Robert Gayner

GAYNER, Robert "Bob" Harold Peacefully, at the Ottawa General Cancer Centre on Monday morning, June 8th, 2009, at the age of 79. A man loved by many people, he will be sadly missed by all of us: his children Bill, Michael and Mary, their partners Harry, Ganaele and Chris, his grand daughter Emma, his new love Chloe, his extended family and many good friends. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Helen Gayner. Bob was a true Canadian, with a long distinguished career as a Canadian diplomat who served as Canadian Ambassador to Iraq and Canadian Consul General in Chicago. After retiring from the Foreign Service, he was Executive Director for the Business Fund for Canadian Studies in the United States and then Executive Director for the Trade Facilitation Office Canada. Bob also found time for extensive volunteer work, including serving as Chair of Catholic Family Services Ottawa as well as in regional and national leadership roles with the Federal Superannuates Association. He was known for his enthusiasm and hearty laugh, and he loved people, travel, and life. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, from 4-7 p.m., on Thursday, June 11th, 2009. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, 375 Sussex Drive at St. Patrick, Ottawa at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 12th, 2009. Bob's family is very grateful for the many acts of kindness, prayers and wishes of his friends. Contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, designated to the 5th floor General Campus Cancer Centre.