The family of Bob McQuay of Barrie, Ontario is deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 5th at the age of 81 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 31 years, Marlene; daughters: Elizabeth (Steven Pearse), and Penny (Jason Farrow); stepson: Michael Beaman; grandchildren: Zachary, Cassandra, Logan, Parker, Jade and Cole; brothers, John (Beverley) McQuay; Jim (Neila) McQuay; and sister, Betty Leroux (John); as well as numerous relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 26 years, Selby-Jean; and his parents: William McQuay and Georgina (nee Duncan) McQuay.
Bob was born in Peterborough and grew up in Orillia, Ontario. One of four siblings, he often shared stories of the mischief they would get up to together. He played sports and the trumpet in high school and lived on the same street as Gordon Lightfoot. He was proud to become a constable with the Ontario Provincial Police and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. During part of that time he served as one of the OPP’s golden helmets and led parades for royalty such as Queen Elizabeth and the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau. He worked for various OPP detachments including Bracebridge, West-Carleton and Barrie. He had a palomino horse that he showed with Selby during the early part of their marriage and always loved to fish and go moose hunting in the fall. He was known to go pickerel fishing near Severn Bridge and after moving to Braeside, Ontario, caught a few muskelunge on the Ottawa River. As a lover of music and singing, he joined the Braeside United Church choir where he sometimes showed up at the last minute to Sunday service in uniform and driving the police cruiser. Elizabeth and Penny fondly remember how he taught them to throw a football, play hockey, bait a fishing line and drive a car. Bob was a dedicated Toronto Maple Leafs Fan and Toronto Argonauts fan as well as a five pin bowler, slow pitch player and hockey player until his knees couldn’t take it. However that didn’t stop him from dancing his way into Marlene’s heart years later.
Bob loved to dance so taking Marlene out with friends Friday and Saturday nights became a regular occurrence. Together they enjoyed short driving trips, Sunday drives and lovely walks by the waterfront. Over the years they shared many wonderful moments and made beautiful memories together.
He was thrilled with the births of his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Unfortunately Parkinson’s disease started to limit his abilities and he found himself unable to do many things without assistance. After almost 25 years of fighting this illness, he found himself in the Bob Rumball Long Term Care Home. The staff was wonderful and I’ve heard that he loved to joke and share his sense of humour with them.
While we are sad to see him gone, we know that he is now at peace and no longer limited by this debilitating disease.
A Time to Remember Celebration of life will be held between 1 and 4pm , on Friday, June 14th, at Adams Funeral Home (445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie). During this time the family will be receiving guests, with light refreshments served in the reception lounge.
Interment will be held at a later date to be determined at St. Andrews and St. James Cemetery in Orillia.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Bob’s name to Parkinson Canada or another charitable organization of your choice.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf/Long Term Care Centre. Your caring and support for Bob will always be remembered.
Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca.