Surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with illness on Friday, March 8, 2024, Robert “Bob” Victor DeBrabander, formerly of Straffordville and Tillsonburg, passed away at the age of 83 years. Beloved husband and best friend of the Late Wanda (Chute) DeBrabander (2022) for 60 years. Proud and loving father of his two daughters Margo Schooley (Kevin) and Heather Chick (Dino). Cherished grandpa of Todd (Justyne) and Craig (Erin) Schooley and Cameron and Nathan Chick and great-grandpa of Ethan, Ally, Dawsyn, Emmett and Colby Schooley. Dear brother of Francis DeBrabander (Delauris). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Theophil and Marguerite (Vanhyfte) DeBrabander, his sister Alice Van Parys and brother Cyril DeBrabander.
Bob was born in Belle River and raised in the farming community in Langton. He spent the majority of his working life self employed as a carpenter and built and renovated many homes and buildings in the area. He was also the handyman on call for his kids and grandkids and had a hand in many family projects. He loved to help Wanda bake in the kitchen but he loved sampling it more. He enjoyed fishing, walking, puttering in his yard and he loved a good round of golf but his most favourite thing was time spent with family. He was known as Dad, Grandpa, and his great-grandchildren knew him as Pa Bob. He will be dearly missed by many.
Friends and relatives will be received by Bob’s family at Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm and on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:45 am. The Memorial Service for Bob will follow in Ostrander’s Chapel at 12:00 noon with Pastor Troy Van Ginkel officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at the Straffordville Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the DeBrabander family.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com