ROBERT WILLIAM CASTER

ROBERT WILLIAM (UNCLE BOB) CASTER June 4, 1937 - July 27, 2016 Beloved husband of Joyce Marie Caster (nee McCrae) June 15, 2002 and the late Frances Elizabeth Caster (nee Hudson) October 3, 1964 - October 24, 1993. Although the subject of death can be an uncomfortable topic for some people, it is a reality to be understood. We must learn about, and accept death as being a very important part of life. When it happens, and indeed it does with amazing regularity, think of it as moving on, and leaving space, for another life to begin. As I listened to Rev. Dwight Strain, at the funeral of my Aunt Midge (Florence Pulver) he referred to the dates in her obituary, "From the beginning to - the end". He noted that first came the date of her birth followed by a dash and the date of her death. The dates tell us how many years she lived on earth, but what mattered most of all was the dash between those years, for that dash represents the passing of time she spent on this earth, and only those who knew and loved her know what that little dash contains. This started me thinking, as I would sometimes do, what about my dash, who was I, and what were the highlights of my life, so I decided to write a brief summary to fill my dash, the passing of my time spent on earth. And so here it is, not over exciting, but it is my dash ---- The Dash in my life. The passing of time June 4, 1937 - July 27, 2016 As an assignment by my creator to experience life on earth, I joined the Caster family on June 4, 1937, at 9:00 p.m., the youngest child of Frank and Jennie Caster, along with my twin sister Betty, who arrived at 8:30 p.m., 1/2 hour prior to my debut, therefore my becoming the youngest of nine siblings. Four Brothers. Four Sisters. Harold (Cass) 1924-1974, Isabella 1925-1929, Frances 1927-1928, Tommy 1929-2009, Stanley 1931, Kathleen 1933, Donald 1934-2007 and of course twin Betty 1937-2013. During my 79 year assignment on earth, I was blessed with a 29-year marriage to my wife Frances, who passed away October 24, 1993, and further blessed with 14 years of marriage to my present wife Joyce, who I married on June 15, 2002. I was also blessed with an extended family, I had the honour of becoming brother-in-law to my brother Cass's wife Elsie, who upon his death, married Neils Bomholt, brother Stanley's wife Valerie, brother Tom's wife Pat, brother Donald's wife Penny, sister Kathleen's husband Carl, and twin sister Betty's husband Jack. And on Frances' side of the family, I had the honour of being the son-in-law of George and Margaret Hudson, brother-in-law of Fran's sister Dorothy and (Gerry) Shannon, sister Helen and (Russ) Marlow, brother George and (Elaine) Hudson, sister Carol and (Willie) Nickle. Upon my marriage to Joyce McRae, I became Big Daddy to five, Linda (Ron) Marsh, Jeff McRae, Kathy (John) Demareski, Bruce and Bonnie. Also grandfather to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, various in-laws, outlaws, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. As time passed, and families grew, I enjoyed a very fulfilled life, I was truly blessed with two loving parents, two loving wives, the love and support of my siblings, and family of in-laws, outlaws, many cousins, and not to forget, my second set of parents, Uncle Lew and Aunt Midge Pulver. During my assignment I became known as "Uncle Bob" to numerous nieces and nephews. I was blessed with many true, dear, and loyal friends, many of whom I met as a member of Grace United Church, Grace United Church Young Peoples, The Hustler Young Men's Bible Class, The Sunshine Seniors Club of Washago, and the TIE Club (The Intelligent Elders) of Orillia and other various organizations. As time passed and my journey progressed, I received an average education, worked at many different and interesting jobs. I never became President or CEO but I experience and enjoy great wealth, not in monetary sense, but in the sense that I was able to see, feel, hear, talk, walk, and taste. I never went naked, cold, hungry or without love. I never experienced war or hatred. I had freedom of speech, expression, religion, and travel, the opportunity to make a living and enjoy my 20 year retirement (since April 1996). The values I learned, and tried my best to live by, were to love life to its fullest, to live and let live, to be fair, honest and accept others as I would want them to accept me. I may not have been exceedingly successful, but I darn well tried. All the things we take for granted, were bestowed upon me from the moment I took my first breath; to the moment I took my last. And for this I thank My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, my family, my friends, and the many men and women who bravely fought, and died for this country's freedom, allowing me, to journey through life, enjoying the magnificent world around me, in a peaceful and harmonious democracy. So be as it be, this is my dash simple but true. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith, to the best of my ability, and now with the passing of time, it has come time for me to depart from this assignment, and enthusiastically embark upon another. To rejoin My Maker, my family, and friends who have gone on before me, or perhaps I will be sent on another assignment, in another place, into another family, as "Uncle Bob", or maybe "just a little rock a sitting on a hill" as in my favourite poem, my mother taught me. "I wish were a little rock, just sitting on a hill, Doing nothing all day long, but just a sitting still, I wouldn't eat, I wouldn't sleep, I wouldn't even wash, I'd just sit still a million years, and rest myself b'gosh." At my request, cremation has taken place, and it is my wish for our families and friends to come together for a joyful Celebration of Life, in remembrance of all those who have journeyed on before us. Let us remember the happy times as we sing, and reminisce of the years gone by, while looking forward to the hopes, and dreams of the future. Please: No floral or monetary tributes; if for some reason you wish to remember me, please do it with a kind smile, deed, word, a simple phone call, or a visit to someone who needs you, and by taking a moment to pray, asking God in Heaven for world peace, allowing the children of today, a future for tomorrow. Enjoy Your Days and Love Your Life, Because Life is a Journey, a passing of time to be Savoured. In the words of Roy and Dale.... Happy trails to you, until we meet again Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then. That my friend's, simple but true, is my "DASH" Love, Hugs and Kisses, Uncle Bob A Memorial Service and Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Thursday evening, August 11, 2016 at the Stephen Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Drive, Orillia, from 4-8 p.m. Messages of condolence are welcome at www.mundellfuneralhome.com