William Robert “Bob” Henry was born in Chesley on Saturday, December 11, 1937, to William George and Margaret Elizabeth (Liverance) Perkins. He joined his parents on Lot 30, Concession 11 in Elderslie Township where the family operated a mixed farm. The Perkins family soon grew, and Bob welcomed younger siblings Eugene (1940) and Audrey (1942). The children attended S.S. #10, Elderslie, however, as was typical in the day Bob did not attend high school. Rather, he returned to the family farm where he worked side-by-side with his dad. In the mid 50’s Bob operated a grader for Elderslie Township for 9 years, to help fill his winter and spring months.
The Perkins family were devoted members of Dobbinton United Church. Here, Bob was baptized, confirmed, and later attended Young Peoples. It was at one such event that Bob met a young woman, five years his junior, by the name of Marilyn Elizabeth Wolfe. Marilyn and her family resided on Concession 1 in Arran Township where they attended Mount Hope United Church. The two soon enjoyed several local dances together, while dating. The young couple were wed at Mount Hope United, on Saturday, July 24, 1965. Once married, Bob and Marilyn called Lot 34, Concession 14 in Elderslie home, where Bob continued farming. Together, they welcomed Sarah in 1969 and Donald in 1973. During their youth, the kids fondly remember Bob playing baseball with them, barefoot and with bare hands – every time!
In 1981, Bob took up transporting livestock for Sprung Livestock. He did this in addition to farming himself and covered most of the province on a variety of day trips. He enjoyed this vocation for the next 20 years before giving up the road in 2001. In 1990, Marilyn and Bob relocated to Lot 30, Concession 11, Elderslie, which was the original Perkins homestead. It should be no surprise that Bob treasured life on the farm – and therefore had little desire to venture far from home. However, in 1992, Sarah was heading west to attend the University of Alberta and Bob accompanied her on the move out. They packed her little Chevette to the roof and headed west, whereby Sarah tells the story that every meal stop included a Husky Truck Stop. She still believes she could recite the entire menu by memory!
When not working the land or tending to the livestock, Bob could often be found working in the shop. He enjoyed the challenge of machinery repair, welding, and loved to restore antique tractors. His tractor of choice was Massey-Harris of course! Bob also tried his hand at woodworking and became quite gifted in time. Through the years, he made a variety of household items, including desks, China cabinets, and beds, to name a few. As you might expect, Bob’s hands were rarely idle. Many memories were made collecting sap and producing maple syrup through the years. Bob was also an accomplished plowman. He competed in a variety of plowing matches through the years and was always critical of both his and others’ abilities. Bob treasured the summer months, a nice big piece of raisin pie, and any publication featuring local history. Together, with Marilyn, they continued to enjoy attending dances into their later years.
Bob was a quiet, hardworking man who could be a little particular at times – especially if you didn’t clean the tool after using it AND put it back where you found it! All joking aside, he loved his family, friends, and community dearly, and always put his best foot forward. He was active within Dobbinton United Church, always lending a hand when needed. His quiet demeanor and presence will be missed.
The Perkins continued to farm until 2015, getting out of the cattle a few years earlier. They then downsized and soon called Chesley home, where life slowed down a little. Bob enjoyed touring the town on his scooter and tinkering in his garage and shop. Sadly though, his health in recent years continued to fail and Bob passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in his 86th year.
Beloved husband of Marilyn (Wolfe). Loving father of Sarah Perkins of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Don Perkins of Chesley. Bob will be dearly missed by his brother Eugene of Chesley, and sister Audrey Lembke of Sullivan Township and Marilyn’s family, Loreen (Doug) Cumming of Owen Sound, and Linda Wolfe of R.R. #1 Dobbinton. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Wayne Lembke, and Doug Wolfe, sister-in-law Marguerite Perkins, and his parents William and Margaret (Liverance) Perkins.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. A memorial service honouring Bob’s life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 2 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation or the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Sincere sympathy to you Marilyn and your family.
Stewart and Olive Dudgeon
Our sincere sympathies to all of you! Murray and Ann Legge.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family, Marilyn. Thoughts and prayers your way as you say good-bye to Bob, and plan for the days ahead.
Marilyn, Sarah and Don
Sending our deepest sympathy.
Dean, Tanya and Zoe Wolfe
Sarah, my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of you father. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May the many years of memories of your dad bring you peace and comfort.
