Obituary of Robert Gerald "Bob" Schnekenburger

It is with a profound sense of loss that the family announces the passing of Robert “Bob” (R.G.) Schnekenburger, on July 31, 2016, at Parkwood Institute in London. He was 91. He will be best remembered by all who knew him for his quick wit and dry sense of humour. Bob was predeceased by his devoted wife of 65 years, Mary (nee Buttinger) in 2014. He leaves behind his children: Jerry, Gord (Joan), Connie Walker (Grant), Janet Doyle (Paul), and Rob (Connie). He was loved by his grandchildren: Ben (Ashley), Danielle, and Mick; Tracy (Steve), Terri (Jeff) and Jennifer; Darryl (Lori) and Dave; Erin, Jaclyn and Matt; and Ty and Cole. He will be dearly missed by his great grandchildren: Charlie, Carter, Jaylen, Jake, Avery, and Drew. Bob was born to the late Robert & Edith Schnekenburger. He was the brother of Patricia Benson (Mike), Donna Hoppe, and brother-in-law of Ann Burger. He was predeceased by brothers: Jack (the late Marg) Burger; Ray (the late Theresa); Ken; Don, and sisters Marge (the late Don) Revait and Virginia. He will be fondly remembered by the Buttinger family and their extended families. Uncle Bob will be remembered with a smile by numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was a veteran of World War II. He was born and raised on the family farm at Churchville in West Elgin where he and Mary farmed together for 55 years before moving into West Lorne. During this time, in addition to cultivating his passion for farming, he dabbled in harness racing where his most successful horse was “Little Robbie". Bob had a black and white attitude to life, and there was no mistaking where he stood on an issue. In keeping with his love of playing cards, his motto in life was, “you play the hand you're dealt”. He loved everything about life on the farm. He was blessed to have wonderful neighbors and friends both on the farm and at his home in West Lorne. He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish until his move to Parkwood in 2013. The family is profoundly grateful to Veterans Affairs Canada and to the medical and support staff of 3 Essex/Kent Veterans Care at Parkwood for their care and patience over the last 4 years. Friends and family will be received at DENNING’S OF WEST LORNE, 202 Main Street, West Lorne (519-785-0810) on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Royal Canadian Legion Branches 221 and 525 will conduct a service at the funeral home Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. followed by Catholic prayers by Fr. Jan Pochwala at 6:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made, payable by cheque, to the West Lorne Legion Branch 221, Rodney Legion Branch 525 or a charity of one’s choice. “I’m just a farmer, Plain and simple. Not of a royal birth, But rather, a worker of the earth I am a man who loves his job and the life I live For you see, I’m just a farmer Plain and simple” Online condolences accepted at www.denning.ca