On July 21, 1936, Robert Earl Flood... Bob to those who knew him, was born at the hospital behind the Mineral Baths (the "Minnie's" for those who are familiar with the area at that time) which was located on the north side of Bloor Street in what is now known as High Park. Bob was born to Viola and Earl and was raised at 46 Lavinia Avenue, in the heart of what was and still is known as Swansea. At the time of Bob's birth his family had already established deep roots in the village with his grandparents living at 34 Windermere Avenue, and great-grandparents resting as close as Parklawn Cemetery.
Bob was Christened at St. Olave's Anglican Church where he also attended Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and participated in Boy Scouts. Bob attended Swansea Public School and through those years he made many lifelong friendships. Growing up, Bob was a typical young boy. He played hockey, ruled the neighbourhood and was fortunate enough to enjoy the many aspects that it had to offer such as playing down at the hills of Swansea Public School and what is now known as Rennie Park.
As a teenager, Bob had numerous jobs; delivering groceries to the area residents from the local IGA, working at Centre Island and the Exhibition, as well as a being a pin boy at the Swansea Bowling alley and an usher at the Runnymede Theatre. Are we all seeing a pattern here? Bob chose his jobs in places that he could always find enjoyment.
He was well on his way to carving his own roots in the neighborhood; signing up to be a volunteer firefighter for the local Swansea Fire Department and joining the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 46. Bob then found full-time employment at Underwood Typewriter where he devoted almost 30 years of his life.
Bob enjoyed the luxury and freedom of a strapping young bachelor until 1958, when his life came to a screeching halt having met Loretta Senko on a bowling bus trip to Buffalo. In the beginning, Loretta wanted no part of Bob, but eventually she was swept away by his charm, and they married in 1963.
Together, Bob and Loretta settled in their first place which was an apartment located at 2 Kennedy Avenue. During the early years of their marriage they enjoyed spending their time together attending hockey games at Maple Leaf Gardens, dances at the Palais Royale, and other hotspots around the city, and of course, there was life at the Legion. Eventually after years of spending their time in the social light, they decided they wanted something more, and in 1969 they were blessed with their son Tim, and in 1974, their daughter Sherri.
Having Tim and Sherri brought a new sense of excitement to their lives and they found themselves getting more involved in the children's activities. One day Loretta was walking down the street and was approached by Doug McLean, the Director of Swansea Community Centre, who asked Loretta if she knew anyone who liked hockey. Loretta told Doug that her husband enjoyed the game and he asked if he would come out to a meeting that was going to take place with five other men, to discuss organizing a hockey league in Swansea, and soon after, the Swansea Hockey Association opened its doors for its first season. Bob also volunteered as a coach in the children's t-ball league at Swansea, and eventually went on to help create the Swansea Adult Softball league which is still a popular run league in the area to this day.
Years later, Bob moved on from his full-time job and found part-time employment working in the lunch program at Swansea Public School. Continuing his devotion to community and his love for children, together with Loretta, they opened and ran Swansea Kids Place, a before and after program at the school. Because of his love for the Legion, Bob began working there as a bar steward. Bob enjoyed his new found employment for the simple fact that it kept him in Swansea where he could be close to his family and friends. To Bob family was everything, Tim, Joanne, Cody and Andy. Sherri, Brett and her children Evan and Eden. Randy, Liz, Laura, Kelly and Ryan. Sharon, Terry, Chad and Craig and more. Each one of you held a special place in his heart. The biggest space in his heart was for Loretta, his devotion and love for her for almost 60 years is something that will never be matched and with his passing he leaves behind with her his never-ending love and a lifetime of memories.
In 1996, Bob took early retirement and Loretta followed in his shoes nine years later in 2005. Retirement was a new thing, but it gave them more time to spend with family and friends.
For those here today, to have had a chance to sit at the table and play cards in the Flood house, you know it was an event that Bob looked forward to; even more so when he could take your money and smile. With their new-found freedom, they ended up taking a cruise. Bob, however, hated to fly, so the cruise involved a train ride to Florida where they would head out from their port, and this was the beginning of their love for the seas as they took eight trips during their time together.
During the last few years, Bob was fighting a health battle and Loretta was by his side the whole way through. Bob being the fighter that we all know he is, he quit smoking and was determined to make the most of the time he had left.
Bob was a pillar in the community and a staple in the lives of so many people. But above all of that, he was a dear and devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather, and he will be forever missed.