Marilyn and family, we extend our sincere sympathy for your loss. We are thinking of you.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Marilyn, Sarah, and Don,
We’re thinking about you and during this time. Uncle Bob’s passing brings back many fond memories as kids spending time around the farm. He was a quiet, strong, good family man who lived many years doing what he loved. We know that you are cherishing the many special memories shared together over the years. Our deepest condolences.
Marilyn …our sincere sympathy to your family at this difficult time, cherish all the wonderful memories you created over the many years.
Marilyn, Sarah & Don, thinking of you all during this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
Marilyn & Family–we send our sincere sympathy at this sad time. Bob will be missed. You will have many memories to cherish in the days ahead.
Dear Marilyn & Family
So sorry to hear of Bob passing. We are thinking of you all at this sad time.
Our sympathies to the Perkins’ family. Thinking of you all at this time of loss.
Sending condolences to the Perkins family at this difficult time.
Marilyn, Sarah, Don and the extended Perkins Family.
Our condolences to you all in the loss of Bob.
Our thoughts go back to the days of church and dinners at Dobbinton United.
So sorry for your loss Marilyn. My thoughts are with you as you travel through this difficult time.
Marilyn and family- Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and with you at this difficult time.Please accept our deepest sympathy
Dear Marilyn and family
Sincerest condolences at this time of sadness and loss.
I am so very sorry to hear that Bob has passed. Our family sends their deepest sympathy at this heartbreaking time. May God heal your hearts…
Sincere sympathy to the extended Perkins family on Bob’s passing.
Sarah, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
I was very sorry to hear of Bobs death. My condolences to family & friends.
Dear Marilyn and family, We were saddened to hear the news of Bob’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this sad and difficult time. Cherish all those wonderful memories! Hugs to all of you!
Janice and Todd and family
To Sarah,
Sending you and your family my condolences. I know you have some great memories of your dad and I hope you carry those with you always.
Marilyn it is with great sadness l think of you and your family today It sounds as though you and Bob had a wonderful life together , so there are some great memories that you wil be sharing with family and friends in the next few days
We are on our way down to A Hilton Head holiday for two weeks so will not be. Able to share with you in funeral services
My prayers are with you Marilyn
Love and hugs … Sarah e
Sincerest sympathies to the Perkins family
Sorry to hear of Bob;s passing.
Dear Marilyn, Sarah and Don, our sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Bob. YOu will have many memories of times together to help at this difficult time. May Bob rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. . Love, Eldon and Judy
Our sincere sympathy to the whole family, at this difficult time. Cherish your memories, they last forever.
Dear Marilyn & family, so sorry to hear Bob passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Sending our sincerest sympathies to you Marilyn, Sarah & Don. May your cherished memories and knowing he is now at peace help you through the difficult days ahead.
My sincere condolences to Marilyn and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Marilyn ,Sarah and Don.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Bob was a good man.
Bob was always a steadfast at the Dobbinton church, you knew you could count on him whenever help was needed. I have been told stories of how the Perkins family helped with the installing of the ice surface in the back shed for all the folks to enjoy as he certainly knew hard work and never shied from it. We have missed both Bob and Marilyn since their health has declined. Tale care and know that he is in good hands now.
Peter and Ann
Lots of wonderful memories of Bob when he worked for Dad, and visits in the driveway when kids went for piano lessons with Marilyn. Honoured to have had the pleasure of knowing him. Hugs to all.
My deepest sympathy Audrey It is never easy losing a love one
Dear Marilyn and family,
I didn’t know your husband / father but it was clear how much he was loved.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my virtual hugs through this message.
Know that you are wrapped in love and compassion from family and friends at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Your bookclub friend,
Cindy Matthews
Dear Marilyn, Sarah and Don.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your husband and father.
Bob was a wonderful, kind gentleman. I always enjoyed my visits with him. You will all miss him.
We are so saddened by the passing of Bob. He was a wonderful neighbor, friend and mentor. His quiet demeanor was often broken up with his sense of humor. We have missed you at the Dobbinton church for a while now. Hugs to the entire family. He was definitely one of the good guys.
Sincere condolences to the entire family. Bob was a good man.
Our deep felt condolences to the whole family, thinking of you all at this time.
Sarah, I am very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sarah, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sarah, my heart is with you and your family, my sincere condolences.
Sarah, Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sarah, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Thoughts and prayers to you, Marilyn, and Don during this very difficult time.
Marilyn and family: we extend our sympathy to you all
GailWolfe
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Marilyn, Sarah and Don. Sorry to hear that Bob has passed away. Treasure all the memories you have. Our condolences to all.