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Robert Gale

1952 - 2021

Robert Gale obituary, 1952-2021, Barrie, ON

BORN

1952

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Adams Funeral Home

445 St. Vincent Street

Barrie, Ontario

Robert Gale Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear friend Robert Gale. Bob was "larger than life", and for those who were lucky enough to spend some time with Bob, we come away better for having done so. Bob spent much of his life in Barrie, and was a fixture of downtown life. You may have seen him immaculately turned out in his suit and tie, enjoying his coffee, engaged in a long discussion with a friend - or even someone he was meeting for the first time. Bob had no family, but for him, the world was his family - and this was very real - not just a platitude. Bob was a wonderful painter and a student of life. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Bob.

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

Published by Simcoe County News on May 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gale

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33 Entries

Annette

September 18, 2021

Bob made a lifelong impression from the time I met him in the 70s. He took a vow of silence for the longest time, but that didn't stop him from laughing at our kitchen table above the camera store, and from howling at the moon. I visited him at the warehouse, where he made oolong tea. He hitchhiked to Ottawa in a snowstorm to stay a few days, like a troubadour. I wish I'd known him better, but I was privileged to know this lovely being for the time that I did.

Cindy

May 20, 2021

So sad to hear of your passing, dear Bob.
We will miss your monumental spirit.
May your soul rest in peace, and the Angels of Light accompany you.

Steve Porter

May 13, 2021

Bobby and I first met in the late 70's when we both worked at the old Barrie Raceway at Essa and the 400. Over the years we crossed paths at Queen's Park, the waterfront, the community centres and YMCA. Encountering Bobby was always the same ... A HUGE hello, a vigorous handshake, a magnificent smile and genuine interest in how I was. Bobby always treated me like he valued our friendship in the highest regard, always quick with a quip or a joke, laughing loudly at his own humour. He was definitely a Barrie icon and I will miss him greatly. RIP my friend, and thanks for including me in your circle.

Larry

May 9, 2021

Bob,
We jokingly discussed what I would say at your funeral on a few occasions and it always ended in laughter. We discussed what yours and my plots would say and again it would always end in laughter.
But what I want to say is what I appreciated about you.
I appreciate your generosity.
I appreciate your humor.
I appreciate your willingness to listen.
I appreciate your stories and words of wisdom.
I appreciate all the times we played basketball, tennis or pickle ball together.
I appreciate the way you introduced me to people in the highest regard.
And most importantly I appreciate your friendship.
For someone who didn’t have a lot you certainly gave a lot.
You gave me a lot Bob.
And for that I thank you.
Larry

Larry

May 9, 2021

Bob,
We jokingly discussed what I would say at your funeral on a few occasions and it always ended in laughter. We discussed what yours and my plots would say and again it would always end in laughter.
But I want to say what I appreciated about you.
I appreciate your generosity.
I appreciate your humor.
I appreciate your willingness to listen.
I appreciate your stories and words of wisdom.
I appreciate all the times we played basketball, tennis or pickle ball together.
I appreciate the way you introduced me to people in highest regard.
And most importantly I appreciate your friendship.
For someone who didn’t have a lot you certainly gave a lot.
You gave me a lot Bob.
And for that I thank you.

Larry

Sydney Stunden

May 9, 2021

It is so heart warming to see all this love for this fascinating guy. After talking to Bob I always felt good about things including myself and would hash over the conversation for days. Sad to think I will not run into him again downtown.

Larry

May 9, 2021

Bob,
We jokingly discussed what I would say at your funeral on a few occasions and it always ended in laughter. We discussed what yours and my plots would say and again it would always end in laughter.
But I want to say what I appreciated about you.
I appreciate your generosity.
I appreciate your humor.
I appreciate your willingness to listen.
I appreciate your stories and words of wisdom.
I appreciate all the times we played basketball, tennis or pickle ball together.
I appreciate the way you introduced me to people in highest regard.
And most importantly I appreciate your friendship.
For someone who didn’t have a lot you certainly gave a lot.
You gave me a lot Bob.
And for that I thank you.

Larry

Larry

May 9, 2021

Bob,
We jokingly discussed what I would say at your funeral on a few occasions and it always ended in laughter. We discussed what yours and my plots would say and again it would always end in laughter.
But I want to say what I appreciated about you.
I appreciate your generosity.
I appreciate your humor.
I appreciate your willingness to listen.
I appreciate your stories and words of wisdom.
I appreciate all the times we played basketball, tennis or pickle ball together.
I appreciate the way you introduced me to people in highest regard.
And most importantly I appreciate your friendship.
For someone who didn’t have a lot you certainly gave a lot.
You gave me a lot Bob.
And for that I thank you.

Larry

Roger Byrne

May 8, 2021

Known Bob for many years and always found him to polite, happy and made your day feel better after talking with him weekly, when he would drop in to say hello at my place of business. He will be sadly missed
by all that new him.

Les Stewart

May 7, 2021

Bob Gale was an original. He chose to be kind, even in the face of overwhelming fear and hostility by others. Thank you Bob, happy trails. Your friend, Les

Shane Ross

May 6, 2021

Bob was a true spirit of the universe and a fine man. He will be missed by all who were graced with his kindness and friendship.

Gregory Marshall

May 6, 2021

This news is sad for me to hear, Bob Gail had a special place in my heart. For years Bob worked for me as a custodian in my building on Collier Street.. not only did he help take care of my building, but ( originally unbeknownst to me )he made it his home upstairs in the attic.,so we were in regular contact on a daily basis. It was impossible to be angry with Bob for deciding to make my building is home, so there he remained, and our relationship grew. He was an artist, A philosopher, A jokester, and an all-around decent human being.



