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
Beautiful story of a beautiful man. Our sincerest condolences on such a grand loss for all. How we remember our many sunny days, poolside in PS with Bob and Carolyn and the fun and laughter they brought with them naturally. Such a caring person who will be greatly missed. Big hugs to the Truman gang, Bob’s pride and joy. Xo
Bob was a tremendous guy. I recall fondly coaching our daughters hockey teams along with Bob. And yes, he reigned as mens tennis champ at The Baby Point Club. He was virtually unbeatable! Best of all though I remember Bob’s easy going nature and affability.
With a fond farewell to Bob and heartfelt sympathy to Carolyn and family, Love, Adrienne
So very sad to hear this news. My condolences Lisa, as your dad was a great man. Back in the days when you were playing hockey while he was coaching brings back some great memories.
For something like 50 years Bob was a valued presence in my life, first as a work colleague when he and Carolyn moved to Toronto, but very quickly as a friend whose generosity and trust could always be counted on. In the early years Bob and Carolyn were a frequent bridge foursome with my late partner and me, and later (a great test of friendship) we sometimes travelled together. But the very best evidence that Bob was a prince of a guy was the radiant smile that seldom left Carolyn’s face. My deepest condolences to Carolyn, Lisa, Alex and family.
Shed many tears reading this wonderful tribute to Bob,one of the best. We spent many great holidays together as a family from when our kids were young and they loved him too.
Our loving condolences to all of you.
Bob was a wonderful guy, the dad to my best friend who became a good friend in his own right.
He will be missed.
My sympathies to the family.
Love the first date memory! Big hugs to everyone!
Bob was a very special person.
We always enjoyed their visits to the family farm near Kirkfield where we could catch up with our American cousins!
Later in life, we would visit with he and Carol and feel that no time had passed. Bob and Carol always made a pont of visiting my Mom Isobel in her older years and she so appreciated it. He will be missed.
Anna Marie Farrow (Truman)
A Beautiful description of a life well lived. We are honored to have shared so many great times with Bob and Carolyn. Our Thoughts are with his family at this sad time.