Robert (Bob) William Wiley
Bob Wiley was a living legend. He had a lot of skills, took a lot of risks, and had a lot of fun. He lived a big life, always on his own terms.
Bob was an infamous chemistry teacher at Mackenzie High School for 29 years, and his ‘experiments’, while sometimes frightening, were always memorable. His designation as the school’s Safety Officer raised a few eyebrows. He co-led countless Trekker trips, and could always be relied upon to get students of out a jam, peel a canoe off a rock, or do a field repair. He inspired a love of the outdoors for generations of Mackenzie students.
Bob was adventurous, and did many whitewater canoe, kayak and hiking expeditions in Ontario, BC and the North. He loved to fish and hunt. He was a maker of wooden bowls, maple syrup, wine and ‘rum’, jam, hovercrafts and various creations. He was a natural teacher, a skilled woodworker, a creative handyman who could fix anything, and a generous neighbour always ready to lend a hand or a tool.
After growing up in Rouyn-Noranda, Bob moved to Deep River in 1967, and quickly realized he had found his lifelong home. He loved living on the Ottawa River, and relished in all the gifts it offered.
Over the past 11 years, Bob fought difficult battles with cancer and heart disease to gift us with more time in his company. This spring, an aggressive lymphoma returned and advanced rapidly. Bob died on June 3rd, one day after his 80th birthday. He loved life, and no one was more surprised than he that he made it to a ripe old age.
Bob was the beloved husband of 50 years to Yvette (nee Roberge), loving father to Chrissie (Peter Mackey), Sandi (John Ruffo) and Danielle Annette (co-parents Anna and Shawn), and brother to Sandra (Mike Holland). He leaves 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many who knew him as “Uncle Bob”. He will be deeply missed by his family and many close friends. We love you Dad.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 4th, 2021 (Labour Day Weekend) from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at 354 Burkes Rd, Deep River (Wiley family backyard). In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the Ottawa Cancer Centre, or any outdoor organization.
Please join us for a celebration of Bob's well-lived life. Speeches will be at 3:00 pm. For guests who wish to share remembrances, there will also be an open mic. Please drop in anytime to share a story or give a toast. Light refreshments will be served.