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Harbourview Funeral Centre

499 N. Cumberland St.

Thunder Bay, Ontario

ROBERT MARION Obituary

After a long and fulfilling life, Robert (Bob) Marion passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital on October 4, 2023.

Bob will be greatly missed by his sons Dave, John-Paul, Rob (Johanna) and Pat (Nancy); grandchildren: Hanna, Ayla, Axel, Ruby and Abey; sister Kathy Norland (Ted), bothers Mike (Marlene) and Paul (Theresa); as well as all the nieces, nephews, cousins and too many others to mention.

Bob was predeceased by his soulmate, sweetheart and wife, Margaret (nee Kukko), parents Vernon and Alice (Mallon) Marion, and beloved sister Judy Joubert; Gaetan will always be a treasured uncle to all of us.

Bob was born and raised in Port Arthur, the first of five children. He embraced art and sport from an early age. He played hockey, baseball, fastball, football and more. In high school he was a quarterback, like his dad "Lefty", a bit of a legend. He also set a record at Lakeview High School for pole vault! He painted pictures throughout his life with great skill and discipline. The sleeping giant and black bay bridge portraits were just a couple of memorable pieces of his work. Always and avid reader and historian, his library and knowledge fed us all with information and all sorts of literature, art books and guidance. Dad lived by example.

During high school, Bob met the love of his life, Margaret. The high school sweethearts married in April 1963. Soon, along came Dave, then John-Paul, Rob and Pat. Bob and Marg lived their lives together with great love, devotion and support to each other and their children. Mom and Dad instilled a deep feeling and love of nature and appreciation of life in the boreal forest to us, from Timmus Lake to creek fishing for "specs", to bush camping.

Bob and Margaret loved to dance and were well known for their prowess. This dance spirit did not abate for too long following Bob's acute strike from multiple sclerosis three-month hospital stay, lovingly cared for by Mom and he was out to help look after his young family. Dad taught himself to walk by putting his skates on to glide and coax his motor function back! It worked and he didn't have further large setbacks with M.S. Together he and mom had many dances again.

Bob's career in education began at age 19 in Red Lake, Ontario. Most of his work life was being a principle with the catholic board of education… much loved by fellow colleagues and former students… he and his good friend Heroux were instrumental in implementing positive change in the catholic education system while leading the principles union. Bob was known as a fair and wise leader in all schools he worked in; and to this day to us, his kids.

Dad will always be fondly remembered by his loving children, grandchildren, siblings and all who knew him.

Thanks Dad!... For such a wonderful life and offering us all love. A big thanks to the nurses and staff at St. Joe's second floor, especially Chelsea, you've been so kind, as well as Dr. Everall, thank you for your attentiveness and candor.

Funeral Services for Bob will take place on Wednesday, October 25 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the M.S. Society or St. Joseph's Foundation.
Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Oct. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT MARION

Sponsored by Harbourview Funeral Centre.

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9 Entries

Colleen Ginter

October 25, 2023

Hi Jean-Paul and family
What a spectacular life both your mom and dad lived. It sounds like they created a very loving, creative, welcoming,kind and safe environment for their children.

No wonder that you turned out to be such a wonderful son. John -Paul.
Thinking of you and wishing you well on this journey of reflection and loving
memories.
With affection
Paul, Colleen and Cole
Two Island

Patrick M Mallon

October 23, 2023

Bob was my great 8 teacher and the principle at St Bernard's in his first year there. He was also my cousin. I remember the awkward look on his face when he had to administer the strap to me and a school mate for fighting in the school yard. That was awkward for both of us I think. We laughed about that in later years. Bobby honored me by agreeing to be my sponsor at my confirmation at St Margaret's church. I still have and cherish the missal he gave me on this occasion with the congratulatory note he wrote on the inside cover. I have it in a special place in my home to this day. I remember when Bobby would come to our house when I was very young and Bobby would have been in his every Christmas and do beautiful artwork on our front windows. He was fantastic at it. I have been out west since the late 70's but was always glad to see him occasionally on various trips back to Thunder Bay. To Bobby's family, my sincere condolences
. Paddy Mallon

Jamie Arges

October 22, 2023

To Mike (and Marlene), Paul (and Theresa), Kathy (and Ted), Dave, John-Paul, Rob, Pat (and assorted Spouses and Kids):

Anyway - "Hi" Everyone!


I always looked up to Bob and always received nothing but warmth and acceptance from him - a true "class act" on multiple levels!

I'd almost forgotten how multi-talented he was.

Take care!

Nephew

October 21, 2023

Uncle Bob

He was a cool guy, a good man

Didn´t see he often but always was like hadn´t been that long

Rest in peace

Art Dupuis

October 21, 2023

Dear Family of Bob Marion.
In the 90's I had a second hand store on N Cumberland Str. Bob & Marg started coming on a regular bases & we became good friends ! Sat mornings became a get together at my store with coffee & goodies & talk of family & moving to camp & remodeling ! They would have a list of things I was to try & find for them. Marg would always see something in my shop, she to have! They were a great couple & I'm sure you will miss them very much!!
Sincerely, Art Dupuis

Susan Pohler

October 21, 2023

To Bob's family, We send our sympathies on Bob's passing. He was principal at St. Bernard when my son attended in the 80s. I can attest to several occasions when Bob's patience was tested ,receiving phone calls on those matters. I remember he was always kind, and even a bit of humor added and never took it too seriously. More of an update call. And I know the kids liked and respected him. He was a good man and a creditto the teaching profession. Emil and Sue Pohler

Maureen Hogan and Dave Jr.

October 21, 2023

This condolence is to Bob Marion's family. Especially John-Paul and his girls at this difficult time. John-Paul's family is a great neighbor of ours at Two Island Lake.
Maureen Hogan & Dave Jr.

Aran O'Brien

October 21, 2023

Cousin Bob walked the school yard at Mother Theresa in cowboy boots, on patrol. I loved that image of him. I´m out of town flying in on Wednesday saddened I will miss his celebration of life. My condolences to the family. Aran

Fran Mcdevitt

October 21, 2023

Condolences to the Marion Family´s

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Memorial Events
for ROBERT MARION

Oct

25

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

Harbourview Funeral Centre

499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9

Oct

25

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Harbourview Funeral Centre

499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9

Funeral services provided by:

Harbourview Funeral Centre

499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9