Obituary of Robert Alexander Deagle
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Deagle announce his passing at the age of 75 years old. He fought a short, courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on the morning of August 24, 2022, with loved ones at his side. He was surrounded by singing, Bible scripture readings, story-telling, peace and love, until he took his final breath.
Lovingly known as “Bob”, he was born in Kitchener, Ontario on May 13, 1947. As the second eldest of five children, he was a proud Ontario farm boy, growing up on the family farm near Alma, Ontario. He had a lifelong passion for toy trains and Jeep vehicles, repairing and collecting dozens over the years. He spent the majority of his adult life in London, Ontario. He had a strong work ethic and worked for years as a long-time construction labourer, taking pride in the many contributions he made to roads and buildings throughout southwestern Ontario.
Bob was always there to lend a helping hand and give to people in need. He was very generous with a huge heart and was the type of person who was giving of his time, possessions, and even “the shirt off his back”, without question. With his friendly, charming, humble nature, he had a unique knack for chatting and would easily help and befriend people from all backgrounds and all walks of life.
He had a deep love for the Lord and he often shared this through his acts of service to others in need. He supported Christian ministries that helped prisoners, troubled youth and people who lived on the street. Even as a young father, he brought his children alongside him to volunteer and serve soup to the homeless. Through this powerful example, he ignited in his children the same value of showing compassion to those in need.
His love for the Lord was also shared through his gifted, passionate piano playing. Perhaps considered the best piano player many have seen in their lifetime, when Bob graced the keys, he played “by ear” with all his heart and was capturing to watch. His playing of gospel music at countless church camp meetings and church services touched the hearts of so many. He will be remembered as the musical highlight of the numerous family gatherings over the years.
Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and good friend was truly one of a kind and will be truly missed. Predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Norma Deagle, and Paul Nicholas, whom he loved and raised as his own son. Lovingly remembered by his four siblings, his large extended family, his beautiful children Melissa, Brandy, Tara, Kerry, Bronson and Darson, and his 17 grandchildren and great-grandson.
We find joy and comfort in knowing he is now resting in sweet, eternal peace and is no longer suffering. As the beautiful poem “Footprints in the Sand” says, we know that Jesus saw him through the most difficult of times throughout his life, even on his last day here on earth:
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
Family will receive friends at the Elliot-Madill Funeral Home: 22424 Adelaide Road, Mt. Brydges, Ontario on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 7 to 9 pm where the celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, September 2 commencing at 11am. Interment Oneida Settlement.
The funeral service will also be streamed online for those unable to attend in-person.
Reception: we will gather to share food, beverages, music and memories of Bob immediately after the interment. Location details to follow.
☆In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Robert Deagle’s name to support his love for helping people in need to: Ark Aid Street Mission, 696 Dundas St, London, Ontario, N5W 2Z4. https://arkaidmission.com
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Waverley Mansion, Victoria Hospital, and Elliott-Madill funeral home for their care of Bob during this difficult time. Thank you to all those who shared expressions of sympathy and condolences to our family for this loss.
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