Robert Ernest Collet passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2024. Robert (Bob) was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Bob was born on June 2, 1936, in Toronto, Ontario.
Bob was a draftsman by trade designing steel for Ferro Steel in Georgetown, Ontario where he proudly talked about all the buildings and structures that he worked on including buildings and rollercoasters at Canada’s Wonderland, additions to our home church in Georgetown, and parts of the CN Tower and the SkyDome, now known as the Rogers Centre in Toronto. He also designed and helped build two of his own homes in Georgetown. Bob and Gail moved to Florida for five years where he proudly wore a NASA badge while working for the Kennedy Space Centre designing parts of the space shuttle. Bob still worked from home designing steel for buildings up until a few years ago!
Bob was a generous soul who would do anything for anyone. He loved to fix things and build things. He was always just a phone call away in Port Elgin where he lived in a small but close-knit retirement community. Even at 87 he was a member of the property committee at his new home church, St. Paul’s United in Thunder Bay.
Competition seemed to be something he couldn’t shake whether it be a simple game of cribbage, backgammon, euchre, bridge, or a round of golf.
Bob loved music. His car always blasted Glen Miller and big band music from the 40’s and at home or in public he played a mean harmonica and spoons. In Port Elgin, he joined the Port Elgin United Church choir singing Tenor with his new friends. When he moved to Thunder Bay four years ago, he started singing with the St. Paul’s United Church choir as well as the Silver Sound Choir.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Gail Collett. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by children Philip (Liana), Paul, Diana (Deanna), Lesley (Jesse); siblings Garnet (Cindy), Ruby (Barney); grandchildren Jessica (Cale), Kristine, Scott, Taylor (Cassie), Kennedy (Kyle), Emery, Samantha, Silvia and great grandchild Ellie.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church on Waverley Street. Join by Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87025503383?pwd=NVE1NXpBYVRjRHBSS1drT1FpYlVRdz09 Meeting ID: 870 2550 3383 Passcode: 455859
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Diabetes Society, the 55 Plus Centre, or to St. Paul’s United Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
