In Celebration of
Robert Beatty Cumming
November 1, 1932 - July 30, 2023
Suddenly on Sunday, July 30. Loving and devoted father of Martha (Paul Buchanan) and Danielle who were at his side. Proud and caring grandfather of Stewart and Meredith Buchanan. He is predeceased by Valerie, his loving wife and best friend of 50 years, his brother Gordon and his parents Marion and Gordon Clark Cumming. Bob is survived by his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kevin and Kathy O’Leary and Mimi O’Leary, his nieces Joanne, Marianne and Sally, and nephews Bill, Michael, Derek, Douglas, Pieter, Ronan, Connell and John and their families.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Bob graduated from the University of Manitoba before moving to Toronto to pursue a degree in Forestry. Bob completed his MBA at the University of Western Ontario, Class of ‘57. Bob’s 27 years as an executive at Shell Canada were followed by a second career in Natural Gas Vehicles. Bob was elected the first President of the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles, and accompanied by Valerie, attended and led international conferences, enjoying the global community and cultural experiences.
Bob’s love and appreciation of the Canadian north was fostered first at his family cottage in Minaki where he delighted in his work as a fishing guide, then in Pointe au Baril, the centre of summers for family and friends to enjoy canoeing, ping pong, pancakes and the occasional project.
At every step Bob made and maintained lifelong friendships that he cherished dearly. He loved languages, travel, history, figure skating, Scottish country dancing and baseball and was happiest when the family was all together.
Always a gentleman, Bob never lost his kind, calm way, his brilliant mind and memory, and his strong will. The family is grateful to his dedicated team of caregivers, Esperanza, Elizabeth, Marilou, Jane, Duncan and Cora who made his wish of remaining at his home possible.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3055 Bloor Street West, on Tuesday, August 22 at 2:00pm. In memory of Bob, donations to westparkfoundation.ca or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Bob graduated from the University of Manitoba before moving to Toronto to pursue a degree in Forestry. Bob completed his MBA at the University of Western Ontario, Class of ‘57. Bob’s 27 years as an executive at Shell Canada were followed by a second career in Natural Gas Vehicles. Bob was elected the first President of the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles, and accompanied by Valerie, attended and led international conferences, enjoying the global community and cultural experiences.
Bob’s love and appreciation of the Canadian north was fostered first at his family cottage in Minaki where he delighted in his work as a fishing guide, then in Pointe au Baril, the centre of summers for family and friends to enjoy canoeing, ping pong, pancakes and the occasional project.
At every step Bob made and maintained lifelong friendships that he cherished dearly. He loved languages, travel, history, figure skating, Scottish country dancing and baseball and was happiest when the family was all together.
Always a gentleman, Bob never lost his kind, calm way, his brilliant mind and memory, and his strong will. The family is grateful to his dedicated team of caregivers, Esperanza, Elizabeth, Marilou, Jane, Duncan and Cora who made his wish of remaining at his home possible.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3055 Bloor Street West, on Tuesday, August 22 at 2:00pm. In memory of Bob, donations to westparkfoundation.ca or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Funeral Details
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Funeral
Our Lady of Sorrows
3055 Bloor St. W. , Toronto, ON, M8X 1C6
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Tuesday, 22 Aug 2023 2:00 PM