Robert (Bob) Bridge
Bob passed from this world in the early hours of December 7, 2022, surrounded by family at Kenora hospital overlooking Lake of the Woods.
He is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy Chase; daughters Anne (Greg) and Elizabeth (Chuck), their mother Bonnie, granddaughter Eloise; sisters Mary and Margaret (Jim) and brother Ed; sisters-in-law Cassie and Myra Chase and Donna Kyle (Bill). Bob was predeceased by his son Robert in 1993.
Bob was born July 24, 1933, and grew up in Riverside (Windsor). Following overseas military service, he guided tours in the Canadian Rockies and managed a concert pianist duo touring virtually every state and province. After his first child was born, he earned a hospitality degree from Ryerson.
Bob’s career in provincial tourism development and marketing began in Halifax and took him to Kenora, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg, where he spent 20 years with Travel Manitoba while living in Sanford with his family.
Travel and tourism were also an avocation. In retirement, he and Dorothy travelled extensively and lived in Ellensburg, Wash. and McAllen, Texas, and spent a year teaching in South Korea at age 75. Home base for 26 years was Clearwater Bay, Ont.
Nature, wildlife, and habitat conservation were of enduring interest and concern for Bob. Out of doors, he was in his element: golfing, birding, hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and sailing Merlin on LOTW and Lake Superior with Dorothy and retrievers Sailor and Sailor II.
Exceedingly well-read, a great chef and host, a man of strong values and faith, he remained youthful, adaptable, and a proud Canadian attuned to world affairs.
Funeral service is Monday, Dec. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis R.C. Church, 912 Superior St., Keewatin, Ont. Reception to follow. Condolences may be left at alcockfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Ducks Unlimited or The Kenora Cat Shelter.
The family sincerely thanks all the excellent doctors at Keewatin Clinic, especially Shannon Wiebe, for their exceptional ongoing care. We also thank ER and second floor staff at LWDH for their recent compassionate care.