Obituary of Robert Earl Warner

WARNER, Mr. Robert "Bob", "Gravy Train" Robert Earl Warner, 84, died November 28, 2013, during his stay at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital, Petrolia, Ontario. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 2, 1929 to the late Robert and Elizabeth Warner. Bob was an avid teller of his life's stories. From his time in the U.S. Army as a communications officer; his building and racing of stock cars in early NASCAR days; fishing trips with his buddies; to the places, people and things he had encountered during his many years as a long distance truck driver. He had an impeccable sense of detail that was present in everything he did. Be it a project he was working on or the attention he gave his everyday personal appearance; things always had to be done just right. He spent most of his life in Springville, New York with his late wife Freida (nee Reding) Warner and their children in the house he proudly built with his own hands. A house he would himself re-build in his 70s after a mudslide left it condemned. He married his long-time friend Jean (nee Tetrault) (Gillam) Warner, and retired to Grande Pointe, Ontario. Although age was no limitation to Bob, he was always on the go. He enjoyed nature and spent his days outside in the yard cutting the grass; tending to the birds and pets he loved to feed and watch; or in his workshop. When his dementia became too much to be cared for at home, Bob moved to North Lambton Lodge in Forest, Ontario. The staff quickly noticed his eagerness to help others and had him start doing odd jobs working in the gardens and feeding the birds. As his illness progressed he was moved to Meadowview Villa in Petrolia, Ontario, where again his gentlemanly ways and sweet heart instantly won over the staff. Even when his illness tried to take over, his personality shone through. He was the dear brother to Louise "Susie" McLaurin. The caring father and step father of the late Keith Warner; Sandra Phillips; Elaine Tam; Bill and Carolanne Gillam; Helena Gillam; Patricia and John Jurczak; Donna and Mike Delaney; Sue and Russ Taylor; and Loretta Gillam. He was a special grandfather who made sure to have donuts or a treat for his grandchildren Dawn Hedges; Danielle Marx; Alex Hedges Jr; Richard Hedges; John Connelly; Erin Connelly, Donald Gillam; Danielle Gillam; Keny Gillam; Tyler Burke; Katryna Burke; Jessica Mills and Maxime O'Bomsawim-Begin; Samantha Mills; Micheal Delaney; Melissa Delaney; Jazmin Taylor; Isaac Taylor; Logan Bull; and Jayden Bull. He was great grandfather to Camden Marx. With fond memories Bob will also be remembered by his close friends Sissy and John Murphy and their family. Thank you to the staff of North Lambton Lodge, Meadowview Villa and the first floor nurses of the Petrolia Hospital. Bob wasn't treated just as a resident or patient but instead you cared for him as a person you wanted to know. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Online condolences and donations of sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer Society or by visiting www.denningfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to the FOREST CHAPEL OF DENNING FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Posted free at canadaobits.ca