RICHARDSON, Robert (Bob) Earle
Passed away peacefully at the Joseph Brant Hospital on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at the age of 81, with his family at his side. Beloved husband and soulmate of Jane (nee Lillico). Loving father of John Kenneth (Lee), Kimberley Anne (Roger) and Robin Gayle (Joel). Cherished Papa of Tristan, Zachary, Matthew, Hunter, Sarah, Alyssa and Alexandra. His family was the light of his life! Predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Irene Richardson of Waterford, Ontario.
Bob was raised in Waterford, Ontario and sang in the Church choir as a youngster. He later starred in musicals at Waterford District High School and retained a lifelong connection to the people of Waterford, the town and the high school. He was most noted as the Captain of the Pinafore and the Pirate King of Penzance and still sang the tunes regularly to Jane. This deep love for music led him to promote Karaoke at Branch 60 where you could hear him sing Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra favourites Thursday nights.
Bob graduated from McMaster University in 1959 and began a teaching career with the Wentworth County Board of Education. He taught History and became Head of History and later Vice Principal at Waterdown High and Winona High and retired as Principal of Ancaster High in 1992.
He joined Burlington Branch 60 of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1993 to play snooker, a lifelong passion, but soon became involved in the Executive of the Branch as Entertainment Chairman and Sports Chairman. Every year he worked in the Poppy Campaign. He rose to be a Vice President and later President of Branch 60. He was honoured and proud to be made a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Bob will be missed by many friends from McMaster University, teachers and former students from Waterdown, Winona and Ancaster and his comrades in the Legion. Thank you to the Joseph Brant Staff for your compassion and care of Bob.
There will be a visitation for family and friends at Smith’s Brant Street (485 Brant Street), on Monday, September 4, 2017 from 7 – 9 p.m. A public gathering of his friends will be held at the Burlington Legion, Branch 60 (828 Legion Road) on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 1 to 5p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Burlington Branch 60 or a charity of your choosing would be appreciated.