Robert “Bob” Frederick McEllistrum
February 14, 2024
What can we say – he always joked that he wanted to go peacefully in his sleep as opposed to screaming like the passengers in his car. Robert “Bob” Frederick McEllistrum died peacefully in his sleep on February 14, 2023, at LHSC Victoria Hospital after a wonderfully full 93 years.
Bob leaves behind his incredible wife of 70 years Catherine (Kit) McEllistrum, his loving daughter Sherry Shanks, and honorary son Paul Kleiber, his incredible grandchildren Torie Shanks (Brandon), Carly Shanks, Steve Fraser, Jim Fraser, and Rob Fraser, his cherished brother Don McEllistrum (Larraine), as well as many other friends and family members that meant the world to him. Predeceased by his mother and father, Beatrice and Richard McEllistrum, daughter Patricia Fraser, and older brother Richard (Dick) McEllistrum.
Bob was never someone to be forgotten. As a police officer with the London Police Service for 30 years, rising to the rank of Superintendent, Bob spent most of his time either serving the public or pranking his fellow officers. In his spare time, Bob spent his days golfing with his trailer mates in Bayfield, going to the YMCA weekly to hang out with the gang, or annoying his granddaughters at Christmas time by threatening to steal their presents. We can only imagine that wherever he is, he’s reuniting with old friends on the back 9 trying to repeat his famed hole-in-one he was always bragging about. Fly high, Bob, and try to keep that golf cart under the speed limit.
Special thanks to the staff on D7 and C6 at Victoria Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Bob right until the end – with his spark, we know he wouldn’t have made it easy for you.
Visitation, with light snacks and beverages, and funeral to take place on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. respectively, at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, with interment to take place immediately following. To view the livestream please click on Remembering Bob below.
In place of a reception, we encourage everyone to spend the remainder of the day with those you love and enjoy each other’s company.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity in Bob’s name. He dedicated his life to serving others and we hope you can continue to do so on his behalf.
Leave a tribute for Robert “Bob” Frederick McEllistrum
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I will never forget the laughs we had in UD. He was such a character! Very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but grateful to know it was peaceful. I was one of his prank victims at the Department, but I gave as good as I got, although he would never admit that. We had some great times, and I have many fond memories. I always admired Bob and his love of his family, and friends. He will be missed and he left his mark for sure. My sympathies' to Kit and family, thanks for sharing him with us.
I have to go back to the late seventies when our paths crossed at a trailer park in beautiful Bayfield. Bob was lured there by his brother-in-law and best buddy Joe Senesse whose personality lit up every gathering, and fun and games ensued: lawn darts,cards, camp fires, and singalongs which were occasionally interrupted by a light rap on the head with my ukulele administered to those singing out of tune (sorry about that, Bob). I played a little golf in those days which enticed Little Joe to join me and, not to be outdone, Bob followed. But he didn't just get some clubs and go for a walk with us. He jumped in with both feet with lessons and endless practice and it wasn't long before we stopped giving him strokes. Joined by Bruce Topham to fill out our foursome we played for hotly contested ten cents a hole. As yet another example of his tenacity Bob once found himself blocked by a stand of trees on hole number four on our course and started lining up a shot through the trees despite vigorous insistence from his partner Joe to just chip out. With total disregard for the financial repercussions Bob took the shot anyway and the sequence went whack, bang, and Bob diving for the ground as the ball whizzed by his head. And Little Joe leaning over and saying "Will you now just chip out?" Bob was a good guy and a loyal friend. I will miss his stories of runins with bikers, judges and breaking up bar brawls. But most of all I will miss his presence.
A true gentleman in every sense of the word. A pleasure to have known and worked with for many years. R.I.P. Bob
Services for Robert “Bob” Frederick McEllistrum
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
February 24, 2024 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
February 24, 2024 11:00 am
I was saddened to learn of Bob’s passing but I certainly have wonderful memories of his time with the London Police Service. He was my first Staff Sergeant and I appreciated his leadership style and his great sense of humour. As he worked his way through the ranks he continued to be a well respected individual and was liked by all. My heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and friends.
~ Brad Duncan