Robert Arthur Grimm
Traveller, Teacher, Rebel

Bob was born in Evanston, Illinois, on June 14, 1947, the second son of Richard and Jackie Grimm, who would soon move their growing family to Oakville, Ontario. It would not be the last time Bob ventured across the Canada–U.S. border. His dual nationality—characterized by a love of both countries and countless cross-border relationships—would help shape a generous and wholly independent way of looking at the world. After a storied childhood and youth spent in Oakville, Bob attended the University of Western Michigan to play hockey and complete a Bachelor’s degree in Science. From there he attended Queen’s University in Kingston to play football and complete a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He taught at Boyne River Natural Science School before joining the family business, Primeau Argo Block.A born leader and an entrepreneur at heart, Bob prided himself on finding progressive solutions to his industry’s many challenges. He spent the last three years at Walker Aggregates Inc., where he made many friends and found overwhelming support and encouragement.

Bob was as genuine as they come. He had a keen bullshit detector and an unending curiosity for things off the beaten trail. He was known for his strength, both physical and mental, complemented by an openness and sensitivity. He was also known for an innate cool, a passion for music (especially jazz) and devotion to the Chicago Bears. Friends and family will remember his unyielding loyalty, determination, mischievousness, obstinacy, and, above all, his love of a good time.

Bob left us on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, finally leaping onto that grand fishing boat to join the many good friends who await him. There to see him off was his great love and soul mate, Bonnie. He will be deeply missed by his parents, Dick (Karen) and Jackie Grimm; his siblings Dick, Jan, Mary (he was predeceased by his brother John) and their families; and by his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren: Brandon and Erin Grimm (Gabe and Harrison); Amy and Tyler Spence (Marley and Sam); Chris Keen and Denise Montgomery (Douglas and Severn); Andy Keen and Kelly Pullen (Phoebe and “Little Bobby”). He’ll be remembered by an extensive network of friends, from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Oakville, and Toronto to Calgary and Vancouver; from Michigan and Ohio to South Carolina, Florida, Texas and beyond.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Frendo and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Family Health Team; Princess Margaret Hospital, in particular Drs. Gail Darling, Rebecca Wong and Geoffrey Liu, as well as the incredible staff in the chemotherapy and radiation clinics; the exceptional caregivers from the CCAC and ProWellness in Niagara; and our amazing friends for all their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation’s new Walker Family Cancer Centre. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 2 p.m., at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 47 Byron St., Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Online Guest Register available at www.morganfuneral.com