Purbrick, Robert (Bob) - Obituaries | Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative

Purbrick, Robert (Bob)

PURBRICK, Robert (Bob)

1941 - 2022

We are saddened to report the death of Robert George (Bob) Purbrick on Monday, Dec 12, 2022 in his 82nd year.

Bob will be forever missed by his wife of 42 years Ethel (nee Blackburn) and his four stepdaughters, the MacPherson girls: Kerrie (David Gatchell, New York), Bonnie (Richard Schubert, Creemore) , Heather (Calgary) and Jaye (Tarik Dean, Las Vegas). He will also be missed by his canine companion Buddy and all the “granddogs.” He is predeceased by parents Hilda and Jim.

Growing up on a farm in the Thornloe area, Bob learned all the skills that a boy on a farm needed to know, AND earned Grade Six in Piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He was a shy boy who early on discovered the magic of HAM radio. He built his own set and was soon able to communicate with HAM operators around the globe. This passion was the basis of many lifelong friendships. In those early days, his HAM call was VE3 DWX. He later adopted the call sign VE3 CTT to honour a mentor.

As a young man, Bob headed off to Toronto where he worked for a time as a TTC driver before signing on as a technician with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In the 70’s he moved back to Northern Ontario to be near his aging parents, and joined Peters’ Garage in Englehart as co-owner and mechanic.

Little did he know when a friend asked him to look at a problem dishwasher in a rental property that his life would be forever changed. The tenant was Ethel and before long, Bob became a frequent visitor to the little house on Ninth Avenue. Daughter Heather asked Bob early on what his intentions were toward her mother. As it turned out, his intentions were honourable and the two married June 14, 1980. Bob, an only child, became part of a large, boisterous family and over the next four decades bore the chaos and confusion with good grace. Imagine his parents’ surprise when their only child delivered four adult grandchildren!

Over the years, Bob and Ethel enjoyed many driving vacations to Alaska, Western Canada and Las Vegas. They loved to pack up the RV and hit the open road for destinations near and far. The Bounder was home for many memorable weekend camping trips to places like the Earlton Steam Show.

Bob remained shy all his life, but once the ice was broken was happy to chat knowledgeably about an incredible range of topics. He was a gifted photographer and loved trains and steam-powered equipment. He was an active volunteer with the Earlton Steam Show, and the Committee to Restore the 701. He was a great neighbour, always ready to lend a hand and routinely put in long days clearing snow and hauling firewood. Above all, he was a devoted partner to Ethel. Once Ethel moved to Teck Pioneer Residence, Bob endured endless Covid swabbings to enable twice weekly visits and was an enthusiastic participant in the famous Sunday morning family ZOOM calls. These visits were the highlight of each week for both of them.

The family invites friends to join in a Celebration of Bob’s life at 11:00 AM on Sunday December 18, 2022, in the Chapel at Teck Pioneer Residence, 145A Government Road East, Kirkland Lake Ontario. PLEASE BE ADVISED ALL GUESTS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION AND BE TESTED FOR COVID BEFORE ENTRY—PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 30 MINUTES FOR THIS PROCESS. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Bob’s long-time canine companion Buddy now has a new home—with lots of space to run—with Bill Laurila. For those who wish to make a memorial donation in support of the Kirkland Lake Animal Control organization, cheques may be sent to Advocates for Northern Animals, 3 Dunfield Road, Kirkland Lake ON P2N 3P4 or etansfer to tbarbe@hotmail.com “in memory of Bob” in the comments.

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18 messages received

Bob Purbrick

He was a great friend and neighbour. He will be greatly missed.
Leona Gordon Duncan

Leona Duncan, December 14, 2022

Bob Purbrick

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing……may your memories and love comfort you all at this sad time. ❌⭕️

Erin Connolly-Brezinski

Erin Connolly-Brezinski, December 14, 2022

Ethel + Family + Friends

We know how sad you all must be. We will cherish our memories of times spent with Bob (and you, Ethel) for decades at the Earlton Steam Show. He was so interesting, dependable, sharp + kind. Take good care.

