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 Carol were our long-time neighbours and friends. Bob and I had lots of great discussions about planning in Toronto, especially about the politics of neighbourhood change (especially in our neighbourhood!). The Victoria Day street party isn’t the same without you! Best wishes from my family to yours xo
We miss Bob, our dear friend of more than 50 years. We miss his encyclopaedic knowledge of such a wide range of subjects that enlivened our discussions. We miss his down-to-earth nature and quick wit that made him easy and fun to be around. We treasured the great discussions with him and Carole after our regular music, movie and theater outings together. His love, appreciation and knowledge of music – he introduced us to Mendelsohn’s “Songs Without Words” and we feel his presence each time we listen to it. His enthusiasm and ability for doing the most challenging New York Times crosswords together with Carole; a great team!
Our hearts go out to Carole, Alex, Lisa and family.
So sad to hear of Bob’s passing. I first got to meet Bob years ago through our planning profession and mutual acquaintances but I really go to know and interact with him when he brought me in to help with some of his projects. We worked together for several years. He was a wonderful man, knowledgeable and with a great sense of humour. He always spoke so higly of his family and we would share stories of the Detroit/Windsor area (as I attended the University in Windsor). My deepest condolences to Carolyn and family. He will be fondly remembered.
Bob was my friend and planner for approximately 42 years. While golfing, I quickly learned never to talk or sneeze while he was about to drive the ball. Instant, dire results would erupt . In planning matters his foresight and Knowledge was amazing . Bob will truly be missed. Prayers for all the family .
Bob was generous with his time, energy and enthusiasm. After being introduced through a mutual acquaintance Bob invited me out to lunch, we talked about Toronto and land use planning and development, and the next day he unexpectedly offered me my first land use planning position. Over the following decade he continued to show his generosity and talked to all of the planning students I pointed in his direction. I am sincerely grateful for Bob’s warm spirit and the contribution he made to my life. All the best to his Canadian and American family.
My husband Alan Dean and I worked with Bob at the City of Toronto and, briefly, played bridge with him and Carolyn. He was a lovely person. Although we did drift apart we always exchanged warm hugs whenever our paths crossed.
Our deepest condolences for the loss of this special person.
Bob Truman was a kind and thoughtful man with a wry sense of humour. He was also a top notch planning consultant who contributed a great deal to his adopted city. Sincere sympathies to his family and friends.
My deep condolences to you Carol, Lisa , Alex and families. Such a treasure was this man and devotion between you (Carol) and your beloved Bob and always a wondrous delight to be in your presence in Palm Springs and Toronto. Loving hugs to all.
Linda K Sorensen
So sad to learn of Bob’s death.
I was a great fan of Bob as an imaginative and practical planner. As mayor of Toronto in 1979 I championed him to be the chief planner, but sadly the position went to someone else and Toronto lost the significant edge it had on other cities in the way land was planned. Bob of course went on to do significant work for others but I sure wish he could have been in charge in our city.
I regret that I did not get to know you, Carolyn, and the children. He was such a welcoming warm man.
John Sewell
Sending love to the Truman Family – over the years and over the miles. A very cool man w a great and full life by the sounds of things.
Remembering Swansea Girls Hockey League laughs and Lisa in high school. Much love