Searles, Robert Gordon 'Bob'

Searles, Robert Gordon 'Bob'

July 27th, 2020

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Robert (Bob) Gordon Searles passed away suddenly on Monday, July 27, 2020, in his 77th year. Bob was the beloved husband of Donna (née Simons) for more than 55 years. Loving father to Wayne and Lori (Dietrich), Donald and Carla (Sinibaldi), and Shauna and Todd (Sarjeant). Cherished grandfather of Emily, Jared, Dylan, Brooklyn, Sam and Kealey. Son of Robert and Isabel. Brother to Margaret, Robert (Bud), Dennis, Frank, George, Kelly and Brian. Uncle Bob to many nieces and nephews; and dear friend to more than we will ever know. Bob was born in Brantford, made his home in London, but has previously spent many years in St. Marys, Caledonia and Middleport. He was a respected and successful General Motors dealer who started in Caledonia in 1969, moved to St. Marys (1971 – 2009), and then in Ingersoll (2007 – present). Bob loved selling cars and taking care of his customers. Work was his passion. He loved traveling to his home in Florida, going on cruise vacations and spending time with his grandchildren. Bob was one in a million. He lived his entire life on his terms proving to many that at the end of the day he was right. A man of integrity who always did exactly what he said and whose word was as good as gold. He was always happy to do a deal on a handshake. A private interment will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2020 and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Special thanks to Dr. Fortin, Dr. Vincent, Dr. Andrews, Dr. Yu, Dr. Dresser, and the nurses of the chemotherapy clinic at London Health Sciences Centre, as well as Dr. Nichols at Whitehills Medical Centre. Bob will be greatly missed and remembered by many. In lieu of flowers, he can be honoured with donations in his memory to:    

London Health Sciences Foundation
LRCP Esophageal Cancer Research
747 Base Line Road East
London, ON N6C 2R6

Or online at https://lhsf.ca/ways-give/memory - In memory of Robert Searles. Funds donated in Bob’s honour will be directed to esophageal cancer research. 

Charitable donations may be made to:

