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
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).
Sandra Roberts
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
Matt Walkinshaw & family
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this time of loss.
Matt
Jim and Mary Lou Hyde
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
Kathy, Kasie and Kyle Dasilva
So sorry for your loss! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
George and Lois (Simmons) Godbolt
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
Jessie Shanks
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
Pete Cunningham, Tucson AZ.
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.
Austin & Dow Families
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.
Ann Margaret Young
Tammi and Family:
From my family to yours…our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Jim & Anne Prout
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.
Ward Hodgins
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
Bill Chester, Brandon, Manitoba
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.
Joan Middleton
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
Bryan Bonthron
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
Alvin/Marilyn Taylor
Sheila and Family We were sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May happy memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Heather and Mark Porter
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.
Michael Hoy
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
Steve & Pat Kyle
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.
Cathie Alexander
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.
Gloria and Peter McFalls
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.
Dennis and Marian Pfaff
Sheila, Deanna and family
Sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Thinking of you at this sad time
Larry and Joyce Black and family
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.
Melissa Veal
To The Reaburn Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Reaburn influenced so many of our lives in such a positive way,
Bonnie Westlake
Sheila and Family: It is very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts are with your entire family at this sad time.
Rick & Barb Ingram & Family
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.
Marion McCurdy
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.
Wanda &Bob Reynolds
To Sheila and family
Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Wanda & Bob
Larry, Jean, Don & Mary Ellen Lahn & Families
May the happy memories you have of Bob help you through this difficult time.
Sheila, you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
John Noakes, Kamloops, BC
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.
Doug & Karen Shirray
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.
Jill (Drysdale) Geiger
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
Peggy Restemayer
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
Dianne Gerstenkorn Weber
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.
Chris (Vanstone) Wurm
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.
George and MarieMcLachlin
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.
Dianne & Wayne More- Cambrdige
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
Jacqui Slade
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Bob was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten.
Jacqui Slade
Sheila, Jeff, Sid and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. He will be missed by many, but not ever forgotten.
Tony and Linda Charrette
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.
Dianne Waun
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.
Gary & Judy Kyle
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.
Jerry & Linda Traquair
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.
Donna Glanville
Jeff, Sid and family,
My sincere sympathy goes to you and your family at this time.
Molly gilmore
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.
Jodi Schenk
Sheila and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jodi, Kris, Emma and Kolten
Sharon and Robert Dale
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
Pam De Jong
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.
Peter and Wendy Case
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
Joanne Rowcliffe
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.
Dave and Chris Hefford
Our condolences to the Reaburn Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
Kelly (Vanstone) Butt
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.
Lori Oliver
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.
Kathy Mann
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
Rick & Barb Elliott
Sheila and family
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all
JAMIE & BARB CALDWELL
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.
Tim Rowcliffe
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.
Eugene and Linda Webber
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”
Evelyn Stecklet VIncent
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.
Sandi Bell-Henderson
Deana and Family:
My deepest sympathies to all of you. You are all in my thoughts, prayers and heart.
Natalie Mason
Deanna and family, my sincerest condolence on the passing of your father,please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.