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Passed peacefully at Northumberland Hills Hospital in his 88th year on March 18, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Delia (nee Higgins) for 62 years and cherished father of Jim (Fran) of Brampton, Ian (Ilda) of Toronto and Karen of London. He is lovingly remembered by grandchildren, Teresa (Mike), Alana (Chad), Julia (Chris), Miranda (Jeff) and Patrick, and great grandson Jackson. He was a big brother to George (Audrey), Helen (Carman Massey deceased), Gary (Merle deceased), Jean (Norm Robinson), and Marsha (Gary Jones). Bob was a brother-in-law of Nancy (Ken) Medhurst and is also remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, James and Luella Caldwell, his stepfather of 20 years, Bert Moore, his older brother Ross (1931), and his sister Sandra (2016).
Bob was a survivor as he faced many challenges. He was born during the The Great Depression on a farm in Perrytown, north of Port Hope. At the age of 18, as a member of the 2nd Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, he survived a train wreck that killed 17 fellow soldiers and 4 crew members. Seven days later he learned of his father’s death and left the military to return home to take on the role of a father figure to his siblings.
Bob married Delia, the love of his life, in 1958. He was kind, compassionate and thoughtful; a dedicated father and generous friend to many. If something was needed, he could build it. If it was broken, he could fix it. Bob was pragmatic and always offered a helping hand, a dry sense of humour and a gentle smile. He served as a police officer in Cobourg, and proudly stood with honour and integrity in every aspect of life.
“I’ve done my job”, he said in his final days. He faced several serious medical challenges with determination and courage over the years.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital for their compassion and kindness during Bob’s many stays over the past 18 months. The family would also like to thank the staff and residents of Streamway Villa for the support they provided Bob during his brief stay there. If desired donations in memory of Bob may be made to Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation. PRAYERS AND RECEPTION TO BE SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Helen, Lorraine & Scott, Bob & Mary and the Caldwell Family: So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. It is difficult to know what to say just now....except that you're thought of in Sympathy and friendship. Take care of yourself and each other. See you soon. With caring thoughts and Deepest Sympathy - Fran & Bill
To the Caldwell family: I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My condolences to you. God Bless you.
It was an honour to play a part in Bob's care and to have the privilege of getting to know him. He was a delightful gentleman with a very dedicated family who supported him so completely. Bob was always willing to try, no matter how he felt and what he was going through and I looked forward to his sessions while he stayed with us on the rehab unit. My condolences for your loss. Sincerely, Cathy Rylott ( Physio)
It was with great sadness that I read of Bob's passing. I am not sure just how many years we worked together at Weetabix or when we used to bump into each other in the Monk's Cove area. But I do remember that Bob was a model employee and friend who always had a kind word and encouraging word and a smile. Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time. Regards, Malcolm Blackburn
Mrs. Caldwell, Karen and Family - On behalf of my Mom, please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies on the passing of your dearest Husband, Dad and GrandPa. Karen, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. God Bless to you and all your family.
My sincere condolences to Marsha, Gary and family. Also sending prayers of support to the entire Caldwell family. Bob sounds like a truly incredible man!
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was certainly a wonderful man and Dad thought the world of him! Please know that my family and I are thinking of you with love and deepest sympathy. May you find strength in your beautiful memories of Bob. God Bless You All! Carol
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
DELIA our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincere condolences from the Cross/Seale families. A truly wonderful person who will be missed in our community.
Hello Brother,My family offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family, may his soul rest in peace.
To Delia and family. I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. My sincere condolences to you all. What a beautiful obituary! I learned many things about Bob that I did not know. For instance about he being in a train wreck at such a young age. Also that he was a Mr. Fix It. Lovely memories for you and the family to recall many times and enjoy all the details that accompany the various events. I found that comment he made in his remaining days " My job is done" very touching.I clearly recall several occasions when Bill & I used to meet you and Bob at local pre-election gatherings to hear the various speeches. That's when we four discussed the pros & cons afterwards....and that's where we detected Bob's dry sense of humour, and gentle smile. Nice memories. This is a huge loss for you Delia, 62 years of marriage is a wonderful tribute to your union together. You will feel this loss and sadness - there is no getting around it..... bu do try to concentrate on the beautiful , pleasant memories that you've built together over all those years. This is what will get you through the rough times. Take comfort in his words... he obviously felt ready to go - when he said " I've done my job". You have a supportive family around you..... you will find that very consoling. Blessings to you all. Claudette CowinClaudetteWe all live under the same sky, but we don't see the same light.-- Chinese proverb
We were saddened to learn of Bob passing on, having known him for many years he was a great man, always friendly and will be missed.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy Delia and families
Sorry to hear of your loss. Bob was such a nice manPlease extend my condolences To Jim, Karen, Ian and families
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We are so sorry for your loss but know you will all be comforted by the memory of his courage and kindness .Jan and Steve Fluke
So sorry to hear about Bob. He was such a gentle soul. Matthews family
Delia and familyOur thoughts and prayers are with you Vincent, Mena & Brendan
My thoughts are with the family. Mr Caldwell was a terrific gentle man, I was lucky to know him.
My Condolences to Bob family. It was a pleasure working with Bob when he was at Weetabix. I'm glad I had a chance to catch up with him at the CCC walking track a few years ago.
To the Caldwell family,I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. It is always a difficult time but your memories of happy times will help you through the tough days. I have fond memories of being at your house on Monk Street with Karen. Your dad always had a smile whenever I was there. Please know that I will be thinking of you all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Dear family,Please accept our deepest condolences. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.Bangs family
Delia, we are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with you in this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Karen, my condolence to you and your family. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember your dad.
My deepest condolences to you Delia, Jim, Ian, Karen and families. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Our thoughts are with everyone during this very difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Delia, We were so sorry to hear of Bob,s passing. many a cucumber I enjoyed from his garden !We are still in Florida expecting to leave soon due to Covid 19. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Your friends , Ron & Betty
Sending love to our dear family. Hoping that your many happy memories of Uncle Bob bring smiles thru the tears.
What an amazing man and wonderful ful life. So true about the dry wit!! I will miss that mischievous gentle twinkle in the eye and firm compassionate straight talk. Such a gentleman and it was a true honour to even know him a bit. May his inspiration live on in our hearts!With sympathy,Geoffrey Honey RMT
Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies to all the family. Phil and Carole Fardella
Dear Delia & FamilyPlease accept our most deepest sympathy. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.Ralph & Sue.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Only knew Bob a short while but he was always friendly and had a smile for everyone.
The Board members and staff of Northumberland United Way would like to offer our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We have appreciated Mr. Caldwell's generosity and commitment to the community over the years. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Very sorry for your loss. Will be thinking of you.
I remember Bob from my childhood over the years and went to school with a few of his children as well as his sister Helens children. I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a very well respected and kind man.