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ROBERT ARMIT Obituary
ARMIT
With heavy hearts, the family of Robert William (Bob) Armit announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Bethammi Nursing Home in Thunder Bay, ON.
Bob was born on December 31, 1938, in Fort Frances, ON, to Cecilia (Calder) and Charles Armit. From a young age, Bob showed remarkable resilience and determination. After losing his father in a tragic hunting accident at the age of six, Bob stepped up to help his family by delivering newspapers to put food on the table. Out of necessity, he continued to work all through his school years. In high school, he often worked midnight shifts at the Rainy Lake Hotel, and then struggled to stay awake in class the next day. These formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic that became a cornerstone of his character.
On October 19, 1957, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Erma Raiche. Together, they built a life in Fort Frances, raising four children, facing struggles, traveling the world, holding hands, and dancing gracefully together.
In spite of his humble beginnings, Bob did manage to graduate from Fort Frances High School, and embarked on a 28-year career with the local paper mill, where he rose to superintendent of the finishing and shipping departments. However, Bob's most transformative moment came on December 27, 1975, when he chose a life of sobriety and never looked back. For years afterward, Bob offered outreach and support to countless others on similar journeys, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
With a fresh outlook on life, Bob started a second career as a chartered and certified financial planner with Investors Group. For 25 years, he worked closely with his clients, building lasting friendships and helping them achieve their dreams.
Bob was a character, who was known for his quick wit, playful banter, and his strong, infectious belly laugh. His captivating singing voice had the power to deeply move listeners, and brought joy and comfort to countless people over the years. Bob loved competitive games, especially cribbage, where he could put to use his sharp mind and winning strategies. An avid golfer, he was often the first on the course and continued playing well into his 80s. Always curious, he followed the news closely and researched a wide range of topics, ensuring he always had something interesting to share in conversation.
Bob took immense pride in his Calder Clan and Armit family roots, which were tied to the early history of Fort Frances.
He also often mentioned how proud he was of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He found great joy in playing games or fishing with them, taking them to shows in Branson, screaming with them on rides at Disneyworld, or exploring family history together in Scotland.
In July, 2023, while flying home from a family trip in Scotland, Bob suffered a heart attack. This marked the beginning of a challenging 17-month journey through various health issues.
Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Erma; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Vautrin; his children: Lori Holmes and her children Alicia (Jordan) Nastiuk and Justin Holmes (Sarah Sigurdson); Wanda Botsford and her children Robert (Christine) Botsford, Nic (Mel) Botsford, Jordan (Sara) Botsford, and Miriah Botsford (Nate Wainwright); Victor (Penny) Armit and their children Kyla (Aaron) Beckett, DJ (Brandi) Ellis, Jennifer Inkster (Andy Koverko), and Adam Armit (Adam Killam); and Donald Armit and his children Ethan (Rebecca) Armit and Joclyn (Ryan) Hron. Bob was a proud great-grandfather to Ayden and Olivia Nastiuk; Ava, Violet, Jaxon, Mia, Cooper, Taylor, Henry, and Scarlett Botsford; Karter, Keira, and Brooklyn Beckett; Kayden, Garrett, Natalia, and Daxton Ellis; Jackson, Charles, and Lucas Armit; and Benjamin Hron.
Bob and Erma also opened their hearts and home to many exchange students and boarders, whom they considered family. These included Niels, Jasper, and Emke Nijssen (Holland); Javier Machado (Venezuela); Philip and Henrich Mader (Austria); Cassie Jenkins (Australia); Miriam Hartman (Germany); and Todd Statham (British Columbia). Their families forged close bonds with Bob and Erma, sharing travels and lifelong friendships.
Bob is now reunited with loved ones who predeceased him, including his parents, Charles and Cecilia Armit; parents-in-law, Victor and Ida Raiche; son-in-law, Richard (Dick) Botsford; siblings Cecile (Dede) Egan, Donald Armit, David Armit, and Louisa (Tippy) Johnson; brothers-in-law Ken Egan, Richard Johnson, and Joseph Vautrin; sister-in-law Bernice Armit; maternal grandparents Edward and Nancy Calder; paternal grandparents David and Rebecca Armit; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held in the summer of 2025 in Fort Frances.
If so desired, memorial donations can be made to the Fort Frances Senior Centre, 401 Nelson St., Fort Frances, ON, P9A 1B3; or St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, 63 Carrie St., Thunder Bay, ON, P7A 4J2.
In remembering Bob, we celebrate a life filled with laughter, hard work, and love. We are deeply thankful for the moments we shared with him, and will forever hold him in our hearts.
With heavy hearts, the family of Robert William (Bob) Armit announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Bethammi Nursing Home in Thunder Bay, ON.
