Memorial Trees
T
The Smiths
June 28, 2024
K
Ken & Sharon Weitzel
June 28, 2024
D
Donna Ainslie & Family
June 28, 2024
A
Anonymous
June 27, 2024
Memorial trees planted for:
Robert John McTAVISH
<p>Robert John McTavish, P.Eng.(retired)</p><p>September 9, 1932 - June 25, 2024</p><p><br></p><p>Robert John (Bob) McTavish arrived kicking and screaming on Sept 9, 1932, eldest of 7 children born to Donald & Lillian McTavish in North Easthope township. His grit and determination were valuable from the first in surviving an at-home blood transfusion following his birth at the family farm before these were an established practice - fortunately for all of us, that long-shot worked!</p><p><br></p><p>While Bob was attending U of Toronto (Civil Eng ‘55), his sister Donna, taking very seriously her responsibility to ensure her brother was well looked after in life, introduced him to her TGH nursing school roommate Mary (nee Powell) who became the love of his life and wife for 68 years. </p><p><br></p><p>Bob’s work life included at least 3 careers. As a professional engineer in heavy construction, he began working in 1955 with Dravo Corp in Pittsburgh and eventually returned to Stratford Ontario as General Manager for Gaffney Construction, retiring in the mid-1990’s. His career in municipal politics began in 1985 when he was first elected to township council and lasted until he retired, again, in 2010. During that time he served as Reeve of North Easthope council for 9 years, Mayor of Perth East (2000-2006) and Warden of Perth County in 1993. He stood as a federal Liberal candidate in 1979, 1980, and 2011 elections. Beginning in 1965 he ran a family farm in North Easthope with support from his father and brothers (and the kids of course, but that was sporadic at best). In all of his work, he cared deeply about ethical and professional practice, protecting the land, mentoring new professionals, and planning for the future.</p><p><br></p><p>Bob and Mary were an active team, both deeply committed to contributing to their community and serving on many boards and committees. In the mid-60’s Bob was one of the group of local school board trustees for 8 one-room schoolhouses who built North Easthope Public school in 1967. In the 70’s he served as trustee and Chair of Perth County School Board. He was President of the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (1976); member and Chair of the Stratford General Hospital Board during the 80’s and 90’s; member and Treasurer of the Stratford Festival Board of Governors (1991-97); a founding member of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation; an elder of Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, contributing at Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly levels until 2022. In each of these positions (and others), Bob brought his wealth of knowledge, commitment to workable and practical problem-solving, and willingness to listen and learn from others to addressing important issues of the day at local, provincial, and national levels for almost 60 years. He wanted to make a positive difference in the world and he did that in so many ways. </p><p><br></p><p>At least as important to him and his family were his roles as Dad and (Great) Grandpa Bob. He always had our backs, even when he thought we were making mistakes, and was always there when we needed his help and presence. He was open to changing social norms and welcomed discussions with younger generations about the current issues in their worlds. He loved to tell a good story, had a wonderful sense of humour, and was a great listener. He appreciated passionate debate, loved the opportunity to teach kids a new skill, and would quietly provide assistance behind the scenes asking only, in many instances, that it be paid forward.</p><p><br></p><p>Our world is a little bleaker without him, but we know we carry so much forward that is him. Bob was predeceased by his parents, daughter Jen (2015), granddaughter Kaylee Bell (1988), and great-grandson Lucas Ashbourne (2013). He leaves his children Lynda (Dan Ashbourne), Sheila (John Bell), Duncan (Sandie), Alec (Sam), and son-in-law Bob Dingman; grandchildren Jade (Kim), Bryan, and Emily (Hunter) Ashbourne, Terry (Emily), Bob (Krissy), and Jesse (Andrea) Bell, Jillian (Eric), and Meggy (Cody) McTavish, Hayden and Lindsay McTavish, and Cameron and William Dingman; and the little folks who brought a big sparkle to his eyes, great grandchildren Evan, Kenzie, Liam, Aidan, Teddy, Adelaide, Isla, Stella, Hollis, Jack, Knox, and Kaylee Allison.</p><p><br></p><p>He also leaves his siblings (and their families) Donna (Bob d. 2014), Laura (Tom d. 2019), Marian (Ron), Murray (Charlotte), Stuart (Susan), and Hugh (Kelly).</p><p><br></p><p>We would like to thank the PSWs who assisted Bob at home and, in recent months, at West Perth Village (WPV) with great care and respect - John, Sandy, Jameer, Carly, Leigh, and occasional others from Leslie’s Support Solutions, as well as the staff at WPV and Stratford Rotary Hospice.</p><p><br></p><p>Relatives and friends will be received in the Francis Funeral Home, 77 Woodstock St. N. Tavistock on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-9pm. Funeral service will be conducted at the Shakespeare Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 2:00pm. Internment in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Cemetery will follow. Reception to follow at the Shakespeare Optimist Hall.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stratford Community Foundation "Donald McTavish Fund" or the Stratford General Hospital Foundation or the charity of ones choice would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences can be posted at www.francisfh.ca</p>September 9, 1932 - June 25, 202409/09/193206/25/2024
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