July 28, 1928 - August 6, 2024
Robert (Bob) Arthur Woodburn, born July 28, 1928 in Montreal, passed away in Stratford on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in his 97th year.
Beloved husband of Margaret, his wife of 65 years. Dear father of Anne (David) Campion, Beverly (Trevor) Savage and Andrea Woodburn. Grandfather to Arielle (David) and Dylan (Julie), Ben (Sam), Nathan and Caleb (Rebecca). Great-grandfather to Ezra and Sadie, Ezekiel, Grace and Amelia, Maille, and Murphy. Dear uncle to Peter (Ann), Cathy (Brian), Lindsay, James (Mary Ann) and Deborah (Alex). He is predeceased by his parents Arthur Woodburn and Jessie Muir, his sisters Joyce (Jim) and Beverley (Bob), nephew-in-law Michael and niece-in-law Patricia.
Bob went to be with his Lord and Saviour on August 6 2024. Born into a family of plumbers, it’s no surprise Bob took up the family plumbing and heating trade. Raised in Montreal, he inherited a love for hockey, and more specifically, a love for the Montreal Canadiens, of which he always remained a fan. When Bob had free time, you may have found him reading his Time or Discovery magazines, listening to classical music, or enjoying a hockey game. Bob’s laser level gave him the straightest woodpile in Christieville, and you would never find him without a pocket calculator, pen, notebook and comb in his front left shirt pocket! Bob was an active member in his local church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving as a deacon, and volunteering for anything else. Bob loved to listen to or tell a good story and was known for laughing the hardest at his own jokes.
While Bob had many talents and abilities, he spent the larger part of his working life serving the Lord together with Margaret in a children’s home ministry. There he added cooking to his skills and took responsibility for all the maintenance needs of the home. Working alongside a team of staff, they dedicated their lives to caring for the needs of the children, showing them the love of Christ.
Above all, Bob will be most treasured as a dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. His commitment to his family was evident in the kilometres on his vehicles, the tools in his vans, the skis and sleds in his basement, his swimsuits, hats and long-johns, his chair in front of the barbecue, and the amount of ice cream in his freezer (well that might also have been for him). In the words of his great granddaughter, his legacy to us all will be “always love Jesus” and “always remember family.” We love you Dad, thank for showing us the meaning of those two things, we are forever grateful. XO.
With hearts full of gratitude, we wish to acknowledge the staff of Greenwood Court for their love and care of Bob these past five years. You have walked this journey alongside Bob and our family with skill and compassion. The words “thank you” could never hold the appreciation we feel.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth directly (www.alzheimer.ca/huronperth) or through the James A. Rutherford Funeral Home. 804 Ontario St., Stratford. 519-271-5062.
Private family interment will take place on Saturday, August 10 2024, followed by a public funeral service and celebration lunch at 11:15 am at Tri-County Mennonite Homes Community Space (Greenwood Court), 90 Greenwood Drive, Stratford, N5A 7W5.
Arrangements entrusted to Rutherford Cremation and Funeral Services
