Cobourg Yacht Club
100 Hibernia Street, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Passed away peacefully August 20th at Northumberland Hills Hospital surrounded by family. Palliative care givers looking after Bob in his final days commented “there is a lot of love in this room”. Bob is survived by wife Sibylle/Billie (nee Lopocz) son Greg (Mary), and son Brad (Sharon) and beloved grandchildren Adam and Ainsley (Greg). Bob is pre-deceased his brother Tom. Born in Vancouver in 1938 to proud parents Jack and Gladys, “Bobby” was the first born of two rambunctious boys. His years growing up in Alberta gave him exposure to the great outdoors including a large dose of downhill skiing, dirt biking and full-on wrestling matches with younger brother Tom. After high school, Bob got his business degree at Montana State University and his MBA from Western which prepared him for a Sales/Marketing career in the Food Industry that would take him across our beautiful country of Canada. Bob’s life would change forever when he was transferred to Halifax in 1961 and he met a young German girl skiing at Wentworth Valley, NS on March 24th. Billie would often reminisce on the special anniversary of the couples first date and would ask Bob “do you know what today is” and Bob would usually answer “of course, today is the 24th and tomorrow will be the 25th”. After a wedding in 1964 in Halifax, the young couple had wind in their sails as Bob’s progressive career would take him through Moncton, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal and Toronto again. The couple would retire in Cobourg where Bob and Billie would celebrate 61 years of marriage this past July. What an accomplishment! Along the way, sons Greg and Brad would enter the picture, and both learned how to camp, ski, fish, sail, and golf. Georgian Bay was the summer setting for many vacations that were cherished by the entire family and introduced through Bob’s love of nature and outdoor activity. In later years, Bob dedicated time to his community and had many roles with the United Way, Canadian Celiac Association, a Kidney Foundation Ambassador and the Cobourg Yacht Club. He always wanted to help where he could. After some challenging health issues, Bob was a successful kidney transplant recipient at the age of 79 and lived another 7 years to 86. Billie was the angel on Earth that provided unconditional love and homecare during escalated health compromises. Bob would always tell Billie “I’m fine” because he was a fighter, but after decades of marriage Billie knew there was suffering. Bob will be remembered as a positive, loyal, smiling man who was patient to a fault and a wee bit stubborn. Bob was known to all as a real gentleman. After a life well lived, we know his family, friends, and community will have a place in their hearts to carry Bob’s legacy.
A heartfelt thanks to the efforts and compassionate care of the doctors, nurses, and surgeons at Northumberland Hills Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday September 28th at the Cobourg Yacht Club from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
My sincere condolences to his passing. Got to make a new friend when he would come into the computer store and just pay visits and chat and have a coffee. He is greatly missed for sure.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Billie, I have only just learned of Bob’s passing. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Bob. I always looked forward to seeing both of you at Black Cat and making an iced coffee with lots and lots of caramel. My love to you Billie. Mary
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Our condolences to Bob’s wife and family. He was a great neighbour. We enjoyed joking, back and forth, up and over fences and hedges with the neighbours behind “Frick & Frack”. Lot’s of fun. Although we blamed, jokingly, for years, that Bob brought snow when he moved in. We concede “snow happens”. We will miss the fun. Our condolences to the family, The Montgomery’s Carroll Crescent
To Bob’s family. I am so sorry to read of Bob’s passing. He and I used to talk virtually with others thru the Kidney transplant team as he was an ambassador with the program. He was like a coach that shared his experiences as a recipient. I would have liked for him to know that I did receive a kidney and pancreas thru that program, and things are going well. I know he will be missed by all the knew him! I will remember his words of wisdom going forward. Thank you Bob.
For Billie and family, Bertrand and I send you our condolences and deep sympathy.... Bob always had a bright smile and warm greeting for all he met. He brought his positivity and lively energy everywhere he went. Much appreciated. Greatly missed. Judith and Bertrand
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Deepest sympathy to Billie and family for your loss.
Billie and Family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I was part of the Ashbrook golf group and was fortunate to have golfed with Bob over the past few years. Bob had a warm personality and was well thought of. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss Billie. Bob was a shining light on this earth. I had the pleasure of caring for him in dialysis and as a couple you certainly made an impact. Bob continued to give back to the nephrology community by sharing his successful transplant with others. He was always kind, respectful and a true gentleman. May he now rest in peace.
Heartfelt condolences to your family. Your husband was a wonderful man and there is so much to show for his efforts in his legacy. We are thinking of all of you at this time.
Dear Billie I was very sorry to read of Bob's passing, condolences to you and your family. Bob was such a gentleman always having a big smile and hug whenever we met. He was such a dedicated volunteer and great leader. I appreciated all his support and mentorship when he was part of the United Way Board. Bob so believed in giving back and gave so much throughout his life. He will be missed by so many.
Your wonderful smile and bubbly personality always added so much to the events at the Cobourg Yacht Club. Thank you for all the great times and memories. Brendan & Sylvie
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Dear Billie: I am so very sorry to hear that Bob has passed. He was a wonderful human being, and made this community a better place. His were big shoes to fill when I was the next Chair of the Northumberland United Way and I was so glad we regularly ran into each other (usually in the grocery store) to catch up. You took such good care of him through his health challenges and no doubt enabled him to live a longer and better life. Sending big virtual hugs.
