Mr. Robert Donald Ferris

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mr. Robert Donald Ferris. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Bob was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Bob was born on at his family home in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of Lt. Col. Cecil Bruce Ferris and Clara Rosina Williamson. Bob was raised in North Toronto. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Bob was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Bob's personality throughout his life.

      Though Bob was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Bob was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Bob worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. He had one sister, Beth Bell. Bob and his sister had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Bob was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Bob was always tactful. One thing Bob will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Bob had a number of interests and was an active child. Bob took part in hockey and football. He was a cub scout.

      For Bob, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Bob was also adept at details. He was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. Robert graduated from Northern Secondary in 1939. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      There was one thing that all of Bob's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Bob was such a popular person throughout his life. But Bob was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Robert was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Bob was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Bob was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Bob was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Bob made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Allan McDonald. Later in life, he became friends with Cliff Adams and Ron Anderson.

      Bob was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Bob cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On June 2, 1945 Bob married Faith Ann Adams at High Park Presbyterian Church of Toronto, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Bob worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Bob and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Bob and Faith were blessed with 3 daughters, Bonnie, Judy and Cathy. They were also blessed with 5 grandchildren, Kevin, Robert, William Tricia and Tammy, as well as 4 great grandchildren, Mark, Janet, Ada and Andrew. He was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Bob was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Robert would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Robert, and he expected the same from those around him. Bob was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Bob was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Bob handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was a technician. He was employed for Bell Canada. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Bob was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. He was in the Royal Canadina Engineers, 8th Field Squadron. Bob saw action in WW II.

      A methodical man, Bob enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were Ham radio, (VE3D0Q), as well as his music.

      Bob was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Bob was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Bob played football. Bob also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey and football.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Bob well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member the Presbyterian Church for many years. During that time, he was active as an elder. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      Not only did Bob enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included going to Florida.

      Bob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was a dog named Nipper and a budgie named Pogo, who was a best friend for 18 years.

      Since it was easy for Bob to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Bob was ready when that day to retire finally came in Toronto. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling, family gatherings and camping. Even in retirement, Bob stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Bob passed away on April 29, 2009 at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, "K" Wing for Veterans. He is survived by his wife Faith, his daughters Bonnie, Judy and Cathy and their familes Services were held at Glenview Presbyterian Church, Toronto. Bob was laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.

      Bob was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Bob was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Mr. Robert Donald Ferris.