Of Country Manor, Thedford, formerly of Grand Bend and Exeter. With heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived, we announce his passing. Bob died peacefully on July 10, 2012 in his 91st year. Survived by his wife and best friend Catherine (Armstrong). Loving father of Jane and Bruce Lee and Barry and Carolyn Southcott. Grandfather of Mark and Kelly, Benjamin and Shiho, Steven and Amanda, Tracy and Dennis, Kimberly and Jay, Brent and Kelly. Great-grandfather of Eric, Owen, Hannah, Kayna, Alexander, Alyssa, Sarah, Dylan, Carson, Brooke, Jaci-Lynn and Meleena. Missed by his extended family Melissa, Mark, Matthew, Casee, Abbie, Stella and Gage. Dear brother of Don Southcott and brother-in-law of Irvine and Lois Armstrong. Predeceased by sister Florence (1955) and parents J. M. and Alma (May) Southcott.
Bob’s sale of the Exeter Times Advocate to the Eedy family of St. Marys in 1975, broke a record of over 115 years of Southcott family businesses on Exeter’s Main Street. During his career, Bob had the privilege of serving the United Church at various levels, in the formation of the Exeter Kinsmen Club, as president of South Huron Community Living, in the RCAF, and in assisting the family in the development of Southcott Pines, Grand Bend.
Friends may gather at the Grand Bend United Church, 25 Main Street, Grand Bend on Friday, July 13th at 1 PM for a memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life, which will be held at 1:30 PM with Rev. Harry Disher officiating. Cremation has taken place with a private family interment at Exeter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Grand Bend United Church Building Fund, Community Living or the Grand Bend and Area Community Health Centre.
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Robert Melvin (Bob) Southcott
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).
Howie Wright
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. During my time as an employee of the Exeter Times-Advocate, Catherine and Bob treated me as they would have had I been another son. I should have told them how much I appreciated that and then kept in touch, which I didn’t and I regret. He was a fine man and I am sure he will be missed by the many friends and family that new him well.
Carol Ann
My condolences to your family. Bob was such a sweet and gentle man. I met him when I worked in Grand Bend and when I started practicing in Exeter he came and visited me there. My thoughts are with your family, he will surely be missed.
Robert Cuillerier (Jr.)
My deepest sympathies of the passing of Robert. He was a very nice man, and always was in wonderful spirts.
God Bless your family at this time
Robert Cuillerier (Jr.)
Gordon Mackay
My condolences to Bob’s very extended family. I got to know Bob
through Probus some 7 years ago and always found him to be
the consumate gentleman. I always enjoyed Bob’s company and
will deeply miss him.
Doug Pryde
Bob was my boss at the Times-Advocate during my time working there,1946 to 1951.He was very fair to me and I enjoyed working for him. My coldences to the family.
Ray and Judy Mills
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. He had an excellent and long life. His endeavours in the communities he lived in are all very much appreciated.
I remember the fun we used to have at the summer reunion picnics, and his laugh and liveliness on those occasions as we played games, had relays, shared picnic baskets, socialized and visited. That was so many years ago and after those days we all seemed to lose touch with our larger families. But I for one am glad I had a chance to get to know him and your family because of those picnics.
God bless each of you.
Terry and Judy Morgan
Barry and Carolyn:
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our hearts go out to you in this time of your sorrow.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry and Judy
Haskett Funeral Homes
Don and family,
Sincere condolences for the loss of your brother Bob. We remember him from when we lived in Southcott for 15 years.
God bless you during this sad time.
Bruce and Gina Fischer
Ron & Betty Janke
Barry & Jane, I am sorry to here about the passing of your father. I would have liked to have been at the funeral service with you but I am still battling health issues.
Our sympathies,
Ron & Betty Janke
Randy and Sharon Miller
Barry & Carolyn,
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you.
Ron & Betty-Lou Heywood
We would like to extend our sympathies to Catherine, Jane & Bruce , Barry & Carolyn and their families in the passing of a husband , father and grandfather. I always enjoyed talking to Bob. He was an interesting and engaging individual. He will be missed. The Southcotts were pioneers & entrepreneurs in the Exeter area and will be remembered for years to come.
Don & Joan Cann
Jane & Barry & Families:
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of your Dad. The friendship of your parents with our parents–Carf and Anne , was very special over the past years. Southcott Pines and the association with Bob will always be a fond memory for the Cann family!
Sincerely
Joan and Don Cann
Brad Johns
Bob was a man that inspired anyone that knew him, reminded me of a walking book of knowledge and was there to offer his knowledge to whom ever asked without hesitation. My deepest sympathy goes to all his family.
Doug and Mary Lee
Sorry to hear about your father Barry. We will be thinking about you.
Andy Southcott
I am so very sorry to hear that Uncle Bob has died.
Although we had only communicated sporadically over the last 25 years or so, Bob had always demonstrated to me a vital importance to do good in the world and to do well by one’s family. As far as I know Uncle Bob has never violated those imperatives, and his example has strongly influenced me from a very early age. In his obituary, I am particularly struck by the fact that he left 12 great grandchildren. What an impressive legacy, and what an amazing testament to Bob’s steadfast strength and stability as a caring family patriarch!
Sincerely,
Andy Southcott
Bob & Grace Clarke
Catherine , Jane , Barry and families , we are so sorry to hear of your loss. I am so glad to have had the priviledge to have known Bob who was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of the family. Blessings to all !
Tom, Tracy Humphreys & family
Barry, Carolyn and family. Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Doug and Debbie Procter
We will certainly miss Bob as a respected church member, Probus member and friend.We cherish the times he came to our door to drop something off, shared emails and the occasional trip to appointments. He was a very special man.
Maureen wood
Barry & Carolyn
My deepest sympathy in the Loss of your Father
Maureen
Peter & Esther Warner
We offer our sincere sympathy to all the Southcott Family in this your time of sorrow and loss.
Peter & Esther Warner
Bill and Mary Metcalfe
.
Bob will long be remembered as one of our favorite friends.
Our hearts go out to his family.
Bill and Mary Metcalfe
Dr. Jason Bourne
Southcott family,
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I always enjoyed my visits with him. Bob was a true gentleman and an example to live up to. I will miss him.
Kathy DaSilva
Barry and Carolyn and family
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, Kasie and Kyle
Paul & Susan Horton
So very sorry to here of Bob’s passing; A TRUE SWEETHEART OF A MAN!!!
Joyce and Larry Black
Our sincere sympathy to the Southcott and Armstrong families.
Bob was a wonderful man and perfect gentleman. Since moving to Grand Bend we had many visits in the grocery store and at the Post Office, and he always talked about our living and working in Exeter and being across the road at the T-A.
Very interesting man and he will be missed.
Thinking of everyone in your great loss.
Joyce and Larry, Grand Bend
Paul and Marg Turnbull
Marg and I have appreciated Bob’s faithfulness and love as we travel our christian experiences. He has been an inspiration to us.
He will be missed but not for long.
Shirley Keller
I knew Bob as a gentleman and a hard-working businessman. While working at the T-A for a short time, I always found Bob to be friendly and encouraging. I believed him to be a faithful familyman and a dedicated Christian. My condolences to his entire family.
Ross & Donna (Southcott) Howard
Our condolences for your loss. So much enjoyed his company & help recently researching the family tree .
Ross & Donna
Steve and Valerie Martens
Dear Catherine, Jane, Barry and Family.
Bob was one of my favourite people. I loved our visits and enjoyed seeing him. He will greatly missed by all who knew him.
David Bannister
Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great contributor to our community. My condolences to his family.
Beth Jennison
I will always have fond memories of my Thursday afternoons cooking for Bob. We shared many laughs and even a few more “serious conversations” and I enjoyed all of them. RIP, Bob, you were a wonderful role model to us all, a hard worker, a life-long learner, and someone who enjoyed life to its fullest. You will be missed. Beth
Lynda Hillman-Rapley
My deepest sympathy to the family of this wonderful man. I am proud to have known him and to have spent so many hours listening to his wonderful tales of old. RIP my dear friend.
Harvey Vincent
Sincere sympathy to the Southcott family.
I have good memories of Bob
William Harvey & Shirley Andraza
Bob was a great guy and a perfect gentleman, he will be sorely missed by many, especially the Thursday lunch group.
Sincerely
Bill & Shirley
Nancy-Rae and Bob Lovie
Barry and Carolyn and Jane and Bruce – so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was a wonderful wonderful man and he will be surely missed by everyone who knows him. I will miss surprising him every Christmas with his Christmas stocking and chocolate goodies. He was my long time buddy and I sure am going to miss him.