Obituary of Robert "Bob" Fenlon

Those attending mass are asked to wear a mask in consideration for the health of Gloria Fenlon.

Those that are unable to attend the mass can watch the livestream at the following link:

https://youtu.be/8QzQBEMLVsI

Fenlon, Robert J. (Bob) at Chatham Ontario, May 5 2022, age 94.  Son of the late Thomas and Anna Mae Fenlon.  Beloved husband of Gloria (nee Corbeil), dear father of Shawn Christensen (Poul), Timothy Fenlon (Michelle) of Winnipeg, Lauri Ann Fenlon (the late Brad Addison) of Vancouver, Ellen Murphy (Charles) of Ottawa.  Loving Grandad to Ian, Anne, Michael, Karyn, Christopher, Brendan, Kate, Sean and Marc.  Great Grandad to Eva, Rowan C., Romy, Evan, Francis, Will, Charlie and Rowan A. Survived by his sister Doreen Culp of San Ramone, California and his brother Bert Fenlon of Thunder Bay, and countless nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his siblings Bernice Clarke, Tom Fenlon, Ella Mae Kelly, Bill Fenlon, Frank Fenlon, and Rosemary Bentz.

Bob was born in Port Arthur, Ontario August 27, 1927, just seconds after his identical twin brother, Bill.  He attended St. Andrew’s School where he and Bill had great fun standing in for each other to torment the good nuns.  At 18 he met the love of his life, Gloria, at the Catholic Youth Club.  He decided that night that she was the one.  They celebrated their 72^nd wedding anniversary three weeks ago after 77 years together.  Theirs was an extraordinary marriage, full of love and laughter.  They were all things to each other, inseparable until Gloria’s move to long term care.  It is no surprise that Bob did not go on long without her by his side, dying only a few weeks later. 

Bob was a man of great intelligence, wit and curiosity, reading at least 3 papers a day and following breaking news at all hours.  His home was always full of the music he loved---Strauss waltzes, classical piano, and New Orleans jazz.  Bob had a gift for making people laugh, especially in tough moments.  He had a gift for storytelling and play; children were drawn to him.  All of his grandchildren stayed close, travelling long distances to visit.  His children remember long summers of diving from his shoulders into the waves at McKenzie Beach.

Bob had a long career, running a successful real estate business.  He was known for his integrity and commitment to his staff and clients.  Retiring at 60, he devoted his time to chairing the Housing Authority, to many other volunteer activities, including leading the drive to build a band shell in Waverley Park to bring music to others.

At the centre of Bob’s life was his Catholic faith and family.  He was a good man, generous with his love.  We will miss him, but love endures.

Visitation from 3 to 5, Thursday May 12 at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William Street South, Chatham.  Funeral mass St. Joseph’s Church, 180 Wellington St. West on Friday May 13 at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at St. Ursula’s Parish Hall, 205 Tweedsmuir Avenue West. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Epilepsy Canada or the Interfaith Caring Kitchen (please donate through funeral home) would be appreciated.