DRYDEN, Ontario - Bob Bunney was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Sept. 10, 1927, the third child of Royal Chelsea and Jean Moore-Bunney. He had two brothers and three sisters.
His grandparents were very instrumental in his childhood. His grandfather, Tom Falls, a timber baron with a stellar reputation, owned a former tourist lodge on Lake Shebandowan (outside of Thunder Bay). Bob, his siblings and cousins spent their summers there, canoeing and fishing; an idyllic childhood. His love of the outdoors was developed there and his grandfathers' timber business became his future career choice.
He had many summer jobs, but one of his favorites was guiding at a tourist camp in Sioux Lookout.
Bob was educated at Ridley College, St. Catherines, St. John's College in Winnipeg and his university of choice was Michigan Technological University in Houghton where he earned a bachelor of science degree in forestry. Bob was affiliated with Delta Sig fraternity.
Bob accepted a position with the Dryden Paper Company in 1951 after his university graduation and he and Joanne Koski were married in Houghton before moving to Dryden where they had resided for 60-plus years.
Bob loved the Upper Peninsula and every summer they would travel here to camp and visit family. Bob and Joanne took over a family camp in Twin Lakes, a small log cabin with an old-fashioned Finnish sauna. Bob often said those days were the sweetest. He traveled back for many years to attend Tech's Winter Carnival and to attend the Huskies hockey game (his alma mater team on which he had been a forward ).
His forestry career was challenging and rewarding. He was promoted to many higher positions over the years and retired as Woodlands Manager in 1991. Bob was always happiest with his bush boots on and going to the forest.
He was a man of high ethics, elegance and a deep sense of chivalry. He was the rock of the family, nurturing all four of his children. He deeply loved his wife, Joanne and the "kids," Laura (Henry), Karen (Bryan), Bob (Barb) and Susan (Ed). He delighted in the 10 grandchildren and every visit from them was a happy moment.
He was remembered at a funeral service on Feb. 20, 2012, in Dryden First United Church. His 10 grandchilden were his pallbearers. The eulogy was given by his daughter, Laura and son, Bob. Interment was in the Dryden Cemetery.
In his last months, family and friends surrounded him with love and we shared our great love and pride in him. We have lost our patriarch and the world has lost one of its brightest stars.
Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the Dryden Regional Health Centre Foundation through Stevens Funeral Home, P.O. Box 412, Dryden Ontario P8N 2Z1.
Sleep well, loving husband, father and grandfather.