My dear friend, Sincerest condolences to you, Greg, Brad and family. Bob was such a caring person, he made us all feel so special. It gave me great pleasure to supply him with my orange seville marmalade! He will be missed.
You will be deeply missed.
Bob left a lasting impression on me and my family. He will be sorely missed. Chris
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Dear Billie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy to know and he will be missed by the sailing community. Another sailor has crossed the horizon. Wishing him fair winds and you peace and strength Fondly, Wendy
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Bob for a very long time, I always thought he was such a kind man and a true gentleman, always helping others in any way he could. His wife ‘Billie’, is a dear friend of mine and my thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through the difficult days ahead. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Bob.
Bob and I first met when we were hired by Coca-Cola Ltd in Calgary in 1961. We skied the Banff Rockies a few times together ,and he always left me behind in the deep powder !! On a later Rhine cruise Billie along with my wife Eileen and I we were escorted by Bob on a visit to the Altstadt of Dusseldorf, the fascinating old city. Wonderful memories. My sincere condolences to you Billie and all your family.
Billie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We have fond memories of meeting you at CYC and different times when we were out walking. In this time of sorrow may God Bless and Comfort you and your family.
You know how much Bob meant to us. He was a truly fine man, a great friend and an inspiration to all of us who knew him. He and Peter had great times together, fishing in Temagami every June, boating on rice Lake having shore lunches, and golfing at Ashbrook. In a way, Peter and Bob spent their second childhood roaming the backwoods of the greater Cobourg area like a couple of overgrown, frisky kids. Bob lived his life to the fullest and never complained. He was one of the bravest and toughest men we have ever known. We have loved him to the moon and back and will miss him terribly!
Sincere condolences ! Bob was indeed a good friend & neighbour ! He will be missed !
The first time I met Bob it was a United Way Day of caring. Turns out we lived on same st. We washed windows at the library with a pressure washer in pouring rain. I worked a few jobs with Bob after my job loss. We became friends. Always a sincere smile and a few good laughs. R.I.P. my friend. Heaven gained an angel.
I’m saddened to hear of your loss Billie, family and cherished friends! May God Bless Bob’s soul as he returns home with his Creator! I’m sending Love and Prayers to all whom lives he touched!! xo
Billie I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I met you at the shoe store when I worked there and often spoke of Bob. Keep the memories close.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Bob was a big part of our golfing group at Ash Brook Golf Club. I met him about four years ago and had many wonderful games with him. Bob continued to walk the 18 holes when the some of us had moved into carts. His will and determination were always so evident. He will be missed by all of us. My sincere sympathy to Billie and his whole family.
Our deepest condolences go out to you, Billie, and your entire family at this very sad time. If you need any help at any time, we will be there for you if we can. Take care.
We met Billy and Bob shortly after they moved to cobourg and would often get together with other couples in the neighborhood a lot of fond memories of those days. Our deepest condolences go out to Billy and her family bob will be sadly missed and his kind and friendly smile.
Our deepest condolences to Billie, Greg, Mary. Brad and Sharon. We met Bob through our son Steve who met Greg when he was a teenager and they have continued to be friends. We are thinking of you all. John and Margaret Kriegler
We met Billie & Bob not long after they had moved to Cobourg at a BBQ been friends for many years. We will miss Bob very much our deepest sympathy to Billie and her family.
My condolences to your family. You will be missed, my friend.
I knew Bob on the Ontario Renal Network Patient Advisory Committee. He was passionate about making life better for others struggling with renal disease. He advocated well, always trying to come up with a solution to issues we were discussing. Yes, he always had a smile. He has been missed on the committee and it was with great sadness to hear of his passing.
After Bob received his kidney transplant he became a Transplant Ambassador encouraging others in their renal journeys. Bob was a thoughtful kind gentleman and we will miss his insights. My condolences to Billie and his family. John McGregor - Transplant Ambassador Peterborough
I didn't know Bob, except from the stories and tales told by Billie as we worked (and gossiped) at the Mandate Centre for so many years. The tribute I've just read show he was one in a million and he will be sorely missed by his family. My heart goes out to you Billie, this is a 'club' none of us want to join, but know that the Mandate Girls are with you in spirit, if unfortunately not able to see you due to the mileage between us all. Love Vivi
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Such a loss for the McKenzie family. My heart goes out to them.
My deepest sympathy to you Billie, Greg, Brad and all your family. I have worked beside Bob for a number of years and he was a true gentleman. Bob will be missed at NHH and as a member of the TAP team. Gordon Bugden
Greg and Mary, Ainsley and Adam, sending you heartfelt condolances on the passing of your dad/ father-in-law/ Grandfather. He clearly had a wonderful life, leaving a legacy of family and adventure. Keep these memories close. 🙏 He will always be with you. 💙
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
It is with great sadness that we have lost a very good friend of ours. We will miss Bob very much. Thoughts are with the family. Linda & Chuck McGaw
It's difficult to say goodbye to someone you thought would live forever, considering the odds he had beaten and the fights he had won along the way. Bob was a fellow CCLer (he worked at Coca-Cola Ltd. for many years) and a happy resident of Cobourg, where we reconnected after retiring. Getting together with Bob and Billie for lunch or coffee twice a year was a special treat; reminiscing about past times together took up most of our time. Bob will be missed, by many.
Billie and Family You know how much I cared for Bob. His support over the years never failed. He was always up for a hug and a smile. He was a terrific United Way President and a good friend. He will be missed!! Cathy
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Kidney Foundation of Canada