Robert Mowbray

Obituary

Robert ‘Bob” Mowbray died peacefully in his sleep, after a long period of declining health, at Gateway Haven long term care home in Wiarton, Ontario. Robert was predeceased by his father Herman Mowbray (1954) and his dear mother Eileen Murphy (Mowbray) (1994) and step- father George Murphy. Robert was the loving husband, best friend, and business partner of Valerie Mowbray for 57 years, but their love started years before they were married, when they took each other to grade eight graduation. Robert was the loving father to Michael Mowbray (Eleanor Mowbray) and Chad Mowbray (Kara Mowbray). Robert was an endearing grandfather to Zachary Mowbray-Hewlett (Kodey Hewlett-Mowbray), Max Mowbray (Cassidy Mowbray), Candace Heipel (Colton Heipel), Maggie Mowbray, and Aaron Mowbray.

Robert started his career in retail at a very young age taking a job at Canadian Tire when he was 14 years old to help support his family. Robert worked through various jobs until he became a manager of a Zellers store. Robert’s time with Zellers took the family across the country and out to British Columbia. Robert and the family moved to various towns as Robert was given responsibility for many different stores in mainland B.C. Robert, and his life-long partner, Valerie then decided to go into business for themselves and move back to Ontario after purchasing a Stedmans franchise in Huntsville, Ontario. This eventually led to a Stedmans franchise in Englehart, Ontario. After an unfortunate fire, the family rebuilt and opened Mowbray’s True Value, V&S. Robert then returned to his Canadian Tire roots by joining his son, Michael who now owned a Canadian Tire store in Wawa. Robert continued to work for his son Michael in Port Elgin, before finally retiring.

Robert taught by example and the store was the classroom. He taught us that there is always time to get one more thing done at work. We can always do better at work to increase sales or to improve the bottomline. We always try to give the customer, no matter who they are, what they need even if that means more work for us. Do the best job you can, no matter the task, even if that is sweeping the floor. There is always time for a conversation with friends and colleagues. There is always time for coffee. There is always time to chat with someone, and there is always time for a laugh over a joke or anecdote. Anyone who met Robert will always remember his laugh. It could be heard across the store and it was infectious. Robert was always fond of a joke and teasing. You knew it was coming by that glint in his eye.

Thank you for everything Robert. We will miss you.

A private family celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Tire JumpStart – Port Elgin Chapter. Donations can be made through Eagleson Funeral Home by mailing a cheque made out to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Port Elgin to Eagleson Funeral Home.