Robert Downey Nix

Born in Preston in 1916, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 08, 2008, after wonderful visits by his family, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in his 93rd year.

Predeceased by his first wife of 58 years Helen (nee Sohrt,1997). Bob was lucky to find love again with his second wife Ellen (nee Collins) for the past 10 years. Loving father of Pat Herzog of Waterloo and her late husband Bill, Wendy Nix, Barb Pitcher, both of Cambridge and Ken Nix and his wife Cathy of Seagrave. Fondly remembered as “Gramps” and “Grand Bob” by his grandchildren, Wendy Kelly (Mike), Jeff Pitcher (Amy), Lori Madden (Tom), Dave Pitcher (Susan), Jennifer Nix, Jamie Nix and Jodi Nix, as well as his six great-grandchildren. Also survived by his step-children Janet Murphy and her husband Doug of Picton, Kathryn Goble and her husband Wayne of Tillsonburg and step-grandchildren Sean and Megan, Erin and Gregory, and Anne.

Bob was born in Preston and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a longtime member of Knox Preston Presbyterian Church, an Elder of the Church until his death, a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Probus Club. Bob played sax and clarinet with many big bands during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. After his discharge from the Air Force of W.W. II Bob bought his beloved cottage at Port Albert where he and his family and friends spent many nights playing cards and creating wonderful memories. Over 50 years ago Bob and his first wife Helen and three other couples founded an organization now called Community Living Cambridge and served as President of the association in the early years. His calm friendly style earned him the admiration of all who met him and called him “friend”. He will be missed.

The family will receive friends at the Barthel Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Road, Cambridge on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be conducted at Knox Preston Presbyterian Church, 132 Argyle St. N., Cambridge on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Bill Bynum officiating. Interment in Preston Cemetery, Cambridge.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Community Living Cambridge would be appreciated by the family.