Obituary

A beloved community figure and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Caressant Care in Fergus, at the age of 99. Born in County Down, Northern Ireland, on January 8, 1926, Bob moved to Canada with his parents in 1930, settling in Fergus, Ontario. His early life was marked by an act of heroism at the age of 15 when he saved a young boy from drowning in the Grand River, an act that earned him a lifetime membership to the Fergus swimming pool and a Young Canadian Medal of Honor. In July 1944, at the age of 18, Bob bravely enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. After training in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and being stationed in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, he served on the HMCS La Hulloise, undertaking crucial convoy duty out of Halifax and patrolling the North Atlantic Ocean. He was honorably discharged on April 16, 1946. Returning to Fergus, Bob began a remarkable 47-year career with Beatty Brothers Limited. In 1950, he met Annie Ovens, and they were married a year later. This past September, they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary before Annie’s passing in October. Bob was a man of many contributions to his community. He dedicated a significant portion of his time working at Mary Thompson Funeral Home and served as a volunteer fireman for 17 years. He was also a highly respected lacrosse coach, proudly playing on the championship team in 1954 and coaching the senior B team to championships in 1965-66, as well as the juveniles in 1968. A deeply committed veteran, Bob was an active member of the Elora Legion Branch 229 for an impressive 80 years. The Legion and Remembrance Day held profound significance for him, bringing back cherished memories and reinforcing his pride in serving his country. Later in life, Bob found immense joy in his second home in Meaford, where he relished fishing trips with friends in Meaford, Thornbury, and White Fish Falls. Bob was predeceased by his father James Proctor, mother Isabella Proctor (née Gault), his beloved wife Annie Proctor (née Ovens), his sons Bruce and Brian Proctor, son-in-law Don Creary, and his sisters Mary Walser and Isabel Fitzpatrick. He is survived by his son Robert (Judy) Proctor, daughter Cathy Creary, and brother James (Georgie) Proctor. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Jeremy Creary, Angela Creary, Ashley (Kyle) Beyer, Jessica Proctor, and Bobbie Proctor, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation took place at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home in Fergus on Tuesday, May 27, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and again on Wednesday, May 28, from 11:00am until 12:00pm, the funeral service followed in the chapel at 12:00pm. Burial was held at Belsyde Cemetery in Fergus following the service. Guests were invited to join the family at the Elora Legion for a time of fellowship and refreshments after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Elora Legion and Caressant Care Fergus would be appreciated. Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Bob’s memorial.