Obituary of Robert J. R. "Rob" Weare

Of St. Thomas, ON, formerly of Port Stanley, age 80, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Beloved husband of Kathy (née Vanderheide) Weare. Loving father of Richard Weare, and the late Cheri Weare (2022). Dear father by marriage of Trish Chinnery (Mark), and Tammy Rieger (Brian). Cherished grandfather of Krista Weare