Roberta ‘Bobbi’ Anderson

I have known Bobbi for much of my life and always considered her my "one, true, best friend". Bobbi had zero pretence and she called things exactly as she saw them. She was always glass half-full, no matter what life threw her way and handled even the most challenging events of her life, with grace. After several years of living distances afar and not being in touch, we found each other last year and reconnected like we'd never been apart. Over the last several months we spoke long and often. After my recently losing someone close, Bobbi and I were conversing via email on August 20th past. These words are Bobbi's words: "Sorry to hear you are feeling so sad Claire. Losing someone you care deeply about is heartbreaking and brings about many emotions. Remind yourself how lucky you are to have met [your friend] and have as a part of your life. Cherish your memories and how knowing this special person has enriched your lives. You're in my thoughts and you know you can call anytime if you need me. Sending a big hug ..... Bob xo" Bobbi, you have been a special person to me and you enriched my life. And as heartbroken as I am, I realize how very lucky I was to have known you, and to have been your friend. I will miss you every day. Our deepest condolences are extended to Ian, who was a trusted and an important, valued part of Bobbi's life. "True friends are the ones that never leave your heart, even if they leave your life for a while. And after years apart, you pick up with them right where you left off, and even if they pass on, they are never gone from your heart." (Anonymous)

I have known Bobbi for 32yrs. We met when we were side by side neighbours on Bruce and Ridout. She came banging on my door, hysterical because a bird had somehow gotten into her apartment. I got the bird out after running around like a crazy person,,,we were dying with laughter and that was it!! You come across some of the most wonderful people in your life in the weirdest of ways!!!! She was a force to be reckoned with and was very clear on what she did and didn"t like!! (She liked motorcycles and Ian....she didn't like The Beatles and cats to name a few--so how she ended up with a cat I'm curious) She had many struggles in life but always had that beautiful smile on her face ! Like Claire we were without contact for a number of years but she ,,,and I quote Bobbi....."FOUND YOU"...... on facebook a few years ago. In her last FB post to me she said that when she walked to Thames Park to swim she would walk past our old apartment and think of our many "shenanigans"!!!! Rest well Bobbi,,,you will be missed!!

Thank you Beverley for sharing this sad news. Bobbi and I were best friends in the '80's and I considered her my sister. We shared a lot of experiences together, including visiting you, Claire in Calgary. We went to New York City, camped, traveled to the east coast with sister Cathy and friends and spent a good number of times at the Firehall. Bobbi had a Kawasaki she enjoyed riding, and I would visit her at times when she lived in Toronto. As we eventually spread our wings to move forward in life, I lost touch with her but would always think about her now and then. I am extremely disheartened to hear her health was declining enough to reach this point. Farewell precious soul. Your memory will not be forgotten!

(Donated to Women's Community House)