Rest easy, Bob. xo

Mike + Maija Inglis, December 14, 2022

Ethel and Family

I also looked forward to coffee break with “Purb” at the garage. Lots of good stories and laughs. No treats ever went to waste with him around. We kept up our visits at the Steam Shows. He will be missed

Megan Rooney, December 14, 2022

Ethel, Kerrie, Bonnie, Heather and Jaye

My sincere condolences on the loss of Bob. I have such warm memories of both Bob and Ethel at my mom Ruby’s table. I hope Bob and Mom get the chance to catch up now and share a dinner. Much love to you Ethel. Pammie xoxo

Pam Stewart, December 15, 2022

Ethel and family

Am so sorry for your loss, condolences and hugs to all.

Diane Bowes Valade, December 15, 2022

Ethel and Those MacPherson Girls (Heart emoji)

What a beautiful way to honor a wonderful person, husband and stepdad. Bob would be proud of all the wonderful remarks that were delivered. Hugs sent your way Ethel and my heart felt condolences girls.

Lana Ward, December 15, 2022

Ethel and family

I first met Bob in 1968, I didn't realize then that it would be the start of a friendship that would last for over 50 years. Over that time he didn't change, always helpful & all he ever wanted was a coffee and a visit, but he wouldn't say no to a treat. I know he will be missed by many. Sincere sympathy.

Bob Peters, December 15, 2022

Ethel and Family

Our sincere sympathies on your loss. Cherish your memories and stay strong. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Claude and Anne Bougie , December 15, 2022

Ethel and Family

We are sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. We first met Bob in the early 1970's. He was a jokester, and story teller, and all round good guy. Bob will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to the Family.

Dean and Theresa Black, December 15, 2022

Bob Purbrick

On behalf of my wife Grace and I, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ethel, Kerry, Bonnie, Heather and Jaye. I first met Bob in 1972 when I moved to New Liskeard and joined the Temiskaming Amateur Radio Club. Although I only spent 4 years in the area Bob and I have been in touch ever since. The last time he messaged me was on December 10. Of late we have had evening chats on Skype several time per week. Grace was raised in Thornloe and has known Bob for most of her life. I will miss my friend of 50 years. ve3ctt de ve6ntt 73 SK.

Don and Grace Sipes, Airdrie AB

Don Sipes, December 17, 2022

Bob Purbrick

On behalf of my wife Grace and I, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ethel, Kerry, Bonnie, Heather and Jaye. I first met Bob in 1972 when I moved to New Liskeard and joined the Temiskaming Amateur Radio Club. Although I only spent 4 years in the area Bob and I have been in touch ever since. The last time he messaged me was on December 10. Of late we have had evening chats on Skype several time per week. Grace was raised in Thornloe and has known Bob for most of her life. I will miss my friend of 50 years. ve3ctt de ve6ntt 73 SK.

Don and Grace Sipes, Airdrie AB

Don Sipes, December 17, 2022

Ethel Purbrick

We are so sorry for the loss of your husband. He was always friendly and ready for a little chat and we will miss seeing him. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Bob and Linda Glassford

Bob and Linda Glassford, December 17, 2022

Ethel, Kerri, Bonnie, Heather, Jaye and families

My condolences on the loss of Bob. May you find peace in all the great memories you have. Thinking of you all.

Kelli Kirkey, December 18, 2022

Ethel and girls

Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Bob will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Mark and Brenda Lamb , December 18, 2022

Ethel and Girls

We were so sorry to hear the sad news of Bob's passing and our hearts goes out to you Ethel and your girls.
Bob was a very fine person and a man of many talents and will be sadly missed by family, friends and neighbours.

Sincerely,
Laurie & Ken Wood & Family
North Bay, On

Laurie & Ken Wood, December 19, 2022

Bob Purbrick

RIP Bob you were a good friend and a really nice guy. I enjoyed when you came down to my folks place and we talked about Ham Radio. rip from Mich Verrier ve3 osv.

Mich Verrier, December 23, 2022

Family members

Sorry for your loss. I just found out today. I always called Bob (Robert). as thats what his mother called him. HIlda baby sat me
Robert was interesting and he told me some great stories about his day driving street cars in Toronto.

Larry Ship, December 26, 2022