Robert V. “Bob” Elsden

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving Bob on Thursday, March 16, 2017.  He was born on October 20, 1926 in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec and is predeceased by his parents Vernon and Olive, in-laws Minnie and Lloyd Shiry, son Kerney, and his sister, Betty McTaggart.  Left to mourn this wonderful man is his devoted wife of 66 years, Kay.  Dearly treasured and remembered by his daughters Gail Mair (Jacques), Wendy King (Steve), Judi Elsden (David) and grandsons Michael and Ryan Mair, Aaron King (Laura), Nathan King (Claire), Denny Skrypnyk (Dana), and Justin Skrypnyk (Hollie).  Grandpa Bob will also be missed by his six great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Gabrielle, Darius, Karma, Odin and Hudson.  Also greatly loved and missed by his sister, Nancy (Vic), and her family in California as well as a wide circle of special friends who made his life happily filled.  After moving to Kitchener, Bob met Kay and after serving in the Navy, they were married in 1950.  His career in media began in London when he started working in the sales department for CFPL radio in 1950.  Transferred to the newly opened CFPL television station in 1953, over 42 years with CFPL, he retired as President of Broadcasting Communications System.  During these years, he was recognized for his many achievements and contributions to Canadian media.  He was Chairman of the Board of Television Bureau of Canada 1982-83 and First Chairman of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Television Board from 1985 to 1986.  He was named the Broadcaster of the Year by the Central Canada Broadcasters’ Association in 1989. His achievements were obtained not only by himself, but in collaboration with a wide range of colleagues and support from his family.  He was a pioneer in the television industry.  With Kay by his side, Bob relished his numerous travels and trips abroad to Europe and other beautiful destinations. Along the way, many lifelong friendships were made.  After he retired, Bob continued to be involved in the community, even as he had been while working.  He was Chairman of the Victoria Hospital Foundation when the hospital amalgamated with University Hospital to become the London Health Sciences Centre in 1995. Bob loved the challenge of games and sports.  From early basketball with the Y Blues in Kitchener to numerous bridge games with many friends, golf remained his true passion.  Particularly in his retirement, his greatest pleasure was golfing with his buddies at the London Hunt Club.  Bob’s workshop was a woodworker’s paradise. He could fix anything and had a vivid imagination and talent that could transform an ordinary piece of driftwood into a unique beautiful piece of art.  Summers spent at Kay and Bob’s cottage at Southcott Pines in Grand Bend with family and friends were his greatest joy.  Stepping through his beautiful moongate to sit on his favourite chair enjoying the gentle breezes from the shores of Lake Huron with sailboats silently passing by, and gorgeous sunsets on the horizon, was for him total peace.  There is no adequate way to say goodbye to the most important man of your life.  He will always be remembered for his kindness to everyone, his wonderful smile, his ability to show optimism in times of adversity and his never ending love for his family and those he held dear, especially his loving wife Kay.  Death cannot diminish the important ways our loved one has touched our lives.  Grief cannot take away the happiness we shared.  Sorrow will fade in time but our love remains forever in our hearts.  Bob was a gentle man and will be greatly missed.  The family wishes to extend our thanks and gratitude to the staff at University Hospital who kept Bob comfortable during his time there and who offered their compassionate support to his family.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be conducted on Monday, March 20^th, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital (c/o the London Health Sciences Foundation).