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Book of Condolences

Amanda Marie DeneauI had the privilege of working with Bob for 6 years now. I've met and dealt with alot of his clients/friends who have always had such respect and loyalty to Bob. He would always get so excited to sell a vehicle and he cheered me on when I would sell one as well. His passion for the car industry was certainly and seen and felt by everyone who was around him. Rest in peace Bobby, thank you for teaching me some lessons and showing me great kindness💜 Praying for you don and your family through this time. -Deneau Family
Cathy TwymanWe had the pleasure of knowing Bob and Donna when they would travel to Florida. We spent many evenings discussing current events, families, and cars over dinner at Dustin’s Barbecue. Bob loved his roast beef rare and the chocolate pudding from the salad bar. It was always a good time. He fought a good fight, and never once complained. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed. No more pain, We love you! Cathy and Ben Twyman
Michelle DedrickHe was a great man. Don. You sure are following in his footsteps. My condolences to the Searles family.
Sarah SlaterSo sorry for your loss, Wayne. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
William & VanessaDeep and loving condolences to all of Bob's family. Don, we keep you and Carla in our hearts and prayers as you get past the anguish your father's loss leaves behind. Love to your entire family.
Connie & GeorgeWe have had the pleasure of knowing Bob & Donna for many years. George was in the car business and him and Bob had many conversations on what was happening in the business of GM car sales. We visited hem in Florida at their beautiful home and also had many meals together. He was a wonderful,caring and down to earth man. We will miss him very much. We send our codolences to Donna and their entire family
Alex McClay I've had the pleasure of working for Bob for the last four years. He was always kind and fair to everyone. He loved selling cars and everything to do with the car business. I know he loved his family be that through blood or through the dealership, he made everyone feel like family. We will continue to sell cars in his honour. Rest in peace Bob. My condolences to Don and the entire Searles family
Tracy NicolleWe were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.May your wonderful memories of this special man provide you with comfort and make you smile❀
Tom WillsDonna and family; on behalf of the Wills family, I offer my sincere condolences to all of you. Bob and my family go back 60 years. I have so many great memories of Bob and all the telephone conversations especially in the last few years. He was the consummate car guy. I will always fondly remember Bob and the "glory days" of the car business our families shared. I will miss him very much.
Joanne Lisiecki My sincere condolences to the Searles family.
Lindsey Findlay “Uncle” Bob or “Barney” as I used to call him haha. He was best pals with my grandpa, Bob MacDonald and those two always reminded me of Fred and Barney from the Flinstones when I was younger. I have very fond memories of Bob all of which bring a great big smile to my face. I know he is now in Heaven with grandma and grandpa living his eternal life with the Lord. Sending all my love to Donald, Donna and rest of family. We love you guys Xoxoxoxox
Velma NusseySo sorry for your loss. Ken and I enjoyed our time together with both of you on our 60th anniversary cruise. Also enjoyed our visits in Florida at Rossi's. Bob was one of a kind!
Jeff ConnorI was very sadden to hear of Bob's passing. Our deepest sympathies to the Searles family and the entire team at Searles Motor Products! Bob was a great car and truck guy who showed a lot of respect for General Motors. Bob was very much a man of integrity and his handshake was his bond. Bob, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Anna and. Tom McInerneyDonna, Don and family; We are holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you say goodbye to Bob. We remember, fondly, our travels over the years and the joy that Bob brought to everyone he met. He will be missed. Anna & Tom McInerney
Richard & Marianne FerrisDonna, Don & family...sending our most sincere sympathy with your loss of one very Special guy. Years of Middleport memories, friendship, car deals, bickering and many handshakes. May you find comfort knowing he is resting comfortably now. Missed and never forgotten!!
Anita RosicShauna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss. I'm wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of your father to hold in your heart forever!
Scott TookeI met the Searles family working in the car business with my Dad who was good friends with Bob. Bob was always very pleasant, a humble man and a very hard worker. I will miss him and my condolences to the Searles family. Scott and Gail Tooke
Ken&Pat NeedhamOur heartfelt sympathy to Donna and all of the family. For over thirty years every morning at seven o’clock Ken met Bob at the local coffee shop where they solved the worlds problems before heading out for the day. Bob was a kind and generous friend and such an avid sports fan, especially of cars but also of hockey and baseball. He was a great salesman and was able to convince me several times over the years that I really needed a new car and he had a deal that just made perfect sense. We have many fond memories of times together here in London, or at the cottage or in Florida. Bob will be sadly missed from our lives! Ken & Pat Needham
Ken&Pat NeedhamOur heartfelt sympathy to Donna and all of the family. For over thirty years every morning at seven o’clock Ken met Bob at the local coffee shop where they solved the worlds problems before heading out for the day. Bob was a kind and generous friend and such an avid sports fan, especially of cars but also of hockey and baseball. He was a great salesman and was able to convince me several times over the years that I really needed a new car and he had a deal that just made perfect sense. We have many fond memories of times together here in London, or at the cottage or in Florida. Bob will be sadly missed from our lives! Ken & Pat Needham
Lorne & Sharon TwamleyOur sincere sympathies to the Searles Family. Only made friendship with Bob after he purchased the dealership in Ingersoll. Being of the same vintage as Bob I found it very easy to communicate and respect him . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lorne & Sharon Twamley
MarianneMy sincere condolences to your family. I was the Wednesday volunteer at the IV clinic at University Hospital. I enjoyed meeting both Bob and Donna and sharing stories. Every time I make Apple Squares I'll think of Bob. Marianne Philbrook
Dick &Judy MasseDonna and Don Please accept our sincere condolences. Bob will be missed by many and he fought hard. May your fond memories bring you peace. Dick and Judy Masse
Rocco Fini and FamilyDon Sorry to hear about your father’s passing. My condolences to you and the entire Searles family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this very challenging time. Bob was a car guy and more importantly was a man of his words. It was a pleasure working with him throughout the years. Bob will be sadly missed when I visit the dealership.
Roger & Barb Mclaughlin Wishing your family our deepest sympathy . You will be missed more than you know.We are glad and proud to have been your and Donna's friends
Robby SminkGreetings Don, So sorry to hear of your fathers passing from that nasty and ugly cancer disease. He deserved better but it's not a choice, it's a fate. He was a man of great accomplishment personally and in business and I'm sure that his greatest legacy is the family he created with your mother. 77 isn't that long these days although compared to many it's a good long run. Going to the next level is a bridge we all have to cross some day and since it's inevitable for us all we should regard it as a blessing not a tragedy. After my father passed on he let me know in no uncertain terms that his spirit survived so know that your dad's spirit will always be with you and yours until you join him once again when it's your time to cross that bridge. Sincerely, Robby
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