I know in my heart it was the right time, but selfishly I wish the angels did not have him yet.

My father, Robert (Bob) Ludgate, was not only a devoted and caring dad to my sister Denise (Ludgate) and I (Kimberley Perdue), a loving brother to Linda (Bain), he was also a caring, generous, and giving man to everyone he met.

It is with much sadness that I share with you that three weeks after his 87th birthday, on Monday November 7th my dad passed away.

Born to Maurice and Florence in Toronto, after a first marriage to my mom Marlene (Wattam), Bob later met Janet in 1986, and married in 1992. After 36 years together, he joins his lovely wife Janet, who passed earlier in the year, for their daily happy hour, she with a wine and he with his rum, in another and better place.

Dad leaves us with so many tremendous memories given to Denise and me, and our four children. Her son Derek and my three sons, Nicholas, Brandon (and wife Stephanie), and Zachary. Many memories to Jan’s grandchildren Anthony, Natalie, and Robert. And new wondrous memories to his only great grandchild, Hemingway.

Other branches of the family, both in-laws and outlaws, such as my husband Brian and his daughter Kelly and her family. Too many others, too many to mention, dare I forget anyone, like Linda’s husband Bill and boys, Curtis, and Andre. My dad’s friends at the Richmond Hill condo, those in Markham and Port Perry. To those from his golfing days and many years of volunteering endeavours such as Monopoly tournaments and at the York Region Children’s Aid Society, and the car dealerships he worked after leaving the police force many years ago. Mary, Ray, and Malcolm, I especially mention you, but thank all who knew him at some point in his life.

I want to thank the dedicated staff of all the hospital and care facilities who patiently and with great care treated my dad with such caring, dignity and respect. Those from Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill, Reactivation Care Centre (RCC) in Toronto, and South Lake Residential Care Village in Newmarket. A special shout out to Christine at SLRCV for her endless support, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Immediate family and a few close friends will be invited to a private celebration and service for Bob and Janet on Friday November 25th at Elgin Mills Funeral Centre in Richmond Hill.