Obituary for Robert Near
NEAR: Robert Wallace- It is with great sadness & heavy hearts that we announce the world lost a wonderful human on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Robert (Bob) Near gained his wings, peacefully at his home with his family by his side. Predeceased by his Parents Harry and Marjorie (nee Mills) Near. Cherished soulmate and husband to Judy Near (Cooper) Loving father to Jesse Near (West) (Keith), Jennifer Near and adoring pops to his grandson Jack Slegers. He also leaves behind his beloved cats Scooter, Boots, Joey and Jesse. Survived by his siblings Sharon Near, Harry Near (in England). Predeceased by brothers Graham, Dave, Leon and Mark. Bob was talented, ambitious, accomplished, knowledgeable compassionate and funny. He grew up in Barrie Ontario and came to Simcoe in 1972 where he met the love of his life. It is difficult to attempt to honor him in words. He was the hardest worker you ever knew. A Master of all things you could say, he could do anything he set his mind to. Bob had built himself up a reputable and successful Masonry business. Many commercial buildings and homes in and around Norfolk area are a result of his pristine
craftsmanship which he took great pride in, but Bob didn’t stop there. After working in construction all day Bob didn’t put the tools down and worked countless hours after work to put that talent, passion, and innovation to the test by building a beautiful home and oasis for his Family. Bob enjoyed the company of his friends. He always enjoyed a cold beer and the odd Drambuie….flaming Drambuie at times. Always the life of the party, putting his own words to songs and had the best come backs and one liners. He used humor to put a smile on your face and make a bad or sad situation seem good in that moment. Each day we find ourselves reminded of all the ways he looked cancer in the face with courage, a practical wisdom, and a sense of humor. Always enjoying the moment and never complaining about the hand life had dealt him. Bob will be missed immensely by his surviving cats. All those who knew Bob knew that he was an avid cat lover and how generous he was with his time and resources helping cats and adopting many over the years from local shelters. As per Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Serenity Burial & Cremation Services Inc., 361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093 have been entrusted with the arrangements. The family will announce a Celebration of Life at a later date. For those wishing to make a memorial Donation in Bob’s memory they are asked to consider Purrfect Companions, 19 Brantford Rd, Delhi, Ontario N4B 1V5, or the Simcoe & District Humane Society, 24 Grigg Drive Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4L1. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com
craftsmanship which he took great pride in, but Bob didn’t stop there. After working in construction all day Bob didn’t put the tools down and worked countless hours after work to put that talent, passion, and innovation to the test by building a beautiful home and oasis for his Family. Bob enjoyed the company of his friends. He always enjoyed a cold beer and the odd Drambuie….flaming Drambuie at times. Always the life of the party, putting his own words to songs and had the best come backs and one liners. He used humor to put a smile on your face and make a bad or sad situation seem good in that moment. Each day we find ourselves reminded of all the ways he looked cancer in the face with courage, a practical wisdom, and a sense of humor. Always enjoying the moment and never complaining about the hand life had dealt him. Bob will be missed immensely by his surviving cats. All those who knew Bob knew that he was an avid cat lover and how generous he was with his time and resources helping cats and adopting many over the years from local shelters. As per Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Serenity Burial & Cremation Services Inc., 361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093 have been entrusted with the arrangements. The family will announce a Celebration of Life at a later date. For those wishing to make a memorial Donation in Bob’s memory they are asked to consider Purrfect Companions, 19 Brantford Rd, Delhi, Ontario N4B 1V5, or the Simcoe & District Humane Society, 24 Grigg Drive Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4L1. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com