July 8, 1926 – March 1, 2013
With deep sorrow we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Robert McCauley. Surrounded by family at St. Mary’s Hospital, Bob lost his battle against heart disease. Pre-deceased by his parents, Herbert and Mary Jane McCauley (nee Mahaffy) who hailed from Lurgan in Northern Ireland, a place close to his heart. Devoted husband of the late Erika McCauley (2000). Loving father of Eva, Heidi and Fred McCauley and father-in-law of Marimar McCauley, affectionate, loyal caregiver and friend. Doting grandfather of Jacob McCauley of Toronto, Matthew Cote of Montreal and Erika McCauley of Kitchener. Special surrogate “Opa” to many children who liked to view his intriguing science experiments. Bob grew up in Cabbagetown but made Kitchener his permanent home when hired by Waterloo Lutheran University in 1965. Bob triumphed in his career as professor of Biology, Physiology and Zoology, conducting research on a plethora of fish species and teaching his students with his ubiquitous wit and enthusiasm. Bob continued to actively pursue his passions for music, creative writing, travel, photography, astronomy and literature since his 1992 retirement. Bob was a gifted writer, and widely published in a variety of newspapers and magazines such as the Waterloo Region Record, the Globe and Mail, Mother Earth News, the Waterloo Historical Society newsletter as well as in prestigious scientific journals. He engaged in writing articles right up until his death. Bob was an accomplished musician who enjoyed entertaining friends and family with his harmonica, recorder and tin whistle with a recent emphasis on traditional Celtic music. His irrepressible sense of humour was appreciated by his wide circle of friends. Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He will be cremated and his ashes will be buried beside his beloved wife in Williamsburg Cemetery. A private family ceremony will be held at the gravesite and his life will be celebrated at a traditional Irish wake on April 6. Please contact the family ([email protected]) to determine location and other details of this event by March 31. We extend our sincerest thanks to the dedicated medical team at St. Mary’s ICU and CCU for their fine nursing care.
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