Robert 'Bob' Clement

Robert (Bob) Young Clement passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023 at the Wallaceburg Retirement Residence. He was born January of 1945 to Olive and George Clement. He leaves behind his wife Lauretta (Sands) Clement, his brother Gregory (Susan), sister Patricia (Peter), Reta’s children Marla, Summer and Kendall. He was loved by and will be missed by many nieces and nephews and 4 step-grandchildren. Bob faced many challenges in his life but in the end he made a good life for himself and rarely complained. He was an excellent student academically but in grade thirteen he became ill with a near fatal infection around his heart muscle. In spite of not being able to write his grade thirteen exams he was accepted by the University of Western Ontario and later accepted into Medical School there. However, in the second year of Medical School he developed Schizophrenia and needed hospitalization. In spite of this, he was able to finish university with a teaching degree and ultimately opted for a better suiting job, working for the Ontario Department of Transportation. With years of treatment and lifelong medication, he was able to work productively and retired after a complete and rewarding career. Bob was also a good athlete. As a young man and into his middle age he enjoyed playing tennis, winter badminton and occasional golf. He had a close group of friends - his tennis and badminton buddies, his bridge group, his Tim Horton’s coffee group, people in the Rotary and his very good friend Ken Dickson without whom he would have never been able to stay at home for so long. He seemed to pick up new friends in each stage of his life. Bob was also a strong family man. He was a loving son and cared for his mother as she got into her later years, first in their shared home and later as she entered the Sydenham Residence. He always made sure to have weekly telephone contact with his brother and sister and daily FaceTime with his brother for the past few years. His nieces and nephews especially remember the trips he took them on, the many boat and car rides along the river, the summer family vacations and all the holiday get-togethers. He was blessed to meet and marry Reta in his later years and together they had a busy and full life. Reta was a good companion and she offered him a whole new set of experiences through her many contributions to the Native Language Community. Thanks to Reta he was able to play the Grandfather role to Wiishkpimin and Zhaazhaawan. He enjoyed their antics and their company. Reta and Rob celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2022 with a close group of friends and family. Because of ongoing health issues he moved to the Wallaceburg Retirement Residence in 2023. Although he was in constant pain and his mobility was limited he enjoyed the Residence - the food, the care he got, the activities and entertainment such as the bible study, exercise class and special musical groups. He especially enjoyed his almost daily visits with Reta either at the residence or back at the house on Dundas Street where he was raised and spent most of his 78 years. Rob will be missed. Family and Friends are invited for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231), on Wednesday January 3, 2024 from noon until the time of his funeral at 1 pm. Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Following the interment, everyone is invited to the Cavanagh Reception Centre, 416 Nelson Street, for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca. If you wish to make a donation in Rob’s memory, please consider the Walpole Island Women’s Shelter.