Robert "Bob" Yeomans

Robert "Bob" Yeomans was not merely a musician, but a Rock Star. A man who preferred to live a life of simplicity, focused purely on music and fun. He didn't really care to mingle and meet new people in large social settings, however he wasn't afraid to dominate a one-on-one conversation. His stories may have repeated and sometimes ran a little long, however he possessed a library of interesting memories and anecdotes that he had collected throughout his less than ordinary life. Bob spent his life chasing his dream and by most metrics, he achieved it.

He was born in Sudbury in 1947 to Verdon and Alice Yeomans. His parents met and married during the Second World War, in which Verdon had served in the army as a guard in a POW prison camp. A few years after Bob was born, his family moved farther north to Sault Ste. Marie. It was there that Bob was raised alongside his older sister Barbara. Bob's family led a fairly traditional life. Verdon ran a garage, from which Bob would eventually get his first car. Additionally, Bob's parents were heavily involved with the local community, frequenting church on weekends and being active members of the Lions Club and the Canadian Hearing Society.

Growing up in a post-war, nuclear household, Bob did partake in many of the traditional aspects of boyhood of his generation. He was a member of Scouts Canada, tried to play a little football in high school (which wasn't really for him), and did reasonably well throughout grade school. However, from childhood, Bob's dream was to be a 'singing cowboy', rather than any traditional career.

Bob went to school at Sir James Dunn Collegiate and Vocational School, the same High School where his youngest would be the last Grade 9 class before being shut down. At the age of 16 Bob played his first gig, earning himself $25 dollars. From there he was hooked, launching his music career by playing various high school dances and parties around town.

In his early twenties, Bob was briefly married to Cheryl Vaittinen. This marriage produced Bob's oldest son Jason Yeomans, a future martial arts enthusiast and master. Jason would later have Bob's only grandchild, Jessica, who was be born a year and a half after Bob's youngest. Eventually the couple split, however, Jason has fond memories spending summers in the Sault with Alice and Verdon.

Throughout his early career, Bob joined and supported several bands and musical acts such as The Amen and The Vendettas, both of which are important entries in the history of the music scene in Sault Ste. Marie. It was in The Amen that Bob would begin working with Tim Ryan, a man who would become Bob's best writing collaborator as well as one of his closest friends.

In 1974, after a decade of working together, Bob and Tim formed Jackson Hawke along with Gene Falbo. In 1976, the band released their first single, 'You Can't Dance', with a cover of Van Morrison's 'Into the Mystic' on the B side. The former would later be covered by international artists such as England Dan and John Ford Coley, as well as Ricky Nelson. Both tracks would also appear on their first album 'Forever' which was released in 1976 and was followed by 'Jackson Hawke' which released the following year. Highlights of the band would include opening for The Guess Who to an audience of over ten thousand people, and being nominated for 'Breakthrough Artist of the Year' at the 1978 Juno Awards. Unfortunately the band would also separate that same year.

Following Jackson Hawke, Bob would pursue many other opportunities. He and Tim went to Nashville to do some recording work for a summer in the mid-eighties. Bob would also teach music occasionally but would also take major part in the Sault bar/ restaurant Zak's. Zak's would be known for its tight knit, 'Cheers'-like atmosphere, and Bob would both manage the bar briefly as well as play in the 'Zak's All-Stars' band. Even more importantly, it would be at Zak's that Bob would begin dating his future life partner Mary Lee Sanderson, who worked there as a server.

When Bob entered Mary Lee's life, he became a stepfather to her son, also named Jason. He and Bob shared an interest in music, theatre and the performing arts. Mary Lee was from a very large family which Bob would become accepted into, and would love very much. He and Mary Lee would have a son named Liam, and Bob would talk every friend and family members' ear off about Liam's schooling and interests.

Bob was a lover of animals. He had many pets in his lifetime but his favorites were Lucy, a Border Collie who he had found on the streets of Toronto, and Maggie a German Shepherd he had adopted from the Sault Humane Society. His appreciation of animals went beyond dogs as well, and if there was an furry friend in the building, at some point you would be able to catch Bob giving it a head scratch or a belly rub.

