Obituary of Robert Hubbard

The Hubbard family has lost a very special father and grandfather with the passing of Robert Edward (Bob) Hubbard, age 88, at Bluewater Health on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Loyal and devoted son of James and Agnes Hubbard. Bob was born and raised in Forest, the youngest of four children. Following high school, he left to work in Thorold at the Ontario Pulp and Paper Mill. While living in that area, he met his beloved wife, Carmel Bates, who had come from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, to nurse in St. Catharines. Together they moved back to the home farm, where they lovingly raised their five children. Upon their return to Forest, Bob worked at Dow Chemical in Sarnia and also worked on the home farm. He retired from Dow at age 65. Along with family, Bob valued faith and community. He was a member of St. Christopher’s Parish where he served for many years as an usher, he stood on the Parish Council, and enjoyed collecting for the Bishop’s Campaign. In 1963, Bob started his 37 year commitment as a Trustee for the Lambton County Roman Catholic Separate School Board. During that time, he served a number of terms as the Chairman. He received Awards Of Merit at both the provincial and federal levels for his dedication and commitment to Catholic Education. He was also a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Forest, Branch #176. Bob is survived by his four children, Ann Marie (Mark) Donald, Bob (Nancy) Hubbard, Patrick Hubbard, and Judy Hubbard. Dear grandfather of Spencer (Jackie) Donald, Lauren (Kyle) Struckett, Katie Donald, and Daniel Hubbard. Also survived by his sisters, Genevieve Street, and Catherine Witherspoon. Predeceased by his wife Carmel, his son Vincent, his sister and brother-in-law, Winifred and Gordon Zakoor, his brother-in-law Walter Street, and his brother-in-law Thomas Witherspoon. Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank his Dialysis Nurses at Bluewater Health, Dr. Walker, Dr. Garrett, and Lydia, for their compassionate care. The family also wishes to thank his many friends at Branch #176 of the Royal Canadian Legion, especially, Tony and Dorothy. Family and friends will be received at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Forest, 68 Union Street, on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Prayers will be offered in the church on Wednesday evening, at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church on Thursday morning, November 12, 2015, at 11:00 am with Fr. Tom Donohue officiating. Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery. Sympathies may be expressed through donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada and/or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be left at www.denning.ca Funeral arrangements entrusted to Denning's of Forest