Robert "Bob" Mervyn Paul Boland

Bob was born on September 3rd, 1936 in Fort Frances, ON to William and Eva Boland. He grew up in Fort Frances serving in the Canadian Armed Forces for 21 years between 1954-1975. He served as a Radar Operator, and travelled all over Canada and spent over 2 years in France.

Returning to Fort Frances in 1975; he was employed at the local paper mill as a security guard and was well known for manning the border tool booth always with a friendly smile and a wave.

He was united in Marriage to his wife Erma Huyton on February 14th, 1985. They had 24 beautiful years together before she passed away in 2009.

Bob was a faithful and loyal member of the St.Mary’s Roman Catholic Church where he volunteered and served in many capacities throughout his lifetime. He had fond memories of his parish.

He was a long term member at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29, during this time he held numerous positions including Sergeant of Arms and participating in the Colour Party. He participated in Remembrance Day ceremonies, and other community events, including parades, and school services. He received a certificate of merit for being an outstanding volunteer with the Legion. Bob was well known with the Ladies Auxiliary, always willing to lend a helping hand with meal preparations for special events.

In his retirement he loved to spend his time gardening and blueberry picking in the summer, and loved nothing more than getting an invitation to go fishing and have a shore lunch. During the weekdays he could be found playing Gin Rummy at the Legion with his devoted and life long friend; Bob Bagacki, and the rest of his regular card group. Passing the hours playing cards and games with loved ones was his favourite past times.

Bob was a man of few words but was happiest when surrounded by family and friends enjoying a cold beer, a home cooked meal and sharing laughs together. Bob was a kind, gentle soul, soft hearted and an incredibly patient man.

His last years were spent at Green Manor and his last 10 months at Rainycrest where he was battling his second round of cancer. Bob enjoyed joking around with everyone that cared for him. He was known for his witty sense of humour and never complained about anything. He had nothing but praise about the staff at Green Manor and Rainy Crest. Many of the staff were very fond of Bob and would say he was their favourite; he appreciated everything they did for him.

He was predeceased by his parents William and Eva; wife Erma; older brothers John and Gordon; son in-law Jack Thomson.

Bob will be greatly missed by his daughter Rachael Boland; stepdaughters Marla Thomson and Dana and husband Dennis Helder; brothers Pat Boland and Larry Boland and wife Coraline as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and grand fur babies.

Friends are invited to the Funeral Services which will be held on Friday, August 27th, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.

Cremation has taken place, a private graveside service for his interment will follow the service at the Riverview Cemetery.

We welcome family and friends to attend the luncheon being held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 29, Fort Frances after the service and burial. Some limitations may apply due to covid restrictions.

COVID-19 Protective measures are still being applied in group settings. Masks or face coverings and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet are both mandatory for those attending the service and luncheon, however invitation is not required.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to Rainy Crest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne St. Fort Frances, ON P9A 3T2.

“ The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you will never pass away” – unknown