Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Uncle Bob was my favourite (un)uncle. Growing up in Toronto my family was his family until he moved on to his own family. Uncle Bob always wanted to be a family man and his greatest wish was children of his own. His wish came true with the birth of Elinor and Robert. Please indulge me with two major influences in my life regarding Uncle Bob. When I was four, turing five in six days, my sister turned four. Uncle Bob gave Patricia a beautiful doll and there was no consoling me that I had to wait for my doll in six days. Until Bob held to his beliefs and I whined and cried for a week for my doll. Uncle Bob was trying to teach patience. To this day I still have not acquired patience. Second episode, I was being a brat in Edward Gardens so Uncle Bob placed me, albeit gently, into the garbage can. I was having none of this and tipped the garbage can to freedom. Off I went, I was walking to my grandmother's house because I knew she didn't like Uncle Bob and she would defend me. My mom finally convinced Uncle Bob of this and he started up Lawrence Avenue. He got lucky that day, I was still two blocks away from him getting a stern tongue lashing from my grandmother.
So Uncle Bob, I have never nor will ever forget your being in my life. My deepest sympathies to Dorothea, Elinor and Robert. Please remember that I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Yates Nightingale
