Mr. Robert (Bob) Start, age 73 (but only 19 if you were to ask him), resident of “the North Rd.” in Kaministiquia, passed away peacefully at home with family and friends by his side on November 7th, 2023, while listening to his cherished vinyl collection.
Born on January 8th, 1950, in Port Arthur Ontario, Bob was the youngest child of Frank and Ruth Start. Bob had a love for life that was unparalleled. Anyone who knew him knew that he was no stranger to a good time. This was true for the entirety of his life, even when things were difficult.
As a young child, Bob and his family moved to Government Rd, and he always spoke fondly of his childhood memories there: fishing and catching crayfish in the McIntyre River, skating to school at Five Mile after an ice storm, swimming in Watkins Lake with his friends, tenting in the backyard and hiding in the trees to have a smoke with his pals after school.
He had many jobs over the years: Fitzsimmons Fruit Company, Richardsons Elevator, Saganaga Trading Post, Muloins Truck and Auto, and Harris Rebar. He would often talk about his time at Saganaga as a fishing guide for American travelers when he was a young man. Harris Rebar was his last place of employment. He was proud of the work he did for them and developed many lifelong friendships throughout his time there. There was no shortage of “Harris stories” from Bob and it was clear how much his time there meant to him.
His longest job, however, was ‘seat warmer’ at the Crest Hotel; and though he never received a paycheck, he never complained about his job there. The memories from this place were some of his most loved and many people have their own special memories of Bob from the Crest. After retirement, Bob enjoyed things like “coffee time” with his beloved friend Marvin Hakanen, beers in the garage with “Dad”, working on the yard and our home, spending time with family and friends (a special love for the fun-loving bickering with long time friend Dale Wirta) at our trailer at Cushing Lake, and of course keeping up with his part time job as the Facebook weatherman for “North Kamland”. He had a passion for building models, his 62’ Pontiac Laurentian, peanut butter and cheese whiz sandwiches (yes, you read that correctly), and music.
Bob’s love for music began as a child. He reminisced about “borrowing” his brothers’ albums, flipping his dad’s chair on its back and blasting tunes as a young boy. He became a talented drummer, and in the early 70’s, he was the drummer for a well-known local band “The Entertainers”. His band days were a special part of his life and brought him great pride, as they should have. One of his most prized possessions was his vinyl collection and he shared his taste in and love of music with his wife Melissa. They spent many nights cranking the tunes, enjoying “beverages”, singing away to each other and having conversations that will be cherished forever.
Bob was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by many. His sense of humor was beyond comparison and even during the most challenging times he found laughter. He had immense pride for his family, especially his daughters and stepsons who he bragged about often. His strength and resilience over this past year had earned him the name “Miracle Bob” as he always managed to bounce back. We are heartbroken that he couldn’t bounce back this time but take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain.
He is survived by his best friend, soulmate and wife Melissa Start (nee Eisworth); daughters Sandy Stewart and Terry Noyes (Mitchell); stepsons Peter Cumbers (Alexis) and Bryon Eisworth; grandchildren Ben and Riley Stewart, and Max Noyes; sister Ruth Cryderman (Win); “Dad and Mom” in-law Bryon and Wendy Eisworth; sister-in-law Melanie Eisworth; brother-in-law Ryan Espey (Victoria); his pups Boomer and Walley and numerous other friends and family. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Ruth Start; brothers Peter and James Start; granny-in-law Mamie and special cousin Paul Smith.
Bob’s family would like to thank the Dr’s and nurses at Hospice, NP’s Megan and Donald, and the friends and family who have helped so much through this difficult time. Most of all, we would like to thank the VON nurses Lucja, Tara, Tia, Alyssa and Janna. You made it possible for Bob to be at home over this past year. You are an amazing group of people and we felt you were part of our family.
Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Underground Gym (which he had always wanted to contribute to) or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service in Bob’s honour will be held at the Kam Community Centre on November 27th from 4-7pm. As per Bob’s wishes, a bonfire party at our home will be arranged in his honour at a later date.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
-Bob
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
