It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that on the morning of Sunday August 4th my father, Bob Templeton, passed away peacefully at his home in Penetanguishene, Ontario. Dad died exactly (I mean exactly) how he predicted he wanted to pass. Like Babe Ruth pointing to the left field bleachers he called his end and passed away peacefully and pain free in the town he always dreamed he would retire in. With a Judy Wiseman kiss on the forehead, his final words were “I love everybody” followed by the perfectly scripted end of a movie scene where he looked at the garden and said, “look at the beautiful flowers” before he left his home for the final time. As a young man, dad was an accomplished Jr B hockey goaltender, pole vaulter and golfer. If you could somehow twist his arm for a ‘final final’ drink on a Saturday night wing ding he would say in all three sports he was a breath away from the pro’s! “You know son, for a few weeks I was a 6 handicap”, followed by “I know dad…… I know”. Lol. Professionally he began his career in a town called Brockville, Ontario where he met his first love Valerie Thompson (mom). From there he became a radio D.J. in the mountains of Revelstoke, British Columbia where they had three small children (Yvonne, Billy and Bobby Jr.) with very limited money. Over the next 20 years, our family resided in Revelstoke, Orillia, Midland, Aurora, Woodstock, Sudbury and eventually landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia where this once D.J. in a little mountain town was now the President of NewCap Broadcasting with over 50 radio stations and 500 employees under his leadership. My father was a larger than life character that touched so many lives. His charisma, sense of humour and his thirst for adventure was infectious. Everybody that had the privilege to enter in his atmosphere for even a night, week, years or a lifetime would agree. He drove Harley Davidsons, Sea-Doo’s, Boats, Corvettes, and was even a pilot of his very own float plane. As I type this today, I reminisce as a child coming home from school to my dad saying, “Hey, lets go for a flight” just seemed normal. This of course was followed by an hour in the air of dad doing ‘roller coasters’ just to get my stomach in knots and eventually him (not me) him saying, “hey, take off your seatbelt, lets see if we can get you floating in the air ”. Over the past few days, I’ve been inundated with family and loved ones sharing and reminiscing us in tales of how much dad meant to them and how he was this larger than life figure if only for a brief moment in their lives. To us he was just dad!. We loved him dearly and he will be forever missed. He loved his three children more than life itself and adored his grandchildren Bradon, Coralee and Micaela. We want to thank everyone who has reached out and shared their stories and condolences over these past few days. My father truly was a force of nature, a tornado in the eye of a hurricane, who’s impact on our lives will be forever missed.
As Frank would say:
And now, the end is near, And so I face the final curtain. My friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and every highway, And more, much more than this……… I did it my way.
Rest in peace dad.
Special thanks to Jennifer his PSW and to Dr. Gaffney and the great staff at GBGH.
Arrangements entrusted to The Carson Funeral Home J.H. Lynn Chapel, 290 First St., Midland (705) 526-6551.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to GBGH Foundation or the animal care program of your choice.
Condolences
David Cohen
Aug 27, 2024Bob hired me straight out of Seneca. I got my first start in the broadcast business, selling advertising on CKMP 1230. He was a class act and a true gentleman. I did not want to go into sales, yet if I hadn't I would never have had the chance to host, sell and produce a weekly talk show for small business for 7 years on CKDO. I owe a Bob a big thanks and I am so glad our lives touched. RIP sir. You will be missed. David
Mike Shannon
Aug 27, 2024I am one of at least hundreds, if not thousands, of people Bob impacted in the most positive way possible. As President of Newcap Broadcasting, he showed faith and continued to support me in my early career in programming. Through good and bad, he was a rock of support and inspiration. I'll never forget celebrating a particularly sweet win with him, and when I deflected praise to my team he looked me in the eye and said "Mike, the band is only as good as it's conductor". He went out of his way to make you feel like you could do anything, and then supported you until you did it. I would literally walk through fire for him. For his family, you know better than anyone how large his personality and impact were, and I'm so glad he enjoyed a long and deserved retirement, although I suspect his days were still connected to the business he loved. Thank you for sharing him with those of us who were privileged enough to work with him. Rest well my friend, you will never be forgotten.
Dave Sturgeon
Aug 25, 2024I was completely unaware of Bob's passing. I'm in shock, probably because Bob was so full of life that it's impossible to imagine that beautiful life coming to an end. I'm sure it's an overused statement, but Bob was my best boss. We worked together in Midland, North Bay, and Sudbury, and stayed in touch when he moved to Halifax, then retired. He let me take the controls the first time I ever flew in a float plane. That pretty much describes his incredibly inspirational management style. The opposite of a guy who sweats the small stuff. A leader who sees your potential, and gives you enough rope to hang yourself or climb to heights you'd never thought possible. What I wouldn't give to make him laugh until he cried one more time. Losing Bob is incredibly hard for a guy who worked with him and knew him as a lifelong friend. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Val and all of Bob's family 😔💔
Dot Cook-Simmons
Aug 14, 2024I met Bob (Bobby!) in June 1955, my family moved in next door to the Templeton family, I was 4 years old, 5 the next month and he was 5 two months later. We met coming around opposite corners of his house and he punched me in the nose! Despite that, our families became good friends, my two older brothers were the same age as Bob’s, so Friday night was hockey night and Bobby and I had a wonderful friendship through the years, mostly teens and 20’s, I would go to Canada for holiday in July to visit Tina May, who lived on the other side of Bob! With Garnett, the four of us had a blast together – fond memories! I did get to see him again several years ago and I’m glad I visited. And I think everyone recognized he was a “force of nature” ~ whatever he set his mind to ~ look out!! I would have to say he inspired me at times `one thing was, he had a tradition of taking his kids out individually for their birthday and I started doing it with my grandkids! His kids were his LIFE. One of a kind and he’ll be missed! Loved that guy! Condolences to the family and special thank you to Judy for your care and comfort of that awesome guy! Blessings, Dottie Lou (or Dodda Looo, as Bob called me)
Betty Johnston Gillies
Aug 8, 2024I was a high school friend of Bobby’s at Lorne Park. He was always full of life and adventure. Sounds like he had a good life and a loving family. I’m sure he’ll be missed by all who knew him. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Randy Tamlin
Aug 7, 2024Judy, Bobby and Family, my sincere condolences on your loss. While I only met Bob on a couple of occasion's they are certainly occasions I will treasure. Judy as you know he firat time I met Bob saw him sitting up watching sports re-runs and Frank Sinatra video's until 4:00 in the morning. You know me well enough to know I do not generally stay up past 10:00 PM! That night turned into another Final Final (and final, final final!) He showed me a new found appreciation for Frank Sinatra and taking 6 hours to watch a hockey game! My time spent with Bob was very short and limited to mostly phone calls, I wish it was more, but I will remember him fondly and be proud to have called him my friend. Love you both and you are both in heart. Randy
Gail Byrne
Aug 6, 2024I did not know your dad but, knew his partner Judy ! God Bless you all at this sorrowful time ! Keep all the memories and they will get you through ! Gail and Dennis Byrne
Mary MacLean
Aug 6, 2024My husband Neil and I first met Bob in Bedford N.S. many years ago. He was so sweet, funny and kind, just a character at the table. I met him a few times since but most recently at his and Judy’s home in Ontario. Judy, Neil and I booked a day cruise and when we got back Bob wanted to know every detail and what we thought of it lol. We had such a wonderful few days with them. Judy I’m so very sorry for your loss. You took such pride in taking care of Bobs every need everyday with so much love. My condolences to all his children and grandchildren. He talked with so much love of everyone. He will be deeply missed by many. Larger than life comes to my mind when I hear his name.