Robert Davies (Bob)

Bob Davies had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Bob always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Bob was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Bob was born on April 30, 1925 at Plummer Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie. His parents were Harold & Mary Davies. Bob was raised at home on Gore Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Always able to express himself well, Bob possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Bob was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Bob was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Bob was raised with 2 siblings. He had an older brother Ron and a younger sister Shirley. Bob had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Bob showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Bob enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in skating and was let in to the Princess Theatre to watch movies. He was a boy scout and went to Central United Church Sunday School. In his spare time he liked helping in dad's store.

His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He went to Collegiate. He quit high school in grade 12 and went and worked for his dad and drove truck for Davies Meat Market. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Bob. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. In 1966 he went to summer school and studies at OCE. In 1967 he went to Toronto for his second year at OCE. In 1966 Bob quit Algoma Steel and started teaching Electrical at the Ontario Vocational School that became Sault College. In 1967 he sold his home on Idaho Drive and moved to Point Aux Pins. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Geography in 1971.

Friends and acquaintances found Bob an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Bob was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bob Mcleod, Leo Zaharak, Jim Huckson and Ben Tynella. Later in life, he was best friends with Bob McLeod, Jim Huckson and Don Delayer.

In 1956 he married Maxine MacDonald and had 2 children Jeff and Ken. Then in July of 1962 he married Lois Rodger at the Rodger home at 752 Wellington St. East in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Bob was attentive to Lois's feelings, and he charmed her, and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Bob was able to bring pleasure and humor to the relationship. They were married for 50 years.

Very much like a kid himself, Bob identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Bob was blessed with 4 boys., Jeff, Ken, John and Don. Bob and Lois were also blessed with eight grandchildren., Kristy, Kerri, Jeff, Jessica, Drew, Devin, Connor and Megan and give great grandchildren.

Bob was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Bob’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Bob could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was teaching electrical technical opportunities at Sault College. He was employed at the Algoma Steel then for at least 25 years at Sault College.

Bob joined the Navy at 18. He was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He went to DHQ in Toronto for basic training radio and radar, spent a year in Quebec. Bob saw action for World War II out of Halifax. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so. Spent time on the West Coast, Prince Rupert doing raidos and radar work.

Bob enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were tug boating, bowling, curling, fishing, hunting and playing horseshoes. He also was willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Bob was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Bob worked in dad's store. Recreational sports included bowling, horseshoes, curling and golf. Bob was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Canaidan football and hockey.

Throughout his later years, Bob enjoyed being an active member of the Legion.

Bob held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of Central United Church.

Bob’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards were for curling and bowling.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Bob truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included a cruise, trip to Newfoundland, Jamaica, and a trip to England and Scotland.

Bob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He always had and loved his many big dogs, Ebony, Anna and Buddy. They were best friends. Some lived quite a long life - 12 years. His family was rounded out by his one cat, Spaz.

When Bob’s retirement finally came in 1987 - 25 years at Sault College, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. He stayed at Pointe Aux Pins. In retirement, he found new pleasure in curling, church, horseshoes, tug boating and fishing and watching freighters pass by.

Bob passed away on March 28, 2013 at Sault Area Hospital. He had broken hip, operated and never came around. He is survived by his wife Lois, sons, Ken, John, Don and 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Services were held at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Bob was laid to rest in Greenwood.

For Our Grandpa,

While we were growing up, Grandpa was a man of few words. We know he loved his dogs, probably exactly one cat, tugboat fishing trips, Pointe aux Pins, his family and friends and Lois. Lois, our Grandma, the love of his life.

Our grandparent’s marriage was one to aspire to. Undoubtedly it was one of Grandpa’s greatest achievements, to find someone to bring such joy and love into his life. Memories of his standard response, “Yes, Lo” will echo in our minds for the rest of our lives.

Such relationships are rare in this world, but both of us have found our own gentle men. And there is no doubt that we chose them because they remind us of you in many ways. You certainly were a role model for good natured, self-reflective and brilliant men.

We wish we could be with our family today, to support Lois and pay our respects to Grandpa. Please know that you are in our hearts and minds forever and we love you. No girls could have asked for a gentler soul to be their Grandpa.

Love,

DAVIES, Robert Fay (Duster) - Passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Thursday, March 28, 2013 in his 88th year. Bob was the son of the late Harold and Mary Davies. Brother of the late Ron Davies (late Edrie) and the late Shirley Davies. Husband of the late Maxine (MacDonald). Husband of Lois (Rodger) for 50 years. Loved father to the late Jeffery Davies, Kenneth, John (Colleen) and Donald (Colleen). He will be missed by grandchildren Kristy, Kerri, Jeff, Jessica, Drew, Devin, Connor, Megan and sister-in-law Mary Krivan (Carl). He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and is survived by 5 great grandchildren. Special thank-you to Jane Krivan and Nancy Hazzard for their caring and support to Lois through this difficult time. Duster enjoyed the people and the supportive surroundings of Collegiate Heights for the past few years but his heart will always be at Pointe Aux Pins, his long time home, with the freighters he so loved to watch go by. He will also be remembered as a fiercely proud Canadian who loved fishing and tug boating. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. Funeral service in the chapel at 1 pm. Donations to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

Kerri and Kristy

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DAVIES, Robert Fay (Duster) - Passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Thursday, March 28, 2013 in his 88th year. Bob was the son of the late Harold and Mary Davies. Brother of the late Ron Davies (late Edrie) and the late Shirley Davies. Husband of the late Maxine (MacDonald). Husband of Lois (Rodger) for 50 years. Loved father to the late Jeffery Davies, Kenneth, John (Colleen) and Donald (Colleen). He will be missed by grandchildren Kristy, Kerri, Jeff, Jessica, Drew, Devin, Connor, Megan and sister-in-law Mary Krivan (Carl). He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and is survived by 5 great grandchildren. Special thank-you to Jane Krivan and Nancy Hazzard for their caring and support to Lois through this difficult time. Duster enjoyed the people and the supportive surroundings of Collegiate Heights for the past few years but his heart will always be at Pointe Aux Pins, his long time home, with the freighters he so loved to watch go by. He will also be remembered as a fiercely proud Canadian who loved fishing and tug boating. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. Funeral service in the chapel at 1 pm. Donations to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.