BARNES, Robert Bob Lyle Barnes

Robert “Bob” Lyle Barnes, 86, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at Blue Water Health in Sarnia, Ontario, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret; his sons David (Deborah) and Douglas (Loretta); and his five cherished grandchildren: Sarah, Amy, Brett, Nicholas, and Allison. He is also survived by his brother Lee (Patricia); his sister-in-law Dorothy Barnes; and his sister-in-law Judy Rintoul (Dennis Kenney). Bob was predeceased by his cherished daughter Jill; his parents Roy and Peggy Barnes; his sister Joanne (Terry Dupuis); and his brother Tom. He was lovingly known as “Uncle Bob” to many nieces and nephews. A respected entrepreneur, Bob opened Canada’s first KOA Campground in 1970 and later established Skate Country roller rinks in Sarnia-including roller rinks in Brampton and Scarborough. After a brief retirement, he developed Blue Water Country Retirement Resort in 1994, a community he proudly helped build and later called home. Bob valued friendship deeply. He loved traveling across North America with his close friends Ron and Jennifer Gordon and family, spending quality time with lifelong friends Lynn and Mary Jones, Dennis and Anita McKenzie, playing cards with Bob and Sheila Hart, and enjoying Scrabble with his friend Steve Burley. He generously supported local causes, including organizing the BAHA Conference for four consecutive years, raising funds for Blue Water Health and the Alzheimer Society. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Bluewater Country Retirement Resort, 5700 Blackwell Sideroad, Sarnia, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Blue Water Health or the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.

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