Obituary of Robert "Bob" Godfrey Gurr

Passed on Saturday, February 18th, 2017 in London, Ontario after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bob was three days short of his 93rd birthday and had recently celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with his spouse, lifelong partner, companion, teammate and best friend, Lee (née Bortolotti). Son of the late George Gurr and Alice “Queenie” Gurr (née Bolton) of Windsor, Ontario. Beloved father of Dr. Kevin Gurr and wife Carol of London, Ontario, and Paul and wife Mary of Bracebridge, Ontario. Dearest brother of Kathleen “Kay” Kramer and predeceased by his brother-in-law Basil Kramer of Windsor, Ontario. Brother-in-law to Bruno and Margaret Bortolotti, and lifelong best friends with sister-in-law Norma Masterson and the late Terry. Loving grandfather to Ryan, Robert (Jennifer), Carly (James Burley), Emily (Jesse Eccles) and Stephanie (Grant Beeler). Great-grandfather to Yarrow, Oliver, Eliza and Phoebe. Bob was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and bravely served his country for multiple years in the European theatre during World War II. Upon his return to Canada, he began his career in Windsor in the machinery supply and automotive related industries at C.H. Henze. There he was fortunate to meet the future love of his life, Lee. Bob’s professional business aspirations began to take shape when he initiated a fifty-year partnership with Stan Cope. From very humble beginnings, Bob and Stan founded and successfully operated several innovative and leading edge Windsor based businesses including Cope & Gurr Industrial Supply, Cope & Gurr Tool Manufacturing, Pressed Steel Products, and Industrial and Commercial Methods (ICM). Following the building of their own home in Windsor and the raising of their two boys, Bob and Lee moved their family to a century old farmhouse (which they completely renovated), a home that quickly became known simply as “the lake” (located between Harrow and Kingsville). It was there that Bob nurtured his love of the outdoors, tennis, boating, gardening and many other activities that “Camp Director” (CD) Lee organized. The activities they enjoyed included an active golf and social membership at the Kingsville Golf and Country Club. At their Iler Beach home, the family was blessed with many close friends and family who visited frequently. In the early ‘70s, Bob, along with two partners, formed the Cedar Island Yacht Club (Kingsville) which has supported both sailing, powerboating and many social activities for countless people for over 50 years. During the off season, and through their good friend Robert Schuele, Bob and Lee discovered their 2nd favourite home on Sanibel Island, Florida. It was here that our cold weather weeks were displaced by warm sunny days, daily bike rides, tennis competitions, golf, and wonderful social time at the pool. Bob was a loving husband, forever the honourable gentleman, loyal and uncompromising. His warm smile, ready humour and willing mentorship extended to all areas of his life and relationships. Bob will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all who knew him and whose lives were touched by him in so many ways. All are welcome for visitation on Saturday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 26th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be directed to the London Health Sciences Foundation (www.lhsf.ca).