DURK, Robert Kenneth…
Suddenly at his cottage in Rondeau Park on December 31, 2022, Robert "Bob" Durk of Delaware, ON passed away in his 82nd year. Born on the 7th of September 1941 in London, ON. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Shirley, and his sons Doug (Leona) of London and Paul (Shauna) of Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Tylor, Victoria, Rachel, Ben and Sam. Survived by his brother Cliff (Evelyn), sister-in-law Ellen Palmer, Nancy Innis (Rolly) and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Clifford Durk (1942) and Mary LaPointe (2019), grandparents Doug and Dorothy Wood, brother-in-law Ken Palmer, and in-laws Rose and Bill Price.
Bob was a Licensed Steamfitter and member of Local 593, Bob and his wife Shirley were the founders and owners of Durell Control Systems Inc. for 26 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, who raised many award-winning dogs. Bob was an all-around outdoor man! Bob was a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Delaware Skeet Club, and the Delaware Lions Club. Bob will always be remembered as a man to never shy away from any challenge.
Bob played old timer hockey and coached his sons Paul and Doug’s hockey team in Lambeth. He was the number one super fan of his sons and grandsons as they took to the ice to play the good old hockey game!
A handy man throughout his entire life, renovating the first family home in Lambeth and then again the family cottage at Rondeau Park. Most recently, Bob spent his times working on the family acres, north of Grand Bend, formally known as “The Ranch”. Bob had many of toys to keep him busy on the Ranch including the Honda, his tractor and numerous chainsaws.
After the loss of his beloved dog and hunting partner, Moxie, and suffering with arthritis, Bob decided to take a step back from the sport. Bob loved sharing his experiences at The Ranch, with Doug, Paul and his grandkids, taught the kids how to drive the Honda, use a chainsaw safely and identify different trees. He loved working away on his wildlife sanctuary.
Another great joy was his boat, his love for fishing the waters, but the true highlight was taking the children on a ride on the Big Mabel! While Bob wasn’t fishing, hunting or working the land he could be found reading various books on world history,always looking to learn something new.
Bob and Shirley traveled the world, cruising the ocean on six cruises, trips to both coasts of Canada, wintered in Cape Coral, Flordia for several years, toured the Rocky Mountains by train, enjoyed the Calgary Stampede and toured the American Midwest by bus, which Bob enjoyed whole heartedly.
Bob had a true love for life and family, but he also found great pride in his work, especially as a mentor. The boys and girls at Durell Controls were truly a second family. It was very rewarding to guide young apprentices and watch them grow into their careers at Durell Controls.
Bob’s memories of golfing with the group in Delaware will be forever cherished.
Friends are welcomed for visitation on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 1pm. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob are encouraged to St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army Community and Family Services - Strathroy or the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo
