Robert "Bob" Knight Ballantyne

BALLANTYNE, Robert “Bob” Knight

With grateful, but heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Knight Ballantyne on February 13, 2025, in his 95th year, at Spencer House in Orillia, Ontario. Bob, as he was known to most, lived a full and joyful life and showed great resilience through health adversities in his last years. He was predeceased by parents Leslie and Nettie Ballantyne, and sister Ann Buchan. After moving around as a “preacher’s kid”, Bob settled in Kitchener for 30 years with his beloved wife, the late Norma (nee Brittin) and their 5 kids: Mary Ballantyne (Paul Rabinovitch) of Toronto, Robert "Bob" Ballantyne (Jancey-Lu) of Ramara, Nancy Ballantyne (Greg Karaguesian) of Haliburton, Sheila Dow (Leonard) of Stratford and Douglas Ballantyne (Lori McMaster) of Port Dover. For the last 30 years, Bob lived beside his treasured childhood Lake Couchiching while married to his cherished wife, Betty Hopkins and opened his heart to her family Robert Hopkins (Lynn Hazlett and the late Charryn) of Orillia and James Hopkins (Lynda Shadbolt) of Haliburton. His love and curiosity for nature, family, friends, music (at 85 he started a vocal quartet for seniors!), birds, and life was never ending. The day before he passed, he was still working on perfecting his 200 page “Life Trilogy” book. Bob’s career spanned 40 years primarily as a leader in the development of Recreation Leadership and an instructor at Conestoga College in Kitchener. His passion for recreation continued post-retirement: in recent years he discussed recreation with care staff who recognized him from their textbooks and his manuals. Upon learning of anyone’s latest travels, endeavors, or accomplishments, Bob would keenly ask all about it, then add a new fact even they didn’t know (without the use of google!). He was always quick with a witty remark, still joking with the staff during his final days. Bob passed this zest for life onto his family, whom he loved dearly!! Proud grandfather to Brittiny (Kevin), Benjamin (Asha), Leslie (Jeff), Matt (Christine), Stephanie (Shane), Robert “Bobby” (Sarah), Rebecca “Becca”, Jessica, Claire, Stuart (Erica), Liam (Davy), Quintin, and step-grandfather to Madeline, Caitlyn, Cameron, and the late Tanner. Great grandpa Bob would always have a smile and twinkle in his eye for his beloved great-grandchildren Austin, Luella, Josephine, Lucy, Daya, Margot, Kyia, Kieran, Sonny, and Sal. Bob was an active member of the Society of Directors of Municipal Recreation of Ontario (SDMRO), Ardtrea and St. James Rosemount United Churches and choirs, Champlain Seniors Service Club, Jubilee Chorale, Washago Seniors Club. His greatest joy was having as many of his family and friends around him whenever possible, be it a gathering small, large, or with a Dixieland band to boot! Thanks for all the care and support received from Birchmere Retirement Residence and Spencer House staff. We will miss you Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and friend and will sign off as he does “So… enjoy the rest of your day!” 

Cremation has taken place. A date for a Celebration of Life in the spring will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations to Nature Conservancy of Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com.