Robert “Bob” Durk
Died: December 31, 2022 | Place: Rondeau Park, Ontario
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Obituary
DURK, Robert Kenneth…
Suddenly at his cottage in Rondeau Park on December 31, 2022, Robert “Bob” Durk of Delaware, ON passed away in his 82nd year. Born on the 7th of September 1941 in London, ON. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Shirley, and his sons Doug (Leona) of London and Paul (Shauna) of Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Tylor, Victoria, Rachel, Ben and Sam. Survived by his brother Cliff (Evelyn), sister-in-law Ellen Palmer, Nancy Innis (Rolly) and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Clifford Durk (1942) and Mary LaPointe (2019), grandparents Doug and Dorothy Wood, brother-in-law Ken Palmer, and in-laws Rose and Bill Price.
Bob was a Licensed Steamfitter and member of Local 593, Bob and his wife Shirley were the founders and owners of Durell Control Systems Inc. for 26 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, who raised many award-winning dogs. Bob was an all-around outdoor man! Bob was a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Delaware Skeet Club, and the Delaware Lions Club. Bob will always be remembered as a man to never shy away from any challenge.
Bob played old timer hockey and coached his sons Paul and Doug’s hockey team in Lambeth. He was the number one super fan of his sons and grandsons as they took to the ice to play the good old hockey game!
A handy man throughout his entire life, renovating the first family home in Lambeth and then again the family cottage at Rondeau Park. Most recently, Bob spent his times working on the family acres, north of Grand Bend, formally known as “The Ranch”. Bob had many of toys to keep him busy on the Ranch including the Honda, his tractor and numerous chainsaws.
After the loss of his beloved dog and hunting partner, Moxie, and suffering with arthritis, Bob decided to take a step back from the sport. Bob loved sharing his experiences at The Ranch, with Doug, Paul and his grandkids, taught the kids how to drive the Honda, use a chainsaw safely and identify different trees. He loved working away on his wildlife sanctuary.
Another great joy was his boat, his love for fishing the waters, but the true highlight was taking the children on a ride on the Big Mabel! While Bob wasn’t fishing, hunting or working the land he could be found reading various books on world history,always looking to learn something new.
Bob and Shirley traveled the world, cruising the ocean on six cruises, trips to both coasts of Canada, wintered in Cape Coral, Flordia for several years, toured the Rocky Mountains by train, enjoyed the Calgary Stampede and toured the American Midwest by bus, which Bob enjoyed whole heartedly.
Bob had a true love for life and family, but he also found great pride in his work, especially as a mentor. The boys and girls at Durell Controls were truly a second family. It was very rewarding to guide young apprentices and watch them grow into their careers at Durell Controls.
Bob’s memories of golfing with the group in Delaware will be forever cherished.
Friends are welcomed for visitation on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 1pm. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob are encouraged to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army Community and Family Services – Strathroy or the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo
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Our sincere condolences to Shirley and the family.
I am so sad to hear of the passing of my “Uncle Bob”. He and my dad were childhood friends and stayed friends throughout their lifetime. I remember camping trips, picnics, fishing, swimming and of course lots of BBQ’s and family dinners. Uncle Bob was a kind and caring man and our family will miss him.
Bob & my husband Bob Squire were
boyhood pals. I met Bob & Shirley later and the 4 of us became fast friends. Bob was a generous, smart and compassionate man. If we needed anything at all or had a problem Bob & Shirley would go out of their way and be there for us.
The news that our friend had passed away was just unbelievable. We are so very sad but with so much love dear friend we hope that you rest in peace as you so deserve.
Love,
Bob & Denise Squire
Nelson, B.C.
So many memories, having known Bob since public school days. How fortunate I was to have lunch with Shirley and Bob before Xmas, sharing fishing stories from long ago with Bob.
Heartfelt condolences to Shirley and family.
Larry Squire, Port Hope.
Shirley and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all at this sad time.
Coleen Jones
Bob was a friend of my family and was always kind, friendly, caring. We were fortunate to have lunch with Bob and Shirley and other friends before Xmas. I’m thinking about his family and friends at this difficult time. Sincerely, Bev
Our condolences to Shirley, family and friends.
Bob and I met some ten years ago at the Blenheim Skeet range. We soon found out that we shared a lot of common interests in hunting, fishing and target shooting. Thus a good friendship emerged. We enjoyed shooting at the Blenheim, Delaware and Sarasota clubs. We even took a trip to Pennsylvania to buy a shotgun. When on vacation we had an unexpected chance to meet up for an enjoyable evening in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In addition numerous BBQ’s and dinners with the wives further embellished the relationship. From my perspective, Bob was a kind, generous and respectful person whom I shall sincerely miss.
Hugh and Joanne Carrothers
Shirly, so sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you!
Bob was an awesome man!
TRACY and DAN SMITH
Shirley & family , our deepest condolences on the passing of Bob . I wish I was there in person but am in Florida so please know Shirley that you are in my thoughts. Bob and yourself have always been such a huge part of our families life . Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Janet & family
My condolences to Shirley and Family and the Durell team.
I started working with Bob around 40 years ago when he was still on the tools. Many memories transforming our hvac systems at Fanshawe. Always a professional and quick with a joke.
He will be missed.
Wayne Sippola
Our sincere condolences to Shirley and the family. I regret not finding the time to reach out to one of my two oldest friends Bob & Cliff. My memories of saturday nights at Grandad Doug Woods basement when he skinned the bunnies they had hunted that day are firmly ingrained in my memory. He taught Bob and Cliff the safety of guns and to be true sportsmen in their hunting pursuits. Bob was a quiet leader and a thoughtful teenager even. He and Cliff are my oldest friends from Victoria Public School.
Terry & Linda Donohue
We’re very glad that we were able to meet Bob and get a better picture of Paul’s family. I think he inherited some good qualities from his father, which makes him such a good partner for Shauna. Please accept our sincere condolences on his passing. We are very sorry for your loss and hope you can stay strong through all the new changes it will mean,
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob & Shirley when I worked at Fanshawe College and see his keen interest in control systems, his generosity and kindness along with Shirley. My condolences.