Howarth: Robert Arthur. (Retired employee of WSIB for more than 35 years).
Peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, on Thursday March 19th, 2015. Bob Howarth, beloved husband of Heather (Gardiner). Dear brother of Sharon Russell, Don (Valerie), Ted (Sheryl) and brother-in-law of John (Lyda) Gardiner. Fondly remembered by his nephews Jason, Teddy, Bryan and David Howarth, Terry Russell, and Thomas Gardiner. Sadly missed by his companions Hailey, and Hershey.
Bob’s family wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Matthews House Hospice for their loving, compassionate care during this difficult time.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, 905-936-3477 on Saturday April 18th, 2015 from 10:00 am until time of memorial service, in the chapel, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to Matthews House Hospice, 6028 Highway 89, PO Box 10060, Alliston, Ontario, L9R 0B7 would be appreciated by the family. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Nina L Spencer says
I was reminiscing, just now, about Bob and all of the others of our Sept. 1979 WCB training-days colleagues; so I thought I’d look him up to say hello… only to learn this very sad news. My heart sank. Bob was a lovely, lovely, real-deal, quality person, back then and I just KNOW his while life through. I remember him as patient, wise, thoughtful, fair, kind, and decent. And, yes, his chuckle… I can still see his smile. Heather, I don’t know if you recall who I am, but I remember you and am sending my belated condolences to you and to all of yours and Bob’s Howarth family.
Nada Drazenovic Dosen says
I was remembering our days at the WCB (WSIB) and found this absolutely devastating announcement that Bob had passed away. He was unforgettable. Truly one of a kind. It was an honour to watch his love for Heather grow and that my most favourite memories of my young adulthood included them. Although the years have taken us along different paths, Bob was the best. Heartbreaking.
luigi franchi says
dear heather
my sincere condolences to you and your family
I spoke to you on several occasions when i called Bob since my retirement in 2008.
Bob was agreat fiend and we had many long conversations about numerous topics.
I am sorry I did not attend the service but I just heard about Bob’s passing this morning.Bob was in fact a class act.I am going to miss him.
Mark Foley says
How do you define a really terrific guy? Well you just think of Bob, as he possessed all of those great qualities that make some people extra special.
I also started work at the wsib the same day as Bob in September, 1979. Our claims training group had a lot of camaraderie at work and lots of fun outside of work socially in the early 1980s. He often mentored and assisted co-workers and was widely respected. In later years I might not see Bob for a few months but when I did he shone that great smile and chuckled and we always had fun reminiscing.
Heather, I am saddened to hear of Bob’s passing and my sincere condolences to you and all family members.
Barbara Holland says
Dear Heather
I don’t have magic words to console you for your profound loss, but I want you to know I am thinking of you. Bob was a good man and you were a great team. Together you created a wonderful life, shared countless happy moments and in the end endured a very brave and tireless fight against a disease we all fear.
You are a strong, capable, and much loved woman. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and Bob will guide you from above, as will your friends and family around you now who have been on this journey with you.
Bart & Karen Boniface says
To Bob,
A class act from start to finish. Always placing others needs before your own.
We are fortunate to have known you for so many years and we are sure that this sentiment is shared with everyone you have encountered. It is hard right now to let you go and that is OK. It is through our tears that we honour your life, but in time, those tears will change to smiles when memories of wonderful times flow back to us. Thank you for making our lives richer.
Our hearts go out to Heather and the entire Howarth family.
With love from your friends, Bart & Karen
Colin D'Cunha says
Dear Heather,
Please accept my condolences and share them with the rest of the family. May his soul R.I.P.
Colin
Lynne Howarth says
Dear Cousin Bob- There is so much I remember from our childhood, adolescent, and young adult years. Raucous family Christmas and other get-togethers. Spots in front of our eyes from the lights used to capture those gatherings on film. Skating in the backyard. BBQs and picnics. More family parties. And, of course, all of us singing and playing our various school instruments while Art and Al twinked the ivories. I remember your wedding to your beloved Heather. And then we went our separate ways to live our adult lives. Thankfully, through Don and Val, we met up again, the Christmas just before you began your cancer treatments. We talked, caught up a bit, and I was reminded of a younger Bob, now slightly older, with the same wry twinkle in his eye, and drole sense of humour. A man with depth, quiet strength, and such integrity, nicely rounded out with wit and warmth. I was blessed to see you this past Christmas, showing just a little less energy, but just the same humour and a dogged determination for life. I am thankful for the recent reacquaintance, and deeply grateful for the pool of memories of happy family times together so many years ago. I will remember you, Bob, with love. Cousin Lynne
Mary-Irene Parker says
I only know Bob from a couple of times I sought his advice; I found him patient, thoughtful and kind—he must have been so in live else why should so many remember him in these ways—he will be remembered whenever these attributes are considered.
Sharon Russell says
To my wonderful Brother Bob,
I will never forget the day, that I received the phone call from our brother Ted that you had been diagnosed with cancer. I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to tap you on your forehead with a magic wand and make you better. Almost every night, my friends and I, sent you healing, prayers and love.
You were so brave, strong and courageous through it all. I can’t believe everything you went through. The doctors were amazed as well. You fought hard and never complained.
You were always so kind, loving, caring, thoughtful, and selfless. You were always there for family and friends.You were a great guy and a wonderful Uncle to Terry. You were my anchor and go to guy for any advice. You were always there for me. Heather, always the light of your life, family, friends, and your chocolate labs, were your whole world. Thank you for being you.