Bob was born on December 31, 1938, in Fort Frances, ON, to Cecilia (Calder) and Charles Armit. From a young age, Bob showed remarkable resilience and determination. After losing his father in a tragic hunting accident at the age of six, Bob stepped up to help his family by delivering newspapers to put food on the table. Out of necessity, he continued to work all through his school years. In high school, he often worked midnight shifts at the Rainy Lake Hotel, and then struggled to stay awake in class the next day. These formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic that became a cornerstone of his character.
On October 19, 1957, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Erma Raiche. Together, they built a life in Fort Frances, raising four children, facing struggles, traveling the world, holding hands, and dancing gracefully together.
In spite of his humble beginnings, Bob did manage to graduate from Fort Frances High School, and embarked on a 28-year career with the local paper mill, where he rose to superintendent of the finishing and shipping departments. However, Bob's most transformative moment came on December 27, 1975, when he chose a life of sobriety and never looked back. For years afterward, Bob offered outreach and support to countless others on similar journeys, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
With a fresh outlook on life, Bob started a second career as a chartered and certified financial planner with Investors Group. For 25 years, he worked closely with his clients, building lasting friendships and helping them achieve their dreams.
Bob was a character, who was known for his quick wit, playful banter, and his strong, infectious belly laugh. His captivating singing voice had the power to deeply move listeners, and brought joy and comfort to countless people over the years. Bob loved competitive games, especially cribbage, where he could put to use his sharp mind and winning strategies. An avid golfer, he was often the first on the course and continued playing well into his 80s. Always curious, he followed the news closely and researched a wide range of topics, ensuring he always had something interesting to share in conversation.
Bob took immense pride in his Calder Clan and Armit family roots, which were tied to the early history of Fort Frances.
He also often mentioned how proud he was of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He found great joy in playing games or fishing with them, taking them to shows in Branson, screaming with them on rides at Disneyworld, or exploring family history together in Scotland.
In July, 2023, while flying home from a family trip in Scotland, Bob suffered a heart attack. This marked the beginning of a challenging 17-month journey through various health issues.
Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Erma; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Vautrin; his children: Lori Holmes and her children Alicia (Jordan) Nastiuk and Justin Holmes (Sarah Sigurdson); Wanda Botsford and her children Robert (Christine) Botsford, Nic (Mel) Botsford, Jordan (Sara) Botsford, and Miriah Botsford (Nate Wainwright); Victor (Penny) Armit and their children Kyla (Aaron) Beckett, DJ (Brandi) Ellis, Jennifer Inkster (Andy Koverko), and Adam Armit (Adam Killam); and Donald Armit and his children Ethan (Rebecca) Armit and Joclyn (Ryan) Hron. Bob was a proud great-grandfather to Ayden and Olivia Nastiuk; Ava, Violet, Jaxon, Mia, Cooper, Taylor, Henry, and Scarlett Botsford; Karter, Keira, and Brooklyn Beckett; Kayden, Garrett, Natalia, and Daxton Ellis; Jackson, Charles, and Lucas Armit; and Benjamin Hron.
Bob and Erma also opened their hearts and home to many exchange students and boarders, whom they considered family. These included Niels, Jasper, and Emke Nijssen (Holland); Javier Machado (Venezuela); Philip and Henrich Mader (Austria); Cassie Jenkins (Australia); Miriam Hartman (Germany); and Todd Statham (British Columbia). Their families forged close bonds with Bob and Erma, sharing travels and lifelong friendships.
Bob is now reunited with loved ones who predeceased him, including his parents, Charles and Cecilia Armit; parents-in-law, Victor and Ida Raiche; son-in-law, Richard (Dick) Botsford; siblings Cecile (Dede) Egan, Donald Armit, David Armit, and Louisa (Tippy) Johnson; brothers-in-law Ken Egan, Richard Johnson, and Joseph Vautrin; sister-in-law Bernice Armit; maternal grandparents Edward and Nancy Calder; paternal grandparents David and Rebecca Armit; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held in the summer of 2025 in Fort Frances.
If so desired, memorial donations can be made to the Fort Frances Senior Centre, 401 Nelson St., Fort Frances, ON, P9A 1B3; or St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, 63 Carrie St., Thunder Bay, ON, P7A 4J2.
In remembering Bob, we celebrate a life filled with laughter, hard work, and love. We are deeply thankful for the moments we shared with him, and will forever hold him in our hearts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Jan. 4, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT ARMIT
3 Entries
Sally Burns
February 19, 2025
Bob Armit was a very good financial advisor and a man we came to regard as a friend. Rest in peace Bob.
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Jack Mertens
January 7, 2025
Our condolences to Erma and family, I am forever grateful for both Bob and Erma for the help they gave use when trying to find my roots in the Calder clan, he will be missed.
Teri Groulx
January 5, 2025
Bob was initially my brother´s roommate at Bethammi. He was such a pleasant man. My sincere condolences to his family.
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