Obituary for Bob Joseph Beres
It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the peaceful passing of Bob Beres, in his 82nd year. Bob has left much behind – a legacy bigger than he knew and a family that loved him more than he could have ever dreamed. Bob was married to the love of his life, true best friend, and wife of 61 years, Margaret (nee Olah) and was beyond proud of their three cherished children: Deborah (John), Robert (Linda) and John (Debbie). Bob was also the best grandfather there ever was to Candace (Brett) and Simon (Nicole). As well, Bob was a Special papa to Jenieveve (Brian) and Ivan (Rose and the girls Hailey & Jessica). He was also a beloved big brother to siblings Mary Beres and John Beres (Bonnie) as well as brother-in-law to the Olah clan: Liz (Les), Paul (Rita), John (Irene), Joe (Debbie) and Cathy. Bob’s your uncle was true for a special group of nieces, nephews and several close friends. He was deeply loved by a large group of extended family, friends, colleagues, fellow church-goers, neighbours, King Hunt and Fish Club fellows, as well as community members.
Though he was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec in 1939 to parents Bert and Mary Beres, Bob’s home base was in Welland, Ontario. After caring for and giving his family his all, Bob poured his heart and soul into firefighting with the Welland Fire Department - a place that embraced him with fraternity and gave him many cherished lifelong friends. He retired in 1999. Bob was also a past President of the Welland Minor Hockey Association. He was especially fond of the King Hunt & Fish Club – and he loved spending time in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Additionally, Bob was actively involved in both Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church as well as the Sts. Peter and Paul Seniors Club.
When not involved in any of the aforementioned activities, clubs or groups – Bob loved woodworking and could usually be found in his garage: cigar at the mouth, heater on full, radio filling the room with static as he puttered away on his projects. He was an excellent storyteller who loved to share his many stories and life lessons with anyone who crossed his path. Whether he was telling you how he was once struck by lightning, hit by a car, a former boxing champion, or sharing tales of his time fishing on Pigeon Lake or moose hunting in Thunder Bay – the punchlines were somehow always the same. He ended each tale with two things: firstly, by either telling you that although he was born at night, it wasn’t last night or business is business but love is … another story. And secondly, with the biggest and purest smile on his face.
At his passing, Bob was keenly aware that his country and hometown were battling something much bigger than he’d ever fought himself. In light of the current situation and in lieu of gifts, Bob would have appreciated donations to Sts. Peter and Paul Building Fund.
His family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and hardworking staff at the Welland General Hospital for the outstanding care that they provided to Bob in his final days.
A mass and celebration of life will follow in post-pandemic times. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Building Fund (Fr. Mirek at sppchurch@bellnet.ca )
Though he was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec in 1939 to parents Bert and Mary Beres, Bob’s home base was in Welland, Ontario. After caring for and giving his family his all, Bob poured his heart and soul into firefighting with the Welland Fire Department - a place that embraced him with fraternity and gave him many cherished lifelong friends. He retired in 1999. Bob was also a past President of the Welland Minor Hockey Association. He was especially fond of the King Hunt & Fish Club – and he loved spending time in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Additionally, Bob was actively involved in both Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church as well as the Sts. Peter and Paul Seniors Club.
When not involved in any of the aforementioned activities, clubs or groups – Bob loved woodworking and could usually be found in his garage: cigar at the mouth, heater on full, radio filling the room with static as he puttered away on his projects. He was an excellent storyteller who loved to share his many stories and life lessons with anyone who crossed his path. Whether he was telling you how he was once struck by lightning, hit by a car, a former boxing champion, or sharing tales of his time fishing on Pigeon Lake or moose hunting in Thunder Bay – the punchlines were somehow always the same. He ended each tale with two things: firstly, by either telling you that although he was born at night, it wasn’t last night or business is business but love is … another story. And secondly, with the biggest and purest smile on his face.
At his passing, Bob was keenly aware that his country and hometown were battling something much bigger than he’d ever fought himself. In light of the current situation and in lieu of gifts, Bob would have appreciated donations to Sts. Peter and Paul Building Fund.
His family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and hardworking staff at the Welland General Hospital for the outstanding care that they provided to Bob in his final days.
A mass and celebration of life will follow in post-pandemic times. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Building Fund (Fr. Mirek at sppchurch@bellnet.ca )