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REABURN: Robert (Bob) George of Exeter, formerly of Ilderton, Hensall and Chesley

Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On March 20, 2014 @ 2:50 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 60 Comments

REABURN: Robert (Bob) George of Exeter, formerly of Ilderton, Hensall and Chesley

Quietly at South Huron Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer, with his wife Sheila and several family members at his side, Robert George (Bob) Reaburn of Exeter, formerly of Ilderton, Hensall, and Chesley in his 84th year.

Beloved husband of Sheila (Robertson) Reaburn for 61 years.  Dear father of Joe and Cherie Reaburn of Calgary, Jeff and Cindy (Sid) Reaburn of Hensall, Paul and Patricia Reaburn of Toronto, Deana Drost and Pete Sweiger of Chesley, and Chris and Tammi Reaburn of Woodstock.  Loving  grandfather of Adam and Tammy, Craig; Jamie and Jeff, Ben and Camille; Robert; Kim, Dave and Sarah, Greg and Lindsey, Dallas, Harley, and Travis; Adrienne; and great-grandfather of Nora; Lexi and Cali; Jason and Wyatt.  Dear brother of Ruth Lahn of Woodstock and brother-in-law of Nelson Robertson of Port Elgin.  Predeceased by his brother Allen Reaburn and wife Jean, brother-in-law Rob Lahn and son-in-law Ken Govers.

Bob had a long and distinguished career in education as a teacher and principal of Hensall Public School from 1953 through 1972, followed by Holmesville Public School from 1972-79, before returning to Hensall Public School until his retirement in 1986.  Bob took great pride and joy in the development of his teachers and students and his success can easily be measured by the outstanding accomplishments of his many students. Mr. Reaburn was regarded as a firm but fair teacher and principal who was always available to give extra help to students. He prided himself on remembering all of his students and was always interested to hear from and about them, even years after they had graduated.

Bob was a recreation director, hockey coach, member of Hensall United Church and a long-time member of the Hensall Kinsmen and K40 Clubs. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the Village of Hensall and surrounding area. Bob had a strong interest in sports, particularly hockey and baseball in his younger days and golf and curling later in life.

Bob’s family will miss his wonderful sense of humour, which he had to the very end, the sparkle in his eye, his generosity, his care and compassion and most of all the love and attention that he bestowed upon them, but they have many wonderful memories that will ease the pain of his passing.  Although he was a prominent local citizen, Bob was also a very private person and at his request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A private memorial service for family and close friends is being planned.  Cremation with inurnment Exeter Cemetery. 

Donations to Cancer Research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or South Huron Hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family.

REABURN: Robert (Bob) George of Exeter, formerly of Ilderton, Hensall and Chesley

Condolences for the family of “REABURN: Robert (Bob) George of Exeter, formerly of Ilderton, Hensall and Chesley”

Condolence from Natalie Mason on March 20th, 2014 2:59 PM

Deanna and family, my sincerest condolence on the passing of your father,please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence from Sandi Bell-Henderson on March 20th, 2014 3:11 PM

Deana and Family:
My deepest sympathies to all of you. You are all in my thoughts, prayers and heart.

Condolence from Evelyn Stecklet VIncent on March 20th, 2014 3:36 PM

Sheila and family,
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Bob was an amazing person and will be missed. Praying for God’s comfort in your lives, during this difficult time.

Condolence from Eugene and Linda Webber on March 20th, 2014 3:55 PM

To the Reaburn family
Words, however kind, can’t mend your heartche, but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends

“One Day At A Time”

Condolence from Tim Rowcliffe on March 20th, 2014 4:12 PM

I am very sorry to here of Mr. Reaburn’s passing. He was a fixture in Hensall for so many years and he will be greatly missed.

Condolence from JAMIE & BARB CALDWELL on March 20th, 2014 4:46 PM

Sheila and family-
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss of husband and father Bob. As a student for many years in HPS , and having Mr. Reaburn as principle , had a huge influence on getting me set on the right path in life. For that i am greatfull.
Mr. Reaburn will be missed by the entire community.

Condolence from Rick & Barb Elliott on March 20th, 2014 4:48 PM

Sheila and family
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all

Condolence from Kathy Mann on March 20th, 2014 5:15 PM

Dear Sheila and family: you have my deepest sympathy. I always considered Bob one of my favourite and best teacher. Loved his wicked sense of humour. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers

Condolence from Lori Oliver on March 20th, 2014 5:39 PM

Deanna and family, So sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I owe you a hug shorty.

Condolence from Kelly (Vanstone) Butt on March 20th, 2014 6:42 PM

Sending thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of Bob/dad to help with the grieving process.

Condolence from Dave and Chris Hefford on March 20th, 2014 6:51 PM

Our condolences to the Reaburn Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.

Condolence from Joanne Rowcliffe on March 20th, 2014 7:14 PM

I have fond memories of Mr. Reaburn as the Principal in Hensall Public School. He shaped many lives. He was a good teacher. He was a good person.
God bless, Joanne.

Condolence from Peter and Wendy Case on March 20th, 2014 7:21 PM

Dear Jeff, Sid and family,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, Dad-in-law and Grandfather. I did not know Bob but had heard many wonderful things about him as an educator in our school system. Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. xo

Condolence from Pam De Jong on March 20th, 2014 7:27 PM

Deana and family:
Deepest sympathies to your and your family. Let your wonderful memories of your Dad comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Sharon and Robert Dale on March 20th, 2014 8:32 PM

Dear Reaburn family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincerest sympathies. Keep all those fond and loving memories close to your heart and he will always be with you. With all our love and prayers Sharon and Rob Dale

Condolence from Jodi Schenk on March 20th, 2014 10:46 PM

Sheila and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jodi, Kris, Emma and Kolten

Condolence from Molly gilmore on March 21st, 2014 6:52 AM

Dear Sheila& Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with at this time and the days ahead.
What a wonderful and thoughtful neighbour, the twinkle in his eye and laugh will always be remembered.
Love and blessings, Molly.

Condolence from Donna Glanville on March 21st, 2014 7:30 AM

Jeff, Sid and family,
My sincere sympathy goes to you and your family at this time.

Condolence from Jerry & Linda Traquair on March 21st, 2014 9:40 AM

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Bob. We knew him as both an educator and a friend.

Mr. Raeburn took his education responsibilities seriously, caring about his students around the clock…not just at school. One thing in particular stands out. At Grade 8 graduation time, he emphasized that it was just as honourable to be a truck driver or secretary as it was to be a doctor or teacher …. it was the job well done and our happiness that counted.

Later in life, it was cool to run into him at the ‘Birch Tree’ when I dropped off and picked up my consignment items. He always had a smile and time to chat.

We were particularly pleased to have Chris join our family when he and my cousin, Tammy fell in love and married. He was a Hensall boy, after all. It was nice to see the Raeburn family milestones in Tammy’s pictures, over the years and to watch Adrienne grow. With those pictures in mind, it is obvious, while Bob has passed, he certainly lives on in the faces and stature of his sweet grandchildren (and ‘greats’). Hopefully, the physical resemblances, mannerisms and fond recollections will join values instilled and bring comfort to Sheila, Joe, Jeff, Paul, Deanna, Chris and their families. He was a good man.

Condolence from Gary & Judy Kyle on March 21st, 2014 9:42 AM

Sheila and family, we send deepest sympathies from the Kyle family to yours. “Sir Bob” as we affectionately called called you back in the day, (not to your face of coarse), were a huge influence on all us Hensall kids! Not only as a teacher, but as a coach and mentor. You set high standards for all students at HPS and it was was evident at High School level, as Hensall students always fared better! Thank you for your guidance throughout my younger years and and you will always be loved and remembered.

Condolence from Dianne Waun on March 21st, 2014 9:49 AM

I had the pleasure of having Bob as a Principal in Hensall during the early years of my career and again in Holmesville later. I appreciated his quiet but strong leadership and mentorship.
In recent years, we have been neighbours for several years, and he will be greatly missed on Someset Street.
Thinking of you, Sheila and family during this sad chapter in your lives.

Condolence from Tony and Linda Charrette on March 21st, 2014 9:53 AM

So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a great neighbor, friend and brilliant teacher. He will be missed by so many people in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Always will be remembered by the entire Charrette family.

Condolence from Jacqui Slade on March 21st, 2014 10:00 AM

Sheila, Jeff, Sid and family

My thoughts and prayers are with you today. He will be missed by many, but not ever forgotten.

Condolence from Jacqui Slade on March 21st, 2014 10:03 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Bob was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten.

Condolence from Dianne & Wayne More- Cambrdige on March 21st, 2014 10:19 AM

Dear Sheila & Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Bob was a kind and loving soul who will be deeply missed by all of those whose lives he touched.
May all of the special memories you have bring you some comfort in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Dianne & Wayne

Condolence from George and MarieMcLachlin on March 21st, 2014 11:25 AM

George and I send our deepest sympathy to the Raeburn family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time. Special condolences to Chris, Tammi and Adrienne.

Condolence from Chris (Vanstone) Wurm on March 21st, 2014 11:37 AM

My condolences to all of the Reaburn family. He will be greatly missed. Will cherish the memories that I have of Mr. Reaburn as a teacher & neighbor. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence from Dianne Gerstenkorn Weber on March 21st, 2014 12:36 PM

Dear Sheila and family. Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Condolence from Peggy Restemayer on March 21st, 2014 1:02 PM

Sheila & Family
My deepest sympathy to all the Reaburn family at this difficult time.
I have great memories of Mr. Reaburn as a neighbor when I was growing up on Richmond Street in Hensall,as a teacher and principal at HPS. He will not be forgotten.
May you find strength in each other as you deal with this loss.
Sincere Sympathy,
Peggy

Condolence from Jill (Drysdale) Geiger on March 21st, 2014 1:25 PM

Dear Sheila, Joe, Jeff, Paul, Deana & Chris, & families;
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband & father. It just seems ‘like yesterday’ when Mr. Reaburn was principal at Hensall Public. I remember him as always being involved with the students.
So many happy memories, too ,of times spent with my parents.
Sincerely, Jill

Condolence from Doug & Karen Shirray on March 21st, 2014 1:27 PM

Dear Sheila & Family
We have fond many memories of Bob when the Reaburn family were our neighbours on King Street in Hensall, Bob’s wonderful sense of humour was always so evident. Our sincere sympathy on his passing.

Condolence from John Noakes, Kamloops, BC on March 21st, 2014 3:41 PM

I remember Mr. Reaburn as a wonderful teacher and Principal of my elementary school in Hensall. Many times I have credited his leadership in helping to shape my future and in making sure that spelling and grammar held an important place in life.
My condolences to his family and his sons Jeff and Joe who were my friends when I was growing up in Hensall. Yes, the more innocent days of road hockey, football after school and scrub at recess. Those good memories will not be forgotten, my friends.

Condolence from Larry, Jean, Don & Mary Ellen Lahn & Families on March 21st, 2014 4:47 PM

May the happy memories you have of Bob help you through this difficult time.

Sheila, you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.

Condolence from Wanda &Bob Reynolds on March 21st, 2014 6:07 PM

To Sheila and family
Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

Wanda & Bob

Condolence from Marion McCurdy on March 21st, 2014 6:08 PM

Sheila & family – I was saddened to read of Bob’s passing. Our family has warm memories of Mr. Raeburn and Hensall P.S. We send deepest sympathy, love and prayers to your entire family. God bless you all.

Condolence from Rick & Barb Ingram & Family on March 21st, 2014 6:47 PM

Sheila and Family
Please accept our sincere sympathy to you and the family at this time of sorrow. In are in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Bonnie Westlake on March 21st, 2014 6:59 PM

Sheila and Family: It is very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts are with your entire family at this sad time.

Condolence from Melissa Veal on March 21st, 2014 9:09 PM

To The Reaburn Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Reaburn influenced so many of our lives in such a positive way,

Condolence from Larry and Joyce Black and family on March 21st, 2014 9:47 PM

Sincere sympathy to everyone in the loss of your dear husband and father. Bob always had a smile and will be missed by family and friends including past staff and students. Thinking of you all
at this sad time. Take care of each other.
Larry and Joyce Black
Shelly and Shari and families.

Condolence from Dennis and Marian Pfaff on March 21st, 2014 10:23 PM

Sheila, Deanna and family
Sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Thinking of you at this sad time

Condolence from Gloria and Peter McFalls on March 22nd, 2014 7:45 AM

Deana, Jeff and families,
It’s never easy to lose a parent but the memories will carry you through. We are thinking of you. Sorry for your loss.

Condolence from Cathie Alexander on March 22nd, 2014 8:56 AM

Sheila and family,
My sincere sympathy at this very sad time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have very fond memories of you, Sheila and Bob – keep all your memories close.

Condolence from Steve & Pat Kyle on March 22nd, 2014 9:31 AM

Pat and I want you to know that we are thinking of your family at this time. “Sir” Bob had a personal influence on my career and in my childhood experiences. He was a wonderful person and you are fortunate to have him in your memories.

Condolence from Michael Hoy on March 22nd, 2014 11:38 AM

Dear Sheila & Family,

I was just reminiscing about my early years in Hensall and my elementary days at Hensall Public School. Nobody who attended HPS will ever forget Bob (which we never called him to his face for obvious reasons). Needless to say, Principal Reaburn had a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of students, and for that I am truly thankful.

Sheila, so happy we had the chance for a short visit a few years ago at the Exeter Hawks reunion.

Holding you and your family close to my heart at this time.

Michael

Condolence from Heather and Mark Porter on March 22nd, 2014 12:13 PM

Uncle Bob was such a great personality, and his smile was contagious. He was obviously loved by so many. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

Condolence from Alvin/Marilyn Taylor on March 22nd, 2014 12:24 PM

Sheila and Family We were sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May happy memories sustain you during this difficult time.

Condolence from Bryan Bonthron on March 22nd, 2014 1:21 PM

Dear Reaburn family

Bob was a great teacher and mentor during my formative years in Hensall. I have many good memories of Bob’s involvement with hockey and his discipline towards sports.
My condolences are with you during this time of loss.

Sincerely, Bryan Bonthron

Condolence from Joan Middleton on March 22nd, 2014 3:59 PM

Dear Sheila, and family
I was truly saddened today, when I heard about Bob’s passing. He was a great teacher and community leader. The Hensall kids have benefitted because of Mr. Reaburn’s values and standards. A well respected gentleman has left many of us with our own special memories, some of my personal thoughts are of us being neighbours for all those growing up years.
With sympathy
Joan (Simmons) and Bob Middleton

Condolence from Bill Chester, Brandon, Manitoba on March 22nd, 2014 4:03 PM

Dear Sheila and family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your husband Bob and to your children in the loss of their father. I hope your good family memories sustain everyone during this sad time.

Bill Chester.

Condolence from Ward Hodgins on March 22nd, 2014 7:42 PM

Dear Jeff and family, I just wanted to drop a quick note to offer my condolences on the loss of a father and grandfather. I don’t know what his final days were like but regardless it is never an easy process to go through. I want you to know that I am praying for you. Ward Hodgins

Condolence from Jim & Anne Prout on March 23rd, 2014 8:38 AM

Sheila & Family. Sincere sympathy to all of you. Will always remember Bob’s quiet smile and the twinkle in his eyes as he made his way downstairs while we were playing bridge. Thinking of you at this sad time.

Condolence from Ann Margaret Young on March 23rd, 2014 12:52 PM

Tammi and Family:

From my family to yours…our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

Condolence from Austin & Dow Families on March 23rd, 2014 5:18 PM

Our sincere sympathys being sent to you in the passing of a great teacher. Many fond memories of Bob and his fedora and all the great times in Chesley.

Condolence from Pete Cunningham, Tucson AZ. on March 23rd, 2014 7:41 PM

I was a 13-year-old Grade 8 pupil at Hensall Public School Mr. Raeburn’s first year of teaching. I played on one of the school hockey teams he formed that year. As captain of the team I was on the ice more than my share. After a couple games, he pulled me aside and we chatted about fairness. It was a completely foreign concept for this win-at-all costs teenager . . . but one I learned well, and never forgot. I’m sorry we never met later in life so I could have thanked him for an important lesson.

Condolence from Jessie Shanks on March 23rd, 2014 8:08 PM

Jeff & Family:

So sorry to hear of your father’s passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this sad time..

Jessie Shanks

Condolence from George and Lois (Simmons) Godbolt on March 23rd, 2014 9:08 PM

George and I would like to extend our condolences to Sheila and the family in the loss of Bob. Besides being a good family friend to me, Bob will be remembered as the most respected and influential educator that I had in the years that mattered the most.
It was always a pleasure to talk to Bob,and Sheila as well,because they were always interested and always had a smile.
Thinking of you
Lois

Condolence from Kathy, Kasie and Kyle Dasilva on March 24th, 2014 9:52 AM

So sorry for your loss! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Jim and Mary Lou Hyde on March 24th, 2014 10:27 AM

Sheila and Family: Jim and I felt a loss when we read in the paper of Bob’s passing. We are still out-of-country but out thoughts are with each of you at home now. Bob was a very private person, but gave so much of himself to so many. We always felt fortunate that our two girls were able to attend Hensall Public School where he had such a strong, but kind influence. He shaped many lives and he will live on in those lives for many years. Jim remembers the teasing that he and Bob always fell into, whenever we saw you, and it makes him smile now. Hopefully all these memories will help each of you through these next sad days. We will always have only pleasant memories of him. Our condolences, Jim and Mary Lou Hyde

Condolence from Matt Walkinshaw & family on March 24th, 2014 1:15 PM

Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this time of loss.

Matt

Condolence from Sandra Roberts on March 25th, 2014 5:11 PM

Dear Sheila,
We were sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and all your family at this time.
Ray and Sandra Roberts

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