Although I have not seen Bob in years (our relationship dates back to the 70s) he was never forgotten, and thoughts of him always brought a smile to my face. After all, how can you forget a guy that shows up for work in the morning, In a pair of black pants, with black suspenders, no shirt, a black top hat and cane. :) Thankfully, my daughter who still lives in Barrie would run in to him from time to time and exchange pleasantries. That way I was able to keep up with Bob’s comings and goings...Rest in peace pal.

Dawn Noble

May 6, 2021

RIP big man

Dawn Noble

May 6, 2021

I met you over 40 years ago and I have never forgotten you. We didn't hang out for ever but long enough to know I love you and will never forget you. RIP my friend, XXOO Dawn

David Gross

May 6, 2021

Bob lived life and did so on his terms. Many years ago I saw Bob up at Berry Hills just sitting down talking with a friend and casually eating strawberries. He had no basket. He was there to enjoy nature’s sweetness and those around him. I had known Bobby since my teenage years ... we were only slightly more than acquaintances but when our paths crossed he conversed with me like a friend. You will be missed ... now go on to your next next adventure.

Catherine Truax

May 5, 2021

Bob,
You were a main stay at the library. You were larger than life. You always had a joke a song and plenty of conversation!
I came to think of you not only as a patron but a family member.
For all of our bantering and teasing you were a great man and took it for what it was worth.
Love and a since of family. Your loss will be felt greatly I will cherish all of our conversations and fun we had.
I pray you rest in peace my friend you will forever be in my heart.

Kathleen Wildman

May 5, 2021

Bob was a beautiful soul. My family will miss our friendship terribly. We are all better for having known you Bob. We will carry your love in our hearts forever. Xoxo Kathleen, Drew and Thea.

Pamela Beatty

May 5, 2021

Bob was the only true citizen of the world. See you in Mexico my friend! Love Pamela. xoox

Terry Rupert

May 5, 2021

Bob was somewhat larger than life to a young lad in the 70’s.
I first met him at the Queens hotel he strolled right up to us and introduced himself, a brief conversation then off to the dance floor he went.
With a certain flare and grace he moved around the floor and as suddenly as he appeared he was gone.
Always kind, always generous with a helping hand or some advice.
He will be missed for all of these things.
He never had much, nor did he want much, but he was very rich in different ways.
RIP my friend.

Sandra

May 5, 2021

RIP Bob, I was blessed to have met you , you were always pleasant with me and had a great big smile on your face! You will be truly missed ❤....

Chris

May 5, 2021

I'm so sad to see Bob go. He was great, eccentric and wonderful character. We had great chats and he was never afraid to speak plainly and challenge your views - in a friendly way.
Wherever he is now, he's probably having a long, deep conversation. Either that or singing. Godspeed Bob!

Scott Saunders

May 5, 2021

Bob Gale, Larger than life and a true Renaissance’s man, so sad to know that his presence in our life’s is no more!

Teresa

May 5, 2021

You where a kind and classy man Bob you will be missed at God's grace ❤

Debbie Perry (Bowles)

May 5, 2021

The world could use a whole lot of Bob Gale's.Always so charming , respectful, optimistic ,and fun.Above all you were kind.loved by many .May you RIP.

Owen Wass

May 4, 2021

I have been acquainted with Bob since our high school days at Central. But it was within the last 20 years that I feel I really got to know him. To me, above all else, Bob was an authentic person - he would speak sincerely from his heart and mind at the same time. And we had wonderful discussions about anything and everything - with Bob usually choosing the topic. My fondest memory of Bob will be all the laughter we shared when we reflected on our respective lives. It's hard to believe that Bob has moved on - however, I'm sure he'll engage in many lively conversations during his journey.
Rest in peace, Bob Gale.

Cate (Cathy) Tilden

May 4, 2021

Bob truly lived life to the fullest and shared his extraordinary talents and character with everyone he met, always stretching to reach his own personal best.

May 4, 2021

Bob and I worked together at Barb Lloyd's horse farm in Oro back in the early 70's. Still have one of his drawings. So sad to here. He was known and liked by everyone. Say hi to Doug for me Bob. Ritch Austin.

Tammy Stevens

May 4, 2021

I'm so incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Bob. He was the icon of Barrie and an incredible human being. He will forever be in my heart with the fondest of memories.
Rest in peace my friend.

Tammy Stevens

May 4, 2021

I'm incredibly saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was the icon of Barrie and a fabulous human being.
Bob will forever be in my heart and remembered with fond memories.
Rest in peace my friend.

Tammy Stevens

May 4, 2021

I'm incredibly saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was the icon of Barrie and a fabulous human being.
Bob will forever be in my heart and remembered with fond memories.
Rest in peace my friend.

Genevieve Martini

May 3, 2021

Goodnight dear Bob, hope you're sitting with Doug, roaring with laughter on the other side.

Laurence H. FAULKNER

May 3, 2021

An Ambassador of humanity, unique, eclectic, surreal, you Sir will be missed! May you rest in eternal peace and comfort.

Charlie Moher

May 3, 2021

Gregarious.... Flamboyant.... Eccentric ... we can empty out the dictionary on Bob. Good bye dear friend. Say hello to the gang for us.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Memorial Events
for Robert Gale

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Adams Funeral Home

445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie, ON L4M 6T5