Robert Arthur Vance

In Loving Memory

We are heartbroken to say goodbye to a beautiful and loved soul, Robert (Bob) Vance.
After a prolonged period of confusion and anxiety, the Good Lord took Bob home on June 21, 2026, in his 73rd year, where he can once again find the peace and presence lost to him over the last number of years.
Bob was born to Shirley (Cook) and George Vance on October 9, 1952, in Woodstock, Ontario. His parents immediately brought him home to Amherstburg, where he spent all of his formative years hanging out and causing his share of trouble in that small, tightly knit community. He started working at a very young age, initially setting pins in the local bowling alley, and had a stint at Boblo Island, which is almost mandatory for all the youth of Amherstburg. Most of his career was spent in the Tier One Automotive sector, starting with Reflex (a division of International Tools) in 1976. With his good humour, wonderful work ethic, intelligence, and wealth of knowledge, Bob remained through the many changes and buyouts of this company, ending his career as Director of Purchasing with Flex|N|Gate (Veltri) in 2016.
After his retirement, he joined his wife as “the cutest soda jerk you ever did see” at Sweet Retreat Ice Cream and More in Leamington, Ontario, until 2022. He loved the time he spent at the shop, sharing laughs and conversations with our many patrons. He became affectionately known as “The Ice Cream Man” throughout Leamington.
Bob enjoyed nothing more than his poker nights with friends and remained a good player long after he had lost many other abilities. Bob and his wife delighted in many years of camping, traveling, biking, playing baseball, horseshoes, and pool, and socializing with their group of beloved friends, as well as spending time with our family and watching our grandkids grow into fine young people.
His passing leaves a gaping hole in the life of his loving wife, Pat, with whom he shared so many wonderful years full of laughter (so much laughter), adventures, and accomplishments. He also leaves behind three grieving and broken-hearted daughters: Tanya (B) Berube, Bobbi Jo Vance, and Nicole (Simon) Beres, to whom he was such a doting father. He will be lovingly missed by his stepchildren: Candyce (Aaron) Ashley, Darrell Bechard, and Chantal (Adam Bednarick) Bechard, as well as his grandchildren, Noelle and Everett Ashley, and Nate and Rory Beres.
Left behind to mourn his passing are his brothers, George (Jane) Vance and Jim (Leslie) Vance, and his special little sister, Cindy (John "Tic") Court. He will be sadly missed by his in-laws: Joe Cattani, Rita Cattani, Roberta (Rick) Barrow, Paula Cattani, and Janet (Graham) Williams, as well as his nieces and nephews.
We will take comfort in shared memories of the love he showed us all, and his presence will be forever felt anytime we talk of him.
Cremation has taken place, with a memorial service on July 14, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 129 Simcoe Street, Amherstburg, with a luncheon to follow at noon at the Amherstburg Legion 157, 281 Dalhousie St.
Donations to The Alzheimer’s Society in lieu of flowers please.