Obituary of Robert (Bob) Jacob Tiessen

To view the live-stream of Bob's funeral service, please click here

Bob Tiessen died peacefully at Hospice Waterloo Region on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the age of 71.

Survived by wife Anita (Lehn) Tiessen, father-in-law Jacob Lehn, sisters-in-law Elenor (Donald) Taves and Ingrid (David) Kennedy, nephews Jim (Karen Thiessen) Tiessen, Karl (Gloria) Tiessen, Matthew Taves and Jonathan Taves (Elizabeth Bellamy) and nieces Lisa (Mike) Jager, Abigail Kennedy and Hannah Kennedy. 

Predeceased by his parents, Frank and Anna (Toews) Tiessen, mother-in-law Anna Lehn, brother David Tiessen, sister Margaret Tiessen and sister-in-law Irma (Willms) Tiessen.

Bob was born in Leamington Ontario and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1974 with his Bachelor of Mathematics degree.  He achieved his fellowship in the Society of Actuaries in 1977.  Bob worked in Toronto for the Mercantile & General Reinsurance Company, starting in Canadian Individual pricing. He worked in a number of areas for the M&G and its successor Swiss Re, transferring to the US area in the 1980's.  At various times Bob had responsibility for internal reporting, claims, auditing, training, treaties and finished his career as Senior Vice President of Risk Management for North American Life and Health operations.  Bob was also the Actuarial Editor for 'On the Risk,' an underwriting publication, when he retired in 2007.

Bob was fortunate to survive both mantle cell lymphoma and prostate cancer during his lifetime.

In retirement Anita and Bob were able to travel extensively and enjoyed numerous cruises and land trips. Bob enjoyed finding a rare collectible or antique to add to his various collections.

Bob was active in the Toronto United Mennonite Church and served in various roles on the church board as well as volunteering with other organizations, including Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto and, more recently, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd., Waterloo on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be live-streamed and a link will be available at the top of Bob’s obituary page at www.erbgood.com The family kindly requests that masks be worn at both the visitation and funeral service.

A private family interment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Leamington

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee (mcccanada.ca) or Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.