GREGORY, Robert F. “Bob” – Peacefully at McCormick Home on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 in his 86th year. Beloved husband for 63 years of Isabelle “Tody” Gregory. Loving father of Mike Gregory and his wife Lara Naregatsian, and Jennifer Weber and her husband Scott. Dear Grandpa of Katie, Brett and Max.
Bob was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario until his teen years when the family moved to Goderich, Ontario in 1952 to open a greenhouse and flower shop. He met Tody in high school where they became fast friends, which then led to a lifelong love story when they made it official on March 14th 1959.
Bob started his career in London, Ontario at the London Police Force in 1958. In 1968, Bob changed careers to join Dampier Flowers to become a florist working for Ted Dampier until 1982 when he and Tody bought the business until its closing in 2003. One may say that Jennifer’s love of flowers comes from her own father’s love of floristry. Both Mike and Jennifer, and their respective spouses, were honored when he designed the flower themes arrangements for their weddings.
Because community was important to Bob, he gave back to London through his membership in the Centennial Lodge #684, Scottish Rite, and the Mocha Shrine when his most active years were in the 1970s and 1980s.
During his childhood, Bob became an avid train and model railroader enthusiast, which he passed on to his own son. His love of trains was so strong that it led him to build a model railroad in the family garden. At the same time, one of Bob’s favourite activities when he was younger was going to the movies with his own dad to watch Disney cartoons. Every holiday season, Bob and his wife used to make and sell wreaths to raise money for the yearly family vacation as frequent guests at Disney World where he got to do what he loved best – spend time with his wife and kids.
One of Bob’s most favourite hobbies was woodworking, including the role of ‘handyman’ and ‘builder of things’. Then there was the summer of 1985 when Bob and Mike built the backyard tiki bar to go along with the pool and pool house where the kids enjoyed many a pool party with their friends.
Family was everything to Bob. His cherished times included spending quality time caring for Katie and Brett when they were preschoolers. Some of his fondest memories were family trips with Grandma and the kids driving through car washes and afterwards heading to McDonalds for an ice cream. His experience playing football led to bonding with Max who he loved to go watch play.
Visitation on Sunday, September 11 from 2-3 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St at Richmond. A Masonic Memorial Service under the auspices of Centennial Lodge #684 AF&AM will be held in the funeral home on Sunday at 1:30 pm. Graveside service at Birr Cemetery on Monday, September 12 at 11 am. Memorial contributions to McCormick Care Foundation is appreciated.