Bob Pastoor

Born in Groningen in 1943, Bob came to Canada with his family in 1952 like so many Dutch did after WWII. He married Marjorie Cheshire in 1963 and had two children, Brian and Bonnie. He helped Marjorie's father, Presbyterian missionary John Cheshire, start a printing business in Toronto after John's years in Jhansi, India.

Pre-deceased by his lovely younger sister, Marian, Bob was brother to George, Jan and Bill Pastoor.

Bob was the "best grandfather" as "Bapa" to Tyler, making wooden boats, backyard tents and countless snacks and meals. Even Bapa's french fries tasted better for some reason, Bonnie said.

He became a grandfather again as "Bwaba" to Jules, playing Hotwheels and Wii bowling, dressing up as Santa Claus, reading books, visiting fire stations and swimming at the pool.

Father-in-law to Giselle Pastoor, he is fondly remembered by in-laws from Trinidad and Tobago, Brian and Lynne Abraham, Lisa and Mark Abraham and Tammy Yeung. According to his wishes, Tobago by the sea will be Bob's final resting place.

To his son, Brian, Bob was the best father; he was the best of friends.

At the age of 15, Bob started working full-time at a local fish and chips store, then St. Lawrence Foods in warehouse work and order desk sales, finally becoming Sales Manager then General Manager at Booth Fisheries before retiring at age 46. Few knew the seafood business better than Bob, from filleting board to five-star hotel restaurant; his career was a means by which he provided a home for his wife and a Christian education for their children.

Bob was equally at home in the back warehouse and front sales office like few people are, hiring new Canadians of European, African and Asian descent. Later in retirement in his own home, he housed and prepared meals for Colombian, Japanese and Mexican students, keeping in touch with them years after they returned to their home countries.

Bob's friendship, generosity and self-abnegating humour will be missed by many here in Toronto and overseas. He will be missed especially by Mike de Bruyn and Fashion Roseway friends who note that the place (and the pool) won't be the same.

In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted for the Princess Margaret Hospital or the Transplant Clinic, 12th floor, at Toronto General Hospital.

A commemorative gathering will take place at R.S. Kane Funeral home, (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, South of Steeles) Friday, September 11 from 6pm to 8pm, with words of remembrance from Pastor Bruxy Cavey and others.