Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Jessica’s House, Exeter on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Ann (Van Duyn) Oke for 56 years. Cherished father of Sheila and Peter Buwalda and Carrie and Shane Thomas. Adored grandfather of Emily (Luke), Erin, Matthew; Sara, and Cole. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Gordon Oke, Marion Oke, and Sharon Oke. Fondly remembered by his many extended family members. Predeceased by his siblings and siblings-in-law, Don Oke, Leona Oke, and Betty and Doug Cockerton and his parents James and Emily (Harrison) Oke.
Bob was a longtime employee of HMP and there wasn’t a car he couldn’t fix. He was someone who appreciated the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed time on his A.T.V, camping, and taking pride in growing his garden. Above all, Bob cherished spending time with his family, creating many memories that will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, Exeter on Saturday March 14th from 12 – 1 PM. Bob’s funeral service will be held following the visitation at the funeral home at 1 PM. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Exeter Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to watch the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to Jessica’s House Hospice or Alzheimer Society Huron Perth in Bob’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
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).
James Oke
My Deepest Condolences go out to my aunt Ann and my cousins Sheila and Carrie.
Mary (Shoebottom) Perry
To Ann and family
Sorry to read of the passing of Bob.
My sincere condolences. Cherish the memories you made over the years. May he rest in peace.
Tammy Hawkins
Ann, So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. Tammy and Elizabeth
Bob & Donna Hamather
Dear Ann & family,
We were so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing.
Sending Sincere condolences.
Charlene Poag
Dear Sheila and Pete and Family
Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing, May you carry your happy memories of him with you.
Wilma
Sorry to hear. Our prayers are with you both. Ann
Jamie & Danielle Oke
Ann, Sheila, Carrie and family we are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our deepest sympathies.
Elaine Luyten
Condolences to Ann & family. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Elaine Luyten
Lauren Oke
Dear Aunt Ann, Sheila and Carrie,
Thinking of you all at this sad time and remembering with immense fondness the truly special person Uncle Bob was. His voice, his laugh – one of a kind. He will be so missed by so many.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Lauren, Luke, Freja and Adam
Nelson, New Zealand
Mark Heimrich
Ann, Sheila, Carrie and families, and Bob’s friends & neighbours;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Bob. Great guy all round. I always had the utmost respect for Bob as a fellow auto mechanic. Super knowledgeable and highly skilled. He was known as one of those “go to guys” in the trade when you had a tough case or diagnosis. I went to Bob on a few occasions back in the day and he was always kind and helpful. It was a pleasure bumping into him in the community and having chats over the many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Rest in peace Bob.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer.
Gordon Oke, Katherine Garland
Sleep well Brother Bob. To Ann, Carrie, Shane, Sheila, Pete and your respective families take care of one another. It is a bit comforting to know He is in a better place.
Kathy and Gord!
Tim & Maria Hamather
Dear Ann & family,
We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We have great memories of him. He will be missed.
Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Tim & Maria
Doug and Kate
Dear Ann and family, Our sincere condolences to you at this sad time. It was always nice to chat with you and Bob as you were coming in at the end of the day to clean the ABCA offices and we were leaving. Bob was so dedicated to his work. He will be missed.
Doug Hocking and Kate Monk
Rhonda Hartleib
Carrie, I’m thinking of you and your family during this time. My condolences.
Teo and Sieka Van Steeg
Sieka and I sent our condolences to you Ann and all the children with the loss of Bob,
May the all knowing Lord send you His nearness to you all you Ann and kids
We hope to come Saturday
Murray Hunking
To Bob’s family. Got to know Bob at H.M.P, always had great talks ,and a lot of fun . You are all in my thoughts at this most difficult time . Murray Hunking
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Ann, family and friends
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing.
Many good memories of him in his different roles in life.
Our condolences to all.
Joanne Shand-Kernighan
Carrie and family,
Sending sincere condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time.
Joanne
nancy brand
ann and family! my deepest sympathy
Bob and Joyce McDonald
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing what a great guy, I worked with him for a few years and played hockey with him also. RIP BOB
Abbie Gutteridge
On behalf of the staff at ABCA, we send our sincere condolences to Ann, Sheila and Carrie. We appreciated Bob (and Ann’s) work here at the office – it was always a joy to see Bob’s smile when we would run into him. He will certainly be missed by many.
Susan Oke
Dear Ann & family – so sorry to hear about Bob. I always enjoyed talking with him. May all of your happy memories help you through this very sad time.
Bill Doupe
Ann and family. My sincere condolences on hearing of Bobs passing. He was great neighbour many years ago, down on the farm and was an awesome mechanic who helped repair my car a few times. Always enjoyed a chat when our paths crossed. May your fond memories together carry you through the sad times.
Allen and Marjorie Oke
We send our deepest condolences to your family .We are also sure that Bob will be dearly missed by family, friends, neighbours all that knew him
Clement and Emily Hoonaard
Clement and Emily Hoonaard
Our deepest sorrow for the passing of Bob.
Amy Baillie
Carrie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear dad. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts, and I’m sending strength and support during this difficult time.
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Dear Ann Sheila Carrie
So sorry to hear Bob has passed.
He worked with Cy for a lot of years .
Many good memories
Please know we are thinking of you at this sad time .🙏
Edith Lewis & family
Ann and family.
Our condolences to your family.
We were old neighbors when you and your parents lived on Huron St.
Clement and Emily Hoonaard
Condolence from Emily and Clem hoonaard from Orangeville ontario.
Tom Prout
My Sincere condolences. Bob and Ann always did a great job for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. After hours and weekends. Thank you Bob and my you rest in peace.
Arie and Arien Varkevisser
Dear family, Our Condolences for this great loss 🙏🙏
John and Ruth Timmermans
Our condolences to the Oke family.
George Godbolt
Sorry to hear of Bob’s illness and passing. While I haven’t seen him lately, I do remember his great smile when we chatted. My condolences to Anne, Sheila and Carrie.
Carolyn L Rose
Ann and Family,
Sorry to read of the passing of Bob. It was a pleasure being able to assist Bob and get to know him when he visited the Hearing Life location in Exeter. Cherish the memories that were created over the years. RIP Bob
Carolyn
Jessica
Hearing Life Exeter
Fred & Ann Zwaan
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Ann, Sheila, Carrie and family with the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. We enjoyed the visits before health problems set in. No matter where we met him he always had a cheery smile! May God comfort and give you peace during this difficult time. Love Fred &Ann
Rick and Marilyn Vandenbussche
Our sympathy on Bob’s passing.
Jim & Annette Vellenga
So sorry for your loss.
Merv & Evelyn Durnin
Our sincere condolences to the Oke family.
Marilyn and Gary Eagleson
We are very sorry to hear of Bob’s Passing! He was always an interesting and knowledgeable person
to talk to especially pertaining to anything mechanical.
We send our SINCERE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS to ANN and Family.
Ross & Shirley Rowe
Ann & Family – sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Cherish the many great memories and be assured, your grief is shared by all who walked in his path over the years.
Hugs – Shirley & Ross
Marie & Garry Kechnie
Ann, Sheila, Carrie and families: We are so going to miss our visits with Bob & Ann after being neighbours for more than 32 years. We know that your family has many happy memories to carry you through this sad time.
Janna
Dear Family,
Our condolences for this great loss,
Lots of strength and courage,
We will miss a wonderful Person🙏🙏
Leen en janna
Ed & Marie Nethercott
Ann, Sheila, Carrie
So sorry to of Bob’s passing.