Robert "Bob" Henry Duke

Bob Duke was born in Toronto on Friday August 25th 1944 the only child of Robert Henry Duke and Ruth Florence (Stoyle) Duke. Bob grew up in the east end of the city and lived in the Danforth Area for most of his childhood and into his twenties. Bob unfortunately lost his father when he was 14 years old….someone he was very close to and respected greatly. We recall stories of how they would spend afternoons in the park sometimes just sitting on a bench drinking hot chocolate and sharing. Growing up there were family gatherings and parties as his parents were very social. After losing his Dad Bob’s Aunt Grace (his Mom’s sister) was his mentor and a huge support for the rest of her life. Aunt Grace had no children of her own traveled all over working for Elizabeth Arden teaching women about the make-up and products. Elizabeth Arden herself was very kind to Grace when later in life she was ill and Ms. Arden sent her down to one of her vacation homes to recover.

Bob loved sports and was a good athlete, he excelled at hockey and was an excellent goalie reaching the Junior level. He was proud to have gotten a chance to play at Maple Gardens on one occasion. As a teen Bob enjoyed both playing and coaching kids in baseball…something he was very good at and had loads of patience for. He also played football for Danforth Technical School until one of his best friends landed on his ankle and the end result was multiple fractures. At 17 Bob was working at Dominion and finishing high school; he would have liked to have gone on to post- secondary for social work yet having to provide for himself when his Mother and Step-Father moved away meant that couldn’t happen. That would not stop him from being a good listener, mentor and support for many even without going into that line of work. Sometimes it was simply making people laugh with his animated stories. Whether it was at his store, in the street or on vacation Bob always found someone to chat with or share with. Bob loved to debate and his mother in law Edith Clark would happily oblige although with her there not many times he would win.

Bob had loads of friends growing up and those friendships continued on for many years after everyone married and moved away from the neighbourhood. Bob would meet Roberta Clark and marry in October 3 1970. Jennifer Lyn Duke their first child was born October 24th 1971 and Kimberly Ann Duke would come along a few years later on May 29th 1975. Since work would take Bob to Markham (first with Avco Finance then CIP before getting on full-time at the Brewers Retail) so the families first few years they lived on Main Street in the original Markham Village in an apt above Cleaves Hardware Store. By the mid-seventies Bob and Bobbie bought their 1st house in a newly developed area of Scarborough called Malvern. Their subdivision would be one of the first at Finch and Neilson and marked the beginning of many active years in the community with Bob coordinating informal sporting activities, card games and Grey Cup parties; and Bobbie active socially and helping with the school as well. One thing that stood out about that house on Crow Trail was the beautiful gardens…Bob grew almost everything from seed himself and had lush and diverse plants and flowers. Many, many hours would be spent working and relaxing in his gardens…one of the few people likely to enjoy rainy days and hope for it! Bob was crafty and made various items in the house with wood whether it was a cabinet, shelving unit or bike rack outside…he could just draw it out and make it happen!

Spending time with his daughters meant sitting at the kitchen table helping with homework, teaching them to ride their first bikes or to swim. Days spent with a picnic and fishing in the Rouge River happened often. Bob was very proud of his daughters and loved them very much.

Bob found his niche in the early years of working for the Beer Store, known back then as the Brewer’s Retail, where he worked for 32 years. Bob moved around to different stores throughout the Scarborough and Markham area a lot once it became known he had a talent for turning difficult stores around due to his strong work ethic.

In the 80’s when Bob separated from Bobbie he decided he no longer wanted to look after the house and he moved into a condo near Warden Ave and Finch Ave where he enjoyed meeting new friends and would often be at the local pub playing cards, unwinding and socializing with friends. After retirement Bob stayed in Scarborough for a few years before heading to Peterborough as he wanted to enjoy the smaller city and slower pace. This proved to be a great move as he lived with Kim, was able to help maintain the house’s little gardens and was surrounded by extended family that became a big part of his life once again. Cousins and relatives he had not seen much of in years became his inner circle with many nights of card games, good laughs, parties and holiday dinners spent together.

All of this is just fond memories for us all and he will be greatly missed. Very much so by his beloved only Grandson Justin who loved and laughed often with his “Grampa”. Justin could make Bob laugh and smile or get him going in a way you know he admired. They both love music so much and Justin would love to dance to all Grampa’s favourite Motown music. They had a special bond and we are sorry their time together has ended so soon. Justin would have enjoyed many years sitting on that bench in the park just sharing and spending time together.

Our loss is heaven’s gain…..RIP Daddy (Da), Grampa, Papa Bear.

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Peacefully at PRHC on Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 in his 72nd year. Loving father of Jen Brown (Bob) and Kimberly Duke. Proud Grampa of Justin Brown. Bob will be sadly missed by many friends and relatives. For over 30 years Bob worked with the Brewers Retail as an Asst. Manager, was an amazing gardener, music lover and avid sports fan. He would be so pleased his beloved Blue Jays have clinched the AL playoff spot! Never one to miss a Euchre or Bridge game….Bob loved a good laugh and good times with friends and family. The family will receive friends at COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street, on Tuesday, October 6, from 7-9 pm and on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 10-11 am followed by a Funeral Service in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Jumpstart or the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough. Special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses, Staff and Volunteers in the PRHC Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.