You kept saying it wasn’t your time and as far as the family is concerned it wasn’t. But it seemed that God had other plans. I have a feeling that there will always be another wonderful angel around us to call on. i Love You Bob and I will miss you a lot. You will always be in our hearts. Love, Love, Love, your loving sister, Sharon and your nephew Terry xoxoxo
Karen says
I first met Bob when we started a new job together at the WSIB, in 1995. What fun we had during coffee breaks in those years, talking about work,and life, and the world.
He was a man of integrity and kindness and I will smile every time I think of him.
Ted and Sheryl Howarth says
To my brother Bob
In reflecting back on the days of growing up it was a privilege to share with you the laughter, the mischief and good times. These are treasured moments that we shared as a family. Thank you for your wisdom, strength and courage.
As a brother-in-law I want to thank you for your love and compassion you showed me. Even though we had different journeys that we shared you were always selfless worrying more about me than yourself. Watching you face your battle gave me the strength to do what I had to do. Thank you for being part of my life.
To our children you were a loving, generous and kind Uncle.
Our family will miss your presence but know that your love and strength will live on in our hearts forever. We love you Bob.
Heather Howarth says
My Dearest Bobby,
You were so brave in your battle with this devastating disease. Not once, did you complain or decline any treatment in hopes that you would have more time with family and friends.
Until we are together again as one, I will see the twinkle of your eyes in the stars, the warmth of your smile from the sun and the comfort of your voice in the sounds of nature.
With all my love.
Thomas Gardiner says
Uncle Bob,
You fought your battle with quiet dignity and unparalleled strength. Always you were considerate and thoughtful to family, friends, and strangers. You were an exemplar of kindness, love, and courage – a truly noble man.
We will always miss you.
Peter and Cathy Lucas says
Our deepest sympathies and prayers to your entire family with the loss of someone so very dear to you all. May God’s most healing grace and peace be with you all.
Brent Brooks says
Bob, you are a close & trusted friend. Your integrity, compassion and sense of humour touched everyone you met. I will always remember our get togethers & all the times I tried to make you turn red as you smiled under that big mustache. Rest in peace. Heather, my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Len Brown says
Bob was conscientious in the extreme. He epitomized what it meant to do your job with caring and commitment. Robert was a fine man and the world is a lesser place without him.
Bill Leonard says
A great friend from my time at WSIB. A dry sense of humour that lay beneath his calm, in control exterior. A sad loss.
Jim Solomon says
I worked, and played with Bob at the WSB, many years ago. I knew him to be a man of character and a caring friend. He also had a mean slice when he drove the golf ball! He is fondly remembered.
Lucio Vaccarello says
I was much saddened to learn of Bob’s passing away. I worked with Bob for many years at WSIB.
I was always impressed and drawn by his innate humility, caring and positive approach to life. A true gentleman.
Go in peace, Bob.
Gregg Brigham says
I too first met Bob at the time we commenced employment at the WSIB. I have many fond and fun memories of shared times with him, both on and off the job. A reserved personality with a hearty laugh and a great sense of humour. I’m so sorry Heather, and my deepest sympathies to family members. He will be missed.
Lyda Gardiner says
Bob – you will be sorely missed – your quiet ways hid a spirited debater and I will miss our conversations! Even though you will not be with us in person, I know you will be with us all in many different ways – we just need to listen…be at peace now…Lyda
Lisa King-Lum says
My deepest condolences to Heather and all of Bob’s family. I knew Bob for many years through our employment at WSIB and will always remember him as a kind, generous and compassionate person with a shy smile. Rest in peace sweet man.
Mark Schofield says
I have known Bob since September 10, 1979, the date we commenced employment at the WSIB. He was a great individual to both work with and to know. He was also kind and thoughtful to others. My condolences go out to Heather, her family and Bob’s family at this time. He will be missed by everyone.
Gerry Geldbert says
Dear friend,I first meet you about 26 yrs ago when I first came to Canada from England you made me feel at home, we soon found out we lot’s in common the love of sport and 60’s music and had plenty of good times talking,rest in peace dear friend I will miss you.Gerry
Sara says
I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to Bob’s family at this time of sorrow. I met Bob about 28 years ago at the WSIB, and more recently I had the privilege of working with him in my team since 2010. He was an extraordinary person with a high level of integrity and a great sense of humour. It has been an honour to know him and I will forever cherish his mentorship and good advice.
Anne & John Hogendoorn says
Dear Heather and family;
We also wish to convey our sincere condolences with the passing of Bob.
He fought a valiant battle, kept his spirits up no matter what and was an example of willpower to us all.
Heather we know you will miss Bob, but his imprint and memories on you will guide you through the difficult periods ahead.
Fondly,
Anne & John Hogendoorn
Tom and Gail Morgan says
Bob was a kind and considerate person, his gentle way always made you feel welcome. The world is a far leaser place with out him. He has laid his burden down and now sleeps with the angles.
Annette and Gerry Geldbert says
Bob was a loyal and trusted friend we will miss forever. We will cherish the memories of all the good times we shared. His spirit will live on in our hearts always. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Heather and all family members. May you find strength in the thought that Bob’s spirit will be with you and guide you in all that you in all that you endeavour.
John Gardiner says
You fought a long and brave battle, accompanied by your loving family and friends. We will always remember your caring smile, compassionate heart and dedication to others.