Robert “Bob” Godfrey Gurr
February 18, 2017
Passed on Saturday, February 18th, 2017 in London, Ontario after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bob was three days short of his 93rd birthday and had recently celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with his spouse, lifelong partner, companion, teammate and best friend, Lee (née Bortolotti). Son of the late George Gurr and Alice “Queenie” Gurr (née Bolton) of Windsor, Ontario. Beloved father of Dr. Kevin Gurr and wife Carol of London, Ontario, and Paul and wife Mary of Bracebridge, Ontario. Dearest brother of Kathleen “Kay” Kramer and predeceased by his brother-in-law Basil Kramer of Windsor, Ontario. Brother-in-law to Bruno and Margaret Bortolotti, and lifelong best friends with sister-in-law Norma Masterson and the late Terry. Loving grandfather to Ryan, Robert (Jennifer), Carly (James Burley), Emily (Jesse Eccles) and Stephanie (Grant Beeler). Great-grandfather to Yarrow, Oliver, Eliza and Phoebe. Bob was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and bravely served his country for multiple years in the European theatre during World War II. Upon his return to Canada, he began his career in Windsor in the machinery supply and automotive related industries at C.H. Henze. There he was fortunate to meet the future love of his life, Lee. Bob’s professional business aspirations began to take shape when he initiated a fifty-year partnership with Stan Cope. From very humble beginnings, Bob and Stan founded and successfully operated several innovative and leading edge Windsor based businesses including Cope & Gurr Industrial Supply, Cope & Gurr Tool Manufacturing, Pressed Steel Products, and Industrial and Commercial Methods (ICM). Following the building of their own home in Windsor and the raising of their two boys, Bob and Lee moved their family to a century old farmhouse (which they completely renovated), a home that quickly became known simply as “the lake” (located between Harrow and Kingsville). It was there that Bob nurtured his love of the outdoors, tennis, boating, gardening and many other activities that “Camp Director” (CD) Lee organized. The activities they enjoyed included an active golf and social membership at the Kingsville Golf and Country Club. At their Iler Beach home, the family was blessed with many close friends and family who visited frequently. In the early ‘70s, Bob, along with two partners, formed the Cedar Island Yacht Club (Kingsville) which has supported both sailing, powerboating and many social activities for countless people for over 50 years. During the off season, and through their good friend Robert Schuele, Bob and Lee discovered their 2nd favourite home on Sanibel Island, Florida. It was here that our cold weather weeks were displaced by warm sunny days, daily bike rides, tennis competitions, golf, and wonderful social time at the pool. Bob was a loving husband, forever the honourable gentleman, loyal and uncompromising. His warm smile, ready humour and willing mentorship extended to all areas of his life and relationships. Bob will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all who knew him and whose lives were touched by him in so many ways. All are welcome for visitation on Saturday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 26th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be directed to the London Health Sciences Foundation (>www.lhsf.ca).
Leave a tribute for Robert “Bob” Godfrey Gurr
Leave a tribute
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
Our condolences to Lee and all the family. We miss our neighbours and the friendly chats.
I will continue praying for the wonderful Gurr family toady as you gather together to remember and say farewell to Bob ... and certainly in the coming days as you begin the tough adjustment to life without him here with you.
Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort. Our sincere condolences.
Dr. Gurr and family - We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad.
To Dr. Kevin Gurr and family, Sorry to read about the passing of your father. His soul surely rests eternally in the hands of our loving heavenly Father, God Almighty. I'm with you at this difficult time.
Paul and Mary, condolences on the passing of Mr. Gurr. What a full life he led! The way his zest for life has been embraced by subsequent generations of Gurrs is a lasting tribute to him. Bill and Kathy
Lee and family, our sincere condolences on Bob's passing. CIYC exists in large part due to Bob's vision and efforts, and his legacy lives on in our active and vibrant Club. Executive Officers and Membership, Cedar Island Yacht Club.
We are very saddened at the news of Bob's death. Bob and Lee were very kind, generous and supportive to us (and our dear Aunt Lily aka Mrs. Weir) over many years down at "the Lake". Our aunt enjoyed baking apple pies for Bob as much as he enjoyed eating them. We enjoyed playing tennis, golf and boating with them. Their enthusiasm for life gave us inspiration and guidance for our own lives. Also, they were instrumental in introducing us to the Sanibel and Naples area where we shared good times with them too. Our sincerest sympathy to Lee and family. Stan and Bev Willson, LaSalle ON
My sincere sympathy to Lee and the boys, Kevin and Paul . I have many good memories of your family and our times together. I see the Clarks often and hear stories of you now and then. Bob had a great life, and he accomplished many successful enterprises.
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We have so many wonderful memories. Bob & Lee were wonderful "lake" neighbours. Both are truly missed in these parts. Our deepest condolences to Lee, Kevin and Paul and families. With heartfelt sympathy, Nancy, Beth & Todd Johnston
It was a privilege to know Bob. His wonderful spirit will be missed. Sadly, a generation has passed along the front road that gave us much to live up to. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. John and Janet Woodbridge
Our condolences to Lee, Kevin Carol,Paul Mary and Family Bob was a True Gentleman in every sense of the word, we had wonderful neighbors in Bob and Lee for 43 years, God Bless Bob, "simply the Best"Dot.
Our sincere condolences to Auntie Lee and the entire Gurr family. Uncle Bob was a great man, who truly lead by example and lived life to the fullest. In addition to his vast talents and accomplishments, we will fondly remember him as our undefeated table tennis champ.
With much love we extend our deepest condolences; your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely condolences to Dear Lee and her entire Family.Tears flow as I remember all the wonderful time we shared.-pool parties at Gladstone,Cedar Island Yacht Club, Wassail ,and the many bike rides from Iler to Cloverdale for a fun visit.Lee was his rock and their love of family-Kevin ,Carroll, Paul ,Mary and all the Grand children was the true Light of their Life.Bob Gurr will never be forgotten.I toast him for the great life he lived--generous, kind,loyal and all he gave to us who were fortunate to share in his life.I must say my Ken cherished his Friendship,as did I. My Prayers are with you,Love Joy
Our deepest condolences to the Gurr family. We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you during this time. Katie and Chris.
Our sincere condolences to the Gurr family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Cowan family.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
London Health Sciences Foundation
Notify family of your donation
Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
We wish to offer our deepest sympathy to Lee, Kevin andPaul on the passing of a devoted husband and loving father. We have many fond memories of time spent with Bob and Lee.
~ Pat O'Neill and Sandy Bruce