Obituary of Robert William Saari

Robert William Saari (Bob) passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Sudbury, Ontario on October 16, 1940 to Jalmar Saaristo and Maria (Mary) Saari. Bob grew up on Maki Avenue in Sudbury with his brother, Donald (Donny). Both he and Donny were raised by their mother after tragically losing their father on October 28, 1954. He had many good friends including Leonard, Bruno and Kenny who he kept in touch throughout his whole life.

He left Sudbury for Queens University in Kingston where he graduated with a degree in metallurgical engineering. It was in Kingston that he met his wife, Carol Margaret Hitchcock. They were married on August 6, 1966.

Bob and Carol initially lived in Mississauga and Burlington. There they welcomed their son, Darryl Gordon Saari, in May 1970. Bob worked for Canadian Liquid Air and was transferred to the Edmonton office in 1977 with that company.

Bob worked for Canadian Liquid Air in Edmonton before moving to Edmonton Iron Works in Nisku, Alberta. Later he worked as a lobbyist, with the Canadian Manufacturers Association and then the Beverage Container Management Board and lastly with the Alberta Pressure Vessel Manufacturers Association. He loved working and continued working for the APVMA even after he returned to Ontario, in 2010.

Bob and Carol returned to London, Ontario at that time to be closer to Darryl, his wife Julie, and more importantly his two grandchildren, Jared and Jordyn.

Bob enjoyed many hobbies including golfing, making golf clubs, cycling, using the sauna, walking his granddog (Teemu) and having a beer with friends or by himself! He was always happy to strike up a conversation with the server at the restaurant or a stranger on a plane or someone at the Rev3K club.

Later in life, Bob was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and last year with pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. We were so grateful for the care from Victoria Hospital (Dr. Phua) and the nurses that helped him there and equally thrilled with the care he received in the last year from palliative care.

We are very appreciative of all the warm wishes that we have received from people who have heard of his passing.

There will be no funeral or visitation at his request. Donations can be made to the London and District Myeloma Support Group (http://myelomalondon.ca) or donate to the Walk of Champions at www.lhsf.ca/myeloma or Pancreatic research (https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca).