RONALD WOODS "BOB" BROOKER

June 27, 2024

Ronald Woods Brooker, known to most as Bob Brooker, of Kincardine, died June 27, 2024, just a few weeks shy of his 101st birthday. Born July 10, 1923, in Waltham St. Lawrence, England, he was the son of Gilbert Brooker and Alicia Mary Woods. His early life was marked by the influence of his mother, who died during his childhood. He maintained a strong fondness for all things Irish throughout his life due to her Irish heritage. His father remarried, and Bob gained a half-brother, John, who lives in England with his wife, Ann. Bob was predeceased by his brother, Harry, in 1981. Bob married Dorothy (Dot) Petherick Dec. 20, 1952, a union that lasted until her death in 1994. In 2001, he married Evelyn Jarvis who died in 2018. In 1939, at the age of 15, Bob joined the Royal Engineers as an apprentice tradesman, serving as a sapper (a military engineer) during the Second World War. In the early days of his service, a bomb exploded nearby, damaging his eardrums, and leading to life-long hearing impairment. Despite this, he served his country with distinction until his discharge in 1946 and was a proud veteran, rarely missing a Remembrance Day ceremony, even in recent years. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both wheelwrights and master carpenters, Bob pursued a career in carpentry. He later worked in the British Civil Service, supervising major building projects. His tremendous talent and craftsmanship came through in all of his projects, but most notably during the construction of the Widgey III, a boat he meticulously built over 20 years in his garage in England and eventually launched in Owen Sound. In 1984, Bob and his first wife, Dorothy, emigrated to Canada, settling in Kincardine. In Canada, Bob continued his passion for building and painting, leaving a lasting mark on the homes of his family, including the tree house, that still stands, in the backyard of 817 Victoria Street. Bob was also a dedicated supporter of the Canadian Guides Dogs for the Blind. He built numerous rocking horses for fund-raisers, actively promoted the organization, and collected donations for many years. His commitment to the cause was highlighted by his bond with Jill, a guide dog drop-out, whom he adopted in 1990, and who became his constant companion for many years. Known to family, friends and most of the community in Kincardine as “Uncle Bob,” he took great pleasure in spending time with his family. Beloved uncle of Alan, Bruce, Clive and Roger Thomson and Susan Turner; great-uncle and grandfather-figure to Jessie and Mike and; and the greatest of great-great-uncles to Henry, Bea, Ruth, Rose and Emery. He was a constant presence in their lives and was tremendously proud of their accomplishments and adventures. Bob will also be missed by his great-nieces and -nephews, Sarah, Kate, Mark, Sally, Jennifer, Christopher, Shawn, and Naidra; and many great-great-nieces and -nephews. He also kept up a regular E-mail correspondence with his cousins, Pauline Blundy, Diane Ashe and Lucy Newsome, right up to the end of his life. He will be missed by many friends who often commented about seeing him tooting around town in his Mini Cooper. Bob always said, “If you want to make friends, get a dog, and if you want to make a lot of friends, get a Mini.” Special thanks to Christine Franklin and to all the staff at Rosewood RVilla, who made his last few years so much more comfortable and happier, and to Dr. Lisa Scott and Dr. Jason Murray who took such good care of him, especially over the past few years. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 34 Penetangore Row South, July 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, 4120 Rideau Dr. N., Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1A3, in his memory; arrangements entrusted to the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine; www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.