Medical Clinic building campaign. He loved helping and being involved with the people of his community.

Bob was not all work and no play. In addition to attending car events, he enjoyed golfing and a good game of cards – especially in Florida with golf buddies! In fact, Florida was a second home for Bob and Glenys, as they wintered there for many years. He absolutely loved their timeshare in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. It was a place he could relax and unwind.

Bob was an organized, giving man who was very involved in his community. He was family-oriented and enjoyed working beside his sons every day, in addition to treating, and sometimes spoiling his grandchildren. He was a perfectionist – everything worth doing was worth doing well!  As he aged, Bob perfected his delegating skill… and was always on the lookout for someone to help him achieve his goals.

He was an early riser and thought other people should be too. Did anyone else receive a VERY early morning fax (15 – 20 years ago), call (5 – 15 years ago) or text (in recent years) from Bob? In fact, in many circles, Bob was probably getting up before some of us were going to bed… seriously! All joking aside, Bob was a doer – and that he did, and thankfully as members of his community, we have benefited from many of these accomplishments.

On August 14, 2015, Bob and Glenys purchased 2 Martha Ave., leaving the farm for town the following spring. Glenys had the house, and Bob had the garage. Well, not really, Glenys had the garage too as her cars are stored there. And, she is in charge of cleaning all of the cars as well as the garage! His garage was Bob’s pride and joy, willing to show it off if you cared to look inside. He always had a story to tell about each and every one of his classics.

Life slowed down for Bob in semi-retirement, as he and Glenys enjoyed more time together, the boys saw him less giving him time to enjoy his grandchildren more. During his down time, Bob could be often found reading a Hot Rod magazine, Old Autos or watching the latest programming on the Discovery, History, Velocity, Golf and Nascar Channels. He loved Big Bang and Highway Thru Hell and Heavy Rescue:401 (maybe hoping one of his feed trucks didn’t need a tow).

Sadly, in the last couple of years, Bob’s health began to fail. His determination never wavered though, as he continued to try and overcome these obstacles. Unfortunately, he recently received more bad news whereby the cancer had spread, and his time left was limited. With the love and support of his family, he made the best of each day, cherishing the visits with friends and family. Bob passed away after a courageous battle with his disease, surrounded by his loving family, at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in his 75th year.

Bob went by many names but whichever one you chose to call him by, you knew who he was. He was a man of determination in everything that he did. He was the co-founder of B & L, a company he threw his whole heart into, ensuring a successful future for his children. He was a Life Member of the Kinsmen Club of Chesley, a club he was so proud to belong to and a classic car enthusiast, a passion in which he found so much joy.

Beloved husband of the former Glenys Clara Fry. Loving father of Noel (Sandi), Robin (Lyndsay), and Jarrett (Krista), all of Chesley. Cherished grandfather of Kyle and his wife Cornelia (Schumacher), Krysta Myles, Jeffrey Myles, Tie Johnson and his partner Shelby Colligan, Faith Johnson; Ronan and Riley Johnson; and Logan, Lauren, and Simon Johnson and great-grandfather of Aubrey, Jack and Lincoln Bleumer, Oliver Johnson, and Savanna Johnson. Bob will be dearly missed by his siblings, Lyle (Bernice) Johnson, Lowell (Joyce) Johnson, all of Listowel, Elizabeth (Floyd) Herman of Blyth, and Michael Johnson and his partner Arlene Goldwater Whyte of Wasaga Beach. He will be forever remembered by Glenys’ sister, Rhonda Gummow of Woodstock, as well as his many nieces, nephews, colleagues, friends and his community. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Gordon “Earl” and Lorraine Mildred (Wismer) Johnson, sister-in-law Gloria Johnson, and brother-in-law Paul Gummow.

Visitation will be held at the Chesley Community Centre on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. where a memorial service honouring Bob’s life will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 12 noon, with a reception to follow. As most of you know, Bob was a true car enthusiast, so please bring your classic car or favourite ride to Bob’s service, as a tribute to this wonderful man. A video recording of Bob’s service will be available on the website in the days following the service. Inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Kinsmen Club of Chesley, of which Bob was a proud Life Member, or the Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.