We are saddened to announce the passing of our father, Robert ‘Bob’ Shea on July 1, 2021.
Born in Lindsay, ON, he would marry his wife, Barbara in the summer of 1969. After short stops in Toronto and Saskatchewan, he would make Calgary his last stop in 1977.
Robert worked in the bindery industry his entire career, yet he was a jack of all trades – building two homes on his own for him and Barb to being the carpenter, electrician, mechanic and plumber for the entire family. Bob enjoyed his time in his workshop, always thinking of the next thing to build or fix. His Sunday ritual was sitting in the shop talking with his friend, Lorry about tools and Nascar while enjoying a Pepsi and cigarette. Other times he could be seen in his garage talking with his good neighbours, Ron and Pierre.
Robert leaves behind his wife, Barbara of 52 years; son Denny (Wendy); daughter, Jill (Chris) Anders; and his pride and joy grandkids, Ty, Nolan, Emma, & Lily; as well as nephews, Johnny & Paul (Simone); niece, Lisa (Shane) and his favourite brother-in-law, David Hines.
At the wishes of Bob, there will be no service. Instead, he would most likely have asked you to go and build something and he will be right there to guide you along the way.
Wendy Shea says
Bob, when I heard the sad news that you passed away, my heart dropped.. I am gonna miss you so very much, we all will miss you! Thank you for being such an amazing, loving, supportive Grandpa to all your Grandkids, I know they meant the world to you, and they were all so lucky to have you! Thank you for all your wisdom, your many stories and your helping hands, you were always there, ready to help or give guidance anytime anyone needed you.
I have many memories of you, but one that stands out is a simple one.. when you would phone me in the mornings, just to ask me what kinda trouble my cat Nico is causing me today.. I would laugh and tell you how much Nico is driving me crazy, and you would always chuckle and say “thats good, he is doing his job as a cat” ..I am so blessed I knew you, thank you for being a big part in our lives and for everything. I love you, rest well.
Emma says
Grandpa, the thought of you gone still doesn’t feel real to me. Whenever I think about you I just picture you downstairs in your chair watching TV or sleeping. I have a lot of memories of you but it’s the little things I know I’ll miss most, like when I’d hug you goodbye and you’d say “see you later alligator” or when you’d drive me to my school meet-ups, when you’d come upstairs and ask if I’m winning at bingo, the conversations we all had in Mom’s kitchen when you and dad would come over to paint or rearrange my bedroom and that time on my 13th birthday when you gave me all your chicken drumsticks because you knew I loved them. It’s all so hard right now because of the sudden change but I know you will be much happier being free in heaven rather than being in the same, sad, boring room at the hospital. You we’re a great grandpa and we are all going to miss you very much. I Love You. -Emma (aka babygirl)
David Hines says
To Barb, Denny and Jill and Bob’s four Grandchildren.
You have good reason to be proud of the fine man Bob was. It seems he could do just about anything that needed to be done.I really enjoyed the talks that we had which were not nearly enough. Talks about Lindsay and the people we knew, and of course our families. He helped me put the cedar exterior on my garage which is still there.
I’m thankful our two families got together more often lately, and i hope it does not stop. But I’m sure going to miss Bob and the genuine person he was and will always be. Thinking of you all, brother-in-law, David
Jill Anders says
Dad,
Still so hard to believe you’re gone, but I am reminded of you constantly throughout our home with all the renovations you did for us. You were always ready to help me with any project I may have and only excepted a Pepsi as payment lol. I am missing your long phone conversations now and how you never forgot to call me every morning on my birthday. Our garden will forever be known as Grandpa’s Garden. Your son-in-law Chris always had a great respect for you and will miss taking you out to ride in the combine or up to the farm shop for guy chat. Nolan will miss helping you set up your computers and your sheer interest in all things he was doing. Lily will miss you making her toast with strawberry jam in the mornings at your house and sitting with her as she showed you her games. You were an amazing grandpa to all the grandkids and a ‘really good dad’ as I whispered to you many times. A great sadness is left, but the white butterflies that surround me each day, remind me that you’re not really gone.
Love your daughter, Jill
Keith Thornton says
To all the Shea Family.
I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing.
He and I became great friends in April/May of 1979. I was brought out from Toronto to Calgary to run the edition book line at Economy Bookbindery in April of 79 and Bob joined shortly thereafter. We hit it off immediately. We also knew many of the same people in the bindery business but we had never worked together.
I stayed at the Blackfoot Inn and Bob, through the week, stayed at a hotel at Glenmore and Mcleod Tr which name escapes me now. We had many meetings after work at the Glenmore Inn. Wonderful times!!
As things happen we kind of lost touch after the run at Economy bookbindery but I did see him again at Sundog printing and we caught up a little bit.
Just wanted you all to know, as you said, he was a very talented guy and between the two of us we manufactured 1.2 million hard covered books for the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund. We also had a great time doing it!!!
Rest in Peace Bob.