In his later years, Bob spent time working smaller gigs at local bars around Sault Ste Marie, and although he may have complained here and there about various small issues, it was clear to everyone close to him that performing music in front of crowds of any size was a source of vitality and happiness. He remained a prominent figure of the local music community, participating as an active member of the Musicians Union and even being awarded multiple accolades by the Sault Blues Society. Bob was forced into retirement by the COVID-19 pandemic which unfortunately ended most live performances for the remaining two years of his life.

Bob passed away suddenly, on January 22, 2022 at home, after suffering a heart attack. He is survived by his life partner Mary Lee Sanderson, his sons; Jason (Jane) and Liam Yeomans (Jade) and his step-son Jason Beharriell and his granddaughter Jessica. A night of music and celebration was held at the pavilion at the Water Tower Inn on May 22, 2022, 4 months after his passing.

      Bob was a good man and a kind man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of wonderful memories and interesting stories. Bob always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Robert "Bob" Yeomans.

YEOMANS, Robert Lawrence. August 19, 1947 - January 22, 2022. - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" at the age of 74.

He will be missed by his wife Mary Lee Sanderson, his sons; Jason (Jane) and Liam Yeomans (Jade) and his step-son Jason Beharriell. Beloved Grandfather to Jessica Yeomans, daughter of Myrna Modomo. Bob loved and in turn was loved by his extended family. Brother-in-Law to Michael, late Geri, Paula, Lori, Pat (Beth), Madge (Stuart), Joan (Jim) and Betty. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents Alice (Nee Hawke) and Verdon Yeomans, as well as his sister Barbara Reynolds and her late husband John.

Born in Sudbury and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Bob, was an accomplished musician who will be remembered by all of his peers in the music community. Bob started in his youth playing the local scenes before moving to Toronto where he, Tim Ryan and Gene Falbo became Jackson Hawke who were nominated for a Juno as "Most promising Group of The Year" in 1978, having released 2 albums. They also opened for the Guess Who in front of a crowd of over 20,000. He and Tim also spent some time in the early 1980's in Nashville doing what he loved best; making music. In 1985, Bob returned to the Soo where he had the privilege of sharing the stage with many other fine musicians, playing rock, blues, and country. Many thanks to; Brien, Jay, Raymond, Mike, Rusty, Stuart, Steve, Lynne, 5 Below and many, many more. The love and support from family, friends and neighbours has been greatly appreciated, with special thanks to Lena, Dane, Madge and Betty. Thank you also to emergency services for their effort and kindness.

Family and friends are invited to a night of music to celebrate the life of Bob Yeomans. The event will be held at the pavilion at the Water Tower Inn on Sunday, May 22nd, beginning at 7pm. Memorial contributions to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.

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YEOMANS, Robert Lawrence. August 19, 1947 - January 22, 2022. - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" at the age of 74.

He will be missed by his wife Mary Lee Sanderson, his sons; Jason (Jane) and Liam Yeomans (Jade) and his step-son Jason Beharriell. Beloved Grandfather to Jessica Yeomans, daughter of Myrna Modomo. Bob loved and in turn was loved by his extended family. Brother-in-Law to Michael, late Geri, Paula, Lori, Pat (Beth), Madge (Stuart), Joan (Jim) and Betty. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents Alice (Nee Hawke) and Verdon Yeomans, as well as his sister Barbara Reynolds and her late husband John.

Born in Sudbury and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Bob, was an accomplished musician who will be remembered by all of his peers in the music community. Bob started in his youth playing the local scenes before moving to Toronto where he, Tim Ryan and Gene Falbo became Jackson Hawke who were nominated for a Juno as "Most promising Group of The Year" in 1978, having released 2 albums. They also opened for the Guess Who in front of a crowd of over 20,000. He and Tim also spent some time in the early 1980's in Nashville doing what he loved best; making music. In 1985, Bob returned to the Soo where he had the privilege of sharing the stage with many other fine musicians, playing rock, blues, and country. Many thanks to; Brien, Jay, Raymond, Mike, Rusty, Stuart, Steve, Lynne, 5 Below and many, many more. The love and support from family, friends and neighbours has been greatly appreciated, with special thanks to Lena, Dane, Madge and Betty. Thank you also to emergency services for their effort and kindness.

Family and friends are invited to a night of music to celebrate the life of Bob Yeomans. The event will be held at the pavilion at the Water Tower Inn on Sunday, May 22nd, beginning at 7pm. Memorial contributions to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.