Obituary of Robert Bruce Rooke
ROOKE, Robert “Bob” Bruce – After a courageous 5 year battle with cancer, Bob passed away on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in his 76th year. Loving brother of Tom Rooke (Marg), Gus Rooke (Joyce) and the late Norm Rooke (late Michelle). Cherished uncle to Brian Rooke (Kelly) & Rob Rooke (Monique), adoring Great Uncle to Bronson Rooke and Eva Rooke and special nephew to Angus & Nancy Mallett. Long time friend of Chris Barker. Predeceased by parents Harold & Bessie Rooke and wife Pat Rooke (Kew).
Bob will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his extended family and friends.
Bob loved everyone and everyone loved Bob. He was a fun-loving, caring and very generous person with a great sense of humour, an adventurous character and a deep love of family. He rode the White Water rafts of the Ottawa River, scuba dived in the cold waters of Tobermory, cruised and water skied on Lake Huron in his 14 foot runabout, camped all over Ontario with his wife Pat and just enjoyed life to the fullest.
He was very passionate about his pet dogs Maisie and Dottie and they adored him as well, never veering far from his side as they knew some treats and loving stroking were probably coming their way!
Bob worked for the City of London’s Engineer’s Department for 37 years, beginning as a Temporary Labourer and retiring in 2015 as an Equipment Operator 2. He made many friends over these years and since his retirement, never missed an opportunity to meet up with them for coffee or breakfast.
Bob was a long-time parishioner at St. Francis/St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church and volunteered his time there wherever there was a need. He was the coordinator of the ushers and looked after operating the elevator for the disabled attending the services. Bob’s great passion for service was his love of the Knights of Columbus. He started at Brother Andrew Council #8339 and a few years latter transferred to St Martin of Tours / Holy Rosary Council #12996. He held several positions in this Council eventually becoming Grand Knight for two years. He also was co-chair of the annual Columbian Service Day. Later in his Knight’s career he joined the Fourth Degree at Henry Dormer Assembly. Right to the end Bob was a Trustee for Council #12996. He was always up to helping out at any Knights of Columbus functions.
The “4 Fishin Fools” has lost another member. For the past 40 years, Bob, his uncle Angus, and 2 very close family friends would head to Northern Ontario for a week every June to try and catch “the big one” and enjoy some good times, relive old memories & create many new ones. Unfortunately they haven’t been able to take these trips for the past couple of years due to Covid, poor health and deaths and the “4 Fishin Fools” is now down to one.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many friends, former co-workers, parishioners and neighbours who by their presence by phone or in person supported Bob’s cancer journey, especially during the past few weeks.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the LHSC’s Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre and the VON for their professional care of Bob over the past 5 years and to the incredibly kind, caring and compassionate staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice for making his last few weeks as comfortable and pain free as possible.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to consider St. Joseph’s Hospice (https://www.sjhospicelondon.com) or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held at Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo St., on Monday July 28th, from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 pm with prayers at 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis/ St. Martin’s Roman Catholic Church, 46 Cathcart St., on Tuesday, July 29th at 10:00 am. Entombment at St. Peter’s Holy Family Mausoleum.
Rest in peace Bob. The memories that you left with us will be forever in our hearts.
