It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Wheeldon on May 6th 2021, in his 80th year. Beloved husband and best friend to Karen (nee Hill) of 47 years. Father figure to the children of his heart Rob and Lorie Grant, their son Andrew and Stacy Rutledge. Loving brother to John (late Laure), Carol LaMaster (Robert) and Patti Carrell (Carl). Bob was predeceased by his father John, step mother Helen, mother Wanda, and brothers Bill (late Petra, Marcica) and Don (Carla). Bob will be missed by his mother-in-law Ruth Hill, and sister and brothers in law Sandra Cox (John), Maureen Hill, Dianne Sonier (Delbert), Cheryl Schaus (Roger), Denise Davey (Fred), Elaine Grant (Mike), Richard Hill, Armand Hill, Ken Hill (Pam) and Shawn Hill (Cookie). Bob was a loved uncle to many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family, as well as a good friend to many in Iron Bridge, Thessalon and Blind River.
In the early years, Bob worked as a welder and pipe fitter at Budd Canada in Kitchener and found his way North to Rio Algom in Elliot Lake in 1980. Bob quickly fell in love with Northern Ontario and he and Karen planted their roots in Iron Bridge that same year.
Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved his camping trips to BC “Below Chapleau”. He was a proud member of the Coureurs De Bois II Black Powder Club located in Sault St. Marie. He was also a member of the North Shore Anglers and Hunters Club in Spanish, ON (OFAH).
Bob took pride not only in his hunting and fishing skills, but in his cooking skills as well. He could fillet a pike with his eyes closed and kept his master filleting secrets to himself. Bob loved hunting on his property for black bear and deer using his black powder gun. He and Karen hosted many black powder competitions on their property with folks coming from around the province to participate.
Bob loved spending time at farm auctions, walking around taking everything in like he was walking through a museum. He met many people this way, and to meet Bob meant to like Bob. He always had a smile, a funny story (he always said his middle initial was “E” for enough) and was known for his infectious laugh. Bob travelled from coast to coast across Canada enjoying all the country had to offer.
Until we meet again……….
Donations can be made in memory of Bob to the War Amps at www.donate.waramps.ca or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca.