Francis Jeffrey Bishop

Francis Jeffrey Bishop

Peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, aged 71, of Deep River. Beloved husband of Candace Bishop (nee Agostini). Loving father of Stephen (Miranda) of Barrie, and Adrian (Jade) of Deep River. Cherished grandfather of Jeremy (Lauren), Olivia, and Holden. Dear brother of Clare (Jean-Pierre Laflèche) of Ottawa, and Charles of Halifax, NS. 

Jeff was born in Uxbridge, England on August 28, 1952. He immigrated to Canada twice, the first time in 1956 when he and his family moved to British Columbia. After four years there, he left with his mother and siblings to Switzerland, where he attended elementary schools in Sierre and Wetzikon. In 1964, he and his family moved back to England, and after four years there, the family moved to Canada a second time, this time to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here, Jeff finished high school, completed his Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in Chemistry at Dalhousie University, met Candy, his life-long partner-to-be, and where their sons Stephen and Adrian were born.

Jeff’s working life was divided into two parts. The first was in scientific and technical research. He worked as a Chemist at the Federal Department of Fisheries (DFO) studying the nutritional requirements of salmon in fresh vs. seawater. While at DFO he went to sea for a month aboard a Soviet fishing trawler 200 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia. Having previously worked at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography as a summer student, he found full time employment there studying the distribution of radionuclides around the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLGS). In 1983 the family moved to Manitoba after a brief stop in Vancouver, where he joined the Medical Biophysics Branch of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) at the Whiteshell Laboratories.

The second part of Jeff’s career was in Marketing, Sales, and Business Development. During that time he went back to school to get an M.B.A. He sold nuclear safety products and services to international clients. In 1995, Jeff and family moved to New Brunswick where he worked as the Account and Engineering Services Manager at PLGS. In 2002, Jeff was appointed Senior Representative and Director, Korea Services taking Jeff and Candy to a small village on the Southeast coast of the Korean peninsula. Taking over AECL Korea in Seoul a year later, Jeff led the sale and supply of AECL nuclear products and services for the CANDU® reactors there and for other South Korean nuclear agencies. Returning to Canada in 2005, Jeff held various managerial positions looking after R&D contracts, Intellectual Property, SLOWPOKE® reactors, and as the plant’s commercial single point of contact. Jeff retired in 2009 at the age of 56.

He went on to enjoy retirement to the fullest. He was an avid tennis player and runner, completing 10 half marathons, and had a love for SCUBA. A talented guitar and keyboard player fond of the Blues, music was an integral part of his life performing into his 70s. Photography was an avid artistic pursuit. Having found Buddhism as a young man, Jeff took to a sustained practice in retirement. He enjoyed exploring the Ottawa Valley via motorcycle, and sailing the Ottawa River on his beloved Tanzer 22 “Dancer”. Extensive and adventurous travel with Candy was an activity that brought them both great pleasure together, cherishing many wonderful trips all over the world. They explored many Caribbean islands, indulging in snorkelling as a favourite pastime.

An active volunteer since their time in Pinawa, in retirement he served on the Board of Directors for the Deep River and District Hospital for six years, three as Board Chair. He also served as a Director for the National Association of Federal Retirees - Algonquin Branch, and on the WCCT Board. He was Commodore of the Deep River Yacht and Tennis Club for about two and a half years. During this time, Jeff was instrumental as the proponent and project manager of the Club’s kitchen and bar renovation, which has led to it to becoming, once again, an amazing waterfront summer venue for the community.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday June 2 from 2 until 4 pm at the Deep River Sports and Shoreline Club. In memoriam donations may be made to the Deep River and District Hospital Foundation Closer to Home campaign, or North Renfrew Family Services.