Charles Robert Bush, beloved artist, father, brother and friend, died on March 14, 2023 at the age of 84 after a brief illness.
Rob was married to the love of his life Mary Anne for over 50 years, who passed away in 2014. He was the proud father of Joe, (wife Afsoun, daughter Roxy), Dan, (wife Laurie, sons Liam and Logan), and Kevin (KJ), (wife Cindy).
As a notable Canadian contemporary artist who painted under the name Charles Robb, Rob’s beautiful paintings have been enjoyed in galleries and museums, and have adorned the walls of many homes. Rob graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1959, his work was featured in over 20 solo exhibitions in Canada and the US, and it continues to be part of important public and private art collections around the world. In 1981, the CBC produced a documentary on Charles Robb for the ‘Seeing it Our Way’ series. Rob was a gifted jazz drummer, member of a jazz band who toured southern Ontario, and always painted with jazz playing in the background.
Rob and Mary Anne raised their family in Toronto, then moved to Goderich to enjoy their retirement. Rob was an avid golfer, snooker player, and he made many close friends in the community. He will always be remembered as kind, gentle and loving.
"Art and music will always be an implicit part of me along with the constants in my life, my wife, my three sons and their families."
Friends are invited to join the family on Sunday March 26, 2023 at McCallum & Palla Funeral Home from 12:30 PM until the time of a memorial Service at 1:30 PM
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Pauline & Pete Kirk
I first met Rob and his wife Mary Ann while working at J’s Bistro and soon struck up a friendship with them. Rob would come in to pick up his regular order if scones every Saturday morning. It was with a heavy heart I heard today of his passing. RIP Rob
Dagny Kane Haas
My heart goes out to all of Robert’s family. I will miss his smile , spark for life and his sense of humour. He was a very special man. He will be missed .
Chris Bush
Dear Joe, Danny, and KJ.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My memories of him when I was young is that of a friendly giant. Always playful and fun. I will never forget the dinners we all shared together at Grandma and Grandad’s house and your Mom and Grandma giving him heck for getting us kids all excited and riled up.
The service you had for him was very nice and I was glad that I was able to be to see it.
My thoughts are with the 3 of you.
Your cousin Chris.
Jan and Jim Bentley
Our sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to Rob’s family.
He was a true friend always there when you needed his jokes, support and pre-Covid, fantastic hugs. His positive attitude, love of family, golf and snooker made him a beam of light for those in need.
We will miss his daily emails of what caught his eye to pass on.
It’s been an honor to have been part of his life.
Tracy Bush
Sending love to you all, my family.
Memories of Uncle Rob are weaved in my heart. I cherish the times our families shared times together. Always in my heart. I am very sorry for your loss.
Tracy and Jeff
Michelle Bush
So much love to my cousins Dan, KJ, and Joe and their beautiful families.
Uncle Rob was my godfather, and though years and distance separated us, I loved this because all the images and sounds of you in my head are broad grins, smiles, laughter and joy. A joy for life and living and smiling at all that is thrown at us.
I hold you near to me always Uncle Rob.
I so wish I could wrap my arms around my Dad and my cousins in person. Until then, I do so from afar.
Peggy Denomme
We have been neighbours of Rob for several years. We will miss seeing his smiling face in the neighbourhood. Clarence and Peggy Denomme