Obituary of Robert William Lucas

June 16, 2023
6:40 PM
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Robert William Lucas "Bob” in his 83rd year on Monday, June 12th, 2023. Bob was known to many as "Farmer Bob", and to a few as "Booby". Booby was the loving husband of Eleanor Jane Lucas "The Plum" for 60 years, and will be remembered forever by daughters Karen Lucas (Mike Witt) and Susan Fisher (James). Bob's memory will be cherished by his grandchildren whom he absolutely adored - Brock Fisher, Cole Witt and Claire Witt. Grandpa was very proud of his grandkids and their number one fan. 
 
Bob was born in Middlemiss, Ontario to Dorothy Frances (nee Grigg) and Charles Bawden Hazel Lucas "Bud" on July 12, 1940, the third of twelve children. He always spoke about what a wonderful life he had growing up in a large family, and how much family meant to him. Bob is survived by brothers Ronald Lucas (Beverly), Keith Lucas (Joan), David Lucas (Linda) and sisters Joyce Nevin (Glen), Sharon Bidtnes (Toby), Judy Mackey (John), Bonnie Brammer, Debbie McGuire (Joe), and Valerie Gough. He was predeceased by his dear brother Terry Lucas, and dear sister Elizabeth Mann.  Bob was loved by his cousins, nieces, and nephews … too many to count!
 
Bob's career as a teacher allowed him to follow his passion to educate, mentor and support his students. He respected his students and in turn was rewarded with the greatest gift of opportunity to make a difference for many. 
 
The Farmer Bob hobby started with his daughters Susan and Karen in the summers while teaching. After retirement from teaching in 1995, he continued to get up in the wee hours to “pick, pick, pick” and get back to "the stand" for a day of selling fresh produce and good conversation. 
 
Bob was a proud member of The London Central Lions Club for 55 years. He loved hockey, and was a devote Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He also enjoyed playing hockey throughout his lifetime. He retired from playing Huff and Puff hockey at 80 years of age. 
 
His generous nature led him to involvement in many non-for profit organizations such as the Strathroy District Collegiate Institute alumni, and The London Sports Association. He was a routine donor to the Men's Mission and the London Food Bank. Bob loved to read local history, biographies, hockey books, especially about Eddie Shack. He had a passion for gardening and getting his hands dirty, whether it be tending to his veggies, marigolds or picking weeds.
 
With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, and  mentor. 
 Bob has been cremated as per his wishes. 

Please join us in honouring his life on Saturday, June 24th at St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church 55 Foxbar Rd (at Wellington Rd) London, Ontario. 
VISITATION: 10:30am to 11am
SERVICE: 11am to 12pm
RECEPTION: to follow, location to be announced

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the following or a charity of your choice. 
Childcan https://childcan.com/donate
Ronald MacDonald House https://rmhc.org/

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”