Bob died peacefully after a 7-month battle with leukemia on June 4, 2022 in Victoria, BC. Bob faced his cancer battle as he did everything in life, with courage and tenacity and of course, a sense of humor. Bob leaves behind his wife Carolyn of over 55 years. They were each other’s constant companions and best friends. He also leaves behind his daughter Lisa (husband Gord, kids Tanner, Bianca and Juliana), and his son Alex (wife Tracy), who consider themselves so fortunate to have had Bob (or “the Dude” as they have called him) since their teenage years, as their dad. Bob was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret (Peg) Balow and Beverly Truman, and is survived by his kid brother Steve. Despite the 10 and 12 year age differences between Bob and his older sisters, the 11 year gap between Bob and Steve, and the physical distance between Bob in Toronto and the siblings in Detroit, they maintained incredibly close relationships as adults. Many of our family’s happiest memories are those big family holiday gatherings with the Truman/Balow clan.
As anyone who knew Bob will know, he lived a very full life! Born on October 15, 1938, Bob grew up in Detroit as a bit of a (self-admitted) n’er-do-well. As a young adult, he joined the military, serving in US Army Intelligence in Frankfurt, Germany. This experience not only helped mature Bob into the responsible man he became, it also gained him a circle of amazing friends who remained close until his (or in some cases their own) death. Once back state-side, Bob obtained a degree in Urban Planning and began working for the City of Detroit. It was here he met Carolyn, who, despite their first date being a hockey game where Bob bought a “pair” of tickets that were across the aisle from each other, quickly knew that Bob was the one for her. Shortly after Lisa and Alex were born, Bob took a job with the City of Toronto, where Bob and Carolyn raised their family, and where he went on to have a very successful and rewarding career as a self-employed planning consultant. Bob was active in his local amateur sports scene, coaching and playing hockey, playing a mean game of tennis and enjoying a game of golf here and there, especially in his later years. Through all of these stops, Bob has developed close and long-lasting friendships with some of the most wonderful, caring and supportive people one could ever hope to know – another testament to the kind of man he was.
Bob will be remembered for his keen insights into any topic that caught his interest, his passion for Detroit and its sports teams, and for being the kind of person people just enjoyed spending time with. His greatest pleasures were hanging out with good friends and family, listening to music, cooking, watching sports, traveling the world, and just chatting about every subject at hand.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Toronto in the fall, with details to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
Bob and I worked together almost 50 years ago. He was my manager in the City of Toronto Planning department. We were a great team and he was our leader. Even after Bob left the City and I moved to other jobs, we remained friends. We met Bob and Carole as often as possible at each others’ homes or at our favourite restaurants. Our discussions were always lively and sometimes animated on the subject of urban planning.
Our great regret is that although we were in Victoria this May, we were unable to meet Bob and Carole due to the fear that we may have been exposed to COVID.
Bob was a truly compassionate and caring friend. We will miss you Bob.
Meena and Satish Dhar
Bob was a terrific guy, a great friend, a first rate raconteur, and always fun to be with whether on the golf course, at the pub, the opera house or (once, back in 1993) at Tiger Stadium. Silvia and I have many happy memories of times spent with Bob and Carol in Palm Springs. He will be fondly remembered indeed.
My sympathies to Carol and the rest of Bob’s family.
So sad to hear of Bob passing. Way back in 1978 and 1979, I will always remember our great tennis rivalry at the Baby Point Tennis Club, being in the finals twice, and each wining once.
Rest in peace Bob, your tennis buddy,
Nelson Wong
We are so saddened to hear of Bob’s illness and death. We have missed seeing Bob in the Baby Point Community since he and Carolyn moved out west. He lived a full life enriched by his many friends gathered over the years.
We extend our condolenses to Carolyn and all the Truman’s and extended family. He will be missed.
Bob was a truly wonderful man – he is missed from the Baby Point Community. It was always a delight to meet him and chat on my walks through the neighbourhood and to see him at the opera as well. My thoughts are with you Carol and your family. Liz
Bob was a great friend, endlessly generous in spirit and with hugs. What a fascinating and full life! In business, I always admired his casual but en point manner, never mincing words, all of which brought me confidence, smiles and comfort. Rest easy now and we’ll see you on the other side, Bob. Love and prayers to you & your family, Carol.