FARRELL, Robert Bob Francis Farrell

Bob was born in Woodstock on December 2, 1940, the youngest son of Isabelle and Ted Sr. He attended boarding school at De La Salle College in Toronto, where he graduated in 1959 before going on to Western University.
Bob was predeceased this year by his wife, Carol, and by his older brother, Ted. Their absence weighed heavily on him, and it brings comfort to picture the three of them reunited.

He leaves behind his three children, Joanne Threndyle (Ken), Colleen Saker (Todd) and Matt Farrell (Janet). Beloved Pa of Marcus (Allie) and Ryan Threndyle (Vanessa), Ella and Amelia Farrell and Macy and Morgan Saker. Each of his children will remember him differently, but all carry the lessons he taught, sprinkled with sarcasm and humour, simply by being the awesome human that he was. These lessons live on most clearly in his grandchildren – his greatest pride, favourite audience and the legacy he was happiest to see taking shape.
Bob and Carol spent most of their lives in Port Elgin, where Bob taught high school for decades and became a well-known member of the community. He coached numerous teams, including golf and curling, refereed basketball, spent some time as Head of Guidance, and generally inserted himself wherever he could make the school a better place for its students.
Alongside teaching, he worked as a reporter for CFOS and later became well-known for his weekly humour column in local paper. His writing was clever, dry, occasionally provocative, and widely considered to be the best part of the weekly paper. Some weeks earned him compliments; others sparked lively debates in the produce aisle — both of which he considered victories, along with the occasional industry award he picked up along the way.
Bob also spent many years active in the teachers’ union taking on leadership roles representing teachers with the kind of even-handedness that made people agree with him before they fully realized it. He carried that instinct into retirement through the occasional teachers’ group, showing that for all his successes in life, true retirement took him a little time to warm up to.
He enjoyed being part of the community: curling in the winter, golf in the summer, and much to his children’s chagrin, riding his little red scooter around town long before scooters were fashionable. He sometimes could be seen wearing a garbage bag in inclement weather! His love for animals was passed down to his entire family. We take comfort knowing that all our dogs he loved over the years will be waiting for him, curled up on a fluffy couch, anticipating unlimited treats and ear scratches and hearing about what a good dog they are!
In recent years, he and Carol moved to Owen Sound. He dedicated his time as a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society and HCSS while continuing to golf and enjoy time with his growing family.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Port Elgin Legion. Friends and family are welcome to drop in, raise a glass, and share their favourite ‘Scooter Bob’ story. Brief remarks and memories will begin at 1:30 p.m. Bob would want you to leave your suits at home and dress casually.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Grey Bruce Hospice Foundation or the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.