Anderson, Robert Steven 'Bob'

The world became a little quieter on February 8th, 2026 when Robert ‘Bob’ Steven Anderson died at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound surrounded by his family at the age of 73.

Born in Hamilton on December 3, 1952, to the late Dorothy (nee Truman) and John ‘Jack’ Anderson. Bob attended McMaster University and earned a degree in Fine Arts before marrying the love of his life, Orleen (nee Hunter) in March of 1979, in Thornbury.

A man who followed “the lay of the land” in all things, Bob forged his own paths—whether on woodland trails, in a canoe through still water, or in the workshop where he pursued perfection in woodwork and cabinetry. He spent many cherished times at his cabin on Lake Memesagamasing, building sheds, boats, furniture, and memories. He loved being out on the water, playing hockey, reading, motorcycle trips, listening to music played loud and sitting quietly on the land. He taught those around him to measure twice, cut once, and trust the work of their own hands.

Bob faced illness with the same determination he brought to every challenge in life. Though he was not ready to go, and those who loved him were not ready to let him go, his legacy of strength, love, craftsmanship and adventure lives on.

Bob left behind his wife of 47 years, Orleen and their children and families; Sally (Liz), Jane (Sean and grandchildren Flynn, Rowan and Jack) and Steven (Lauren); his brother John Anderson (Margaret), brother-in-law John Hunter (Debby) and multiple nieces and nephews, beloved relations and chosen family.

A gathering will take place on July 18, 2026 at Maple Home Farms, 827297 Grey Road 40, Clarksburg from 2 until 5 p.m. with reflections at 3 o’clock.

Donations in memory of Bob may be made to Grey Bruce Hospice ‘Chapman House’ in Owen Sound or the Bruce Trail Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

 

Details

A gathering will take place on July 18, 2026 at Maple Home Farms, 827297 Grey Road 40, Clarksburg from 2 until 5 p.m. with reflections at 3 o’clock.

Make a donation in memory of Robert Steven 'Bob' Anderson

Donations: Grey Bruce Hospice 'Chapman House' or the Bruce Trail Foundation
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home


Memories & Messages of condolence

  1. Sandra & Randy Pyatt
    Thursday, February 12, 2026

    Dear Orleen, Sally, Jane, Steven & Families

    We are deeply saddened to read of Bob’s passing. The tribute is beautifully written and the pictures are lovely. Cherish your many wonderful memories as they will help is your times of sadness and grief.
    Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, however, love leaves memories no one can steal.
    xo

    Reply
    1. Maureen Munden
      Friday, February 13, 2026

      This is sad news. We love your family, I have loved seeing your recent adventures on the road. Bob and your entire family always seemed to show the rest of us how it is done, a good life, a full life, a meaningful journey on the planet. Sending you love.

      Reply
  2. Catherine Smart
    Thursday, February 12, 2026

    Dear Orleen and family:

    We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. Please know that we are holding you close in our hearts during this tender time.

    Kind regards,
    Cathy Smart & Steve Couchman

    Reply
  3. shelly Harrison
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen and family
    we are so sorry for your loss, cherish those great memories

    Shelly and Dan Harrison and family

    Reply
  4. Darlene Diver
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time

    Reply
  5. Gary Dillon
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen and family
    Bev and I were very saddened to hear of Bobs passing. Our hugs and condolences to you all.
    Gary and Beverlee Dillon

    Reply
  6. Todd R. Woods
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen I am saddened and shocked by the news of Bob’s passing. I am so grateful for everything both you and Bob did for me when I came to apprentice under Bob after retirement from the Army. His patient and fatherky advice as well as guidance helps me to this day.
    My sincerest condolences to you and the family. The world has become a little less brighter without him.

    Reply
  7. Linda Teed
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orlean and Family
    Hold on to the memories, the smiles and the quiet times you had together as a family. Bob was a wonderful carpenter and person. Thinking of you.
    Linda Teed

    Reply
  8. Gary & Sharon Long
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen and family.
    Gary & I are sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great man and enjoyed the chats and many hockey games playing with him.
    Cherish the many memories to help you make it through this difficult time.

    Reply
  9. Catherine Schnarr
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Dear Orleen and family,

    Jim and I were greatly saddened at Bob’s passing. We are sorry for your loss and grieve with you. We remember fun times together at the lake, in particular last summer around a bottle of bubbly for John and Margaret’s Anniversary. I love that photo you sent of the six of us. We will keep you and the kids in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through these changing times ahead.

    Reply
  10. Ken & Wilma Wilson
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Thinking of you Orleen and your family. Peace be with you all.

    Reply
  11. Donna and Jamie
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    We want to express our deepest condolences to your family for the loss of Bob. Remember the good times and hold the memories in your hearts. Ease your sorrow with thoughts of Bob in a beautiful place surrounded by ones that loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Donna and Jamie.

    Reply
  12. Erika & Bob Gillis
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Dear Orleen and family
    Our sincerest condolences on Bob’s passing. Remembering many hockey games together…

    Reply
  13. Susan Hoadley
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Dear Orleen and family, we are sending our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Bob. He fought his battle with cancer bravely and will be sorely missed. Our hearts sends you you a hug. Susan & Perry

    Reply
  14. JEFF TRUMAN
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    My condolences to all the Anderson’s and other families. Nice to read about someone that enjoyed their life!

    Reply
  15. Sam Reimer
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    I’m so glad I got to meet Bob a few times up here in the Yukon. Love you guys.

    Reply
  16. Rodger Phelps Truman
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen, kids, John & Margaret. It’s always tough to lose a cousin you liked. Many sympathies! Sincerely, Rodger Truman.

    Reply
  17. Jeanette (Blackburn) Evans
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    So sorry for your loss Orleen.
    May Gods love surround and strengthen you and your family. ❤️

    Reply
  18. Doug and Gwenda Eagles
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Orleen ,and the family .
    Cherish those memories that will last forever.

    Reply
  19. Peggy Plonka
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    I’m very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing Orleen. My sympathies are with you and your family.

    Reply
  20. Anne Culertson
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    The world has lost a truly great guy! My love and prayers are with you all. Orleen the memories will be forever with you Annie

    Reply
  21. Gary & Lori Carscadden
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen & family, sending our deepest sympathies & prayers at this most difficult time. Cherish your memories and let them help heal you in the coming days. Take care

    Reply
  22. Doug & Denyse
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Sending our sincere sympathy to you Orleen and your family at this difficult time.

    Reply
  23. Irene webster
    Friday, February 13, 2026

    Orleen and family,
    I was sorry to see that Bob has passed away. He fought a long tough battle and made the best of each day. I know that you will have many wonderful memories with family and friends. Cherish all your memories.
    Irene

    Reply
  24. Pork Carruthers
    Saturday, February 14, 2026

    Orleen and Family

    I was so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing….Donna Lee and I are sending you our deepest condolences and big hugs. I have many memories of Bob, winter camping, playing guitar together, XC skiing but I cherish the motorcycle ride we did this past summer, riding gravel & some dubious double track stopping to enjoy a beer together in the middle of a field..enjoying the sun, silence and view together. He will be sorely missed. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss.
    Love Pork

    Reply
  25. Sandy Tremblay
    Saturday, February 14, 2026

    To Orleen, Jane, Sally and Steven.
    So sorry for your loss. I keep wonderful memories of Bob as I’m sure you do too. My sincere sympathies to all of you. My thoughts are with you in these difficult times.

    Reply
  26. Val Ford
    Saturday, February 14, 2026

    Dear Orleen and your family.
    I was so saddened to hear the passing of Rob. May you hold on to your cherished memories and the love you shared. Big hugs to you all.

    Reply
  27. Sharon & Preston Owen
    Saturday, February 14, 2026

    Orleen, Sally, Jane, Steven and your families.
    I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Hold onto one another and lean on people closest to you for support. Be thankful for the wonderful memories and laughter you have shared with Bob. My heart goes out to you all. ❤️
    Sharon & Preston Owen

    Reply
  28. Deb& Steve Prosser
    Sunday, February 15, 2026

    Orleen& family, We are so sorry you had to say your final goodbye to your life partner & Dad. Steve has many great memories of Winter Camping & playing Guitar with Bob. I enjoyed my chats with Bob, always learning something from him. I was in awe of his sense of adventure & a life well lived. Great love brings great grief, you& your family are in our hearts at this time, sending you love & hugs, love Deb& Steve Prosser, xoxo

    Reply
  29. Wendy mcculloch
    Sunday, February 15, 2026

    Orleen and Family. I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Sending love and blessings at such a difficult time. Bob was such a great teacher to Brandon when he was first learning the fine art of cabinetry. Cherished memories.
    Wendy and Karl McCulloch

    Reply
  30. Valerie Shaw
    Sunday, February 15, 2026

    I am so very sorry to hear that you lost the love of your life. So may wonderful memories to be cherished. My deepest condolences.

    Valerie Shaw

    Reply
  31. Sylvia McMurchy
    Sunday, February 15, 2026

    So sorry for the loss of a good man cherish all the memories and photos love Harvey and Sylvia McMurchy

    Reply
  32. James Hindle
    Monday, February 16, 2026

    The people of the Beaver valley will always have fond memories of Bob, his great personality and craftmanship and love of all.A truly fine soul has passed to another relm.

    Reply
  33. Marion Mower
    Monday, February 16, 2026

    Orleen, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that I am thinking of you during this very difficult time.
    Marion Mower

    Reply
  34. Sherry Kerst
    Monday, February 16, 2026

    Dear Orleen and Family
    Sending my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. May you cherish the memories and love you shared.
    Sherry Kerst

    Reply
  35. Ian Douglas
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026

    Dear Orleen and family,
    Whenever I hear a loon call, I will remember Bob. So many wonderful memories of fine friend.
    Ian Douglas

    Reply
  36. Paul von Martels
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026

    Orleen, Sally, Jane and Steven,

    I was heartbroken to hear the news of Bob’s passing and want to share my deepest condolences. Although it has been many years since we were last together, my memories of Bob are still vivid. I remember rolling into the driveway in Clarksburg and seeing him emerge from the woodshop to greet us, touring us around the island, and teaching us canoe technique and night skiing at Blue Mountain.

    At Nana and Papa’s house (Les and Gladys), we were blessed with many “Cousin Bob” original pieces of furniture, including a bed frame with a pencil sketch adorning its top, made specifically for grandchildren’s sleepovers. Hands-down, Nana’s prized piece – I know because she specifically told me.

    I am incredibly fortunate to have had Cousin Bob in my life. His passion for nature and the way it shaped our experiences left a lasting influence on me.

    My deepest sympathy.

    Paul von Martels

    Reply
  37. Debbie Von Martels
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026

    He was such a gentle force and a dear cousin who was a huge part of my childhood! We send big hugs and love to all the family.

    Reply
  38. Denise Jackman
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026

    Oh Orleen… so sorry to hear of the Love of your Lifes’ passing. I never had the pleasure to meet him. He must have been an amazing man to get your Heart and run with it. My condolences to you and family, my Old times Friend.

    Reply
  39. Sharanne MacDonald
    Wednesday, February 25, 2026

    Dear Orleen

    My sincere condolences to you and your family. Bob and you had.a long term relationship with his illness. I am fortunate to have a piece of Bob’s craftsmanship.Vividly recall the first time Bob came to an overnight came with our youth group- many years ago. Cherish the many memories you have and surround yourself with family and friends.My deepest sympathy

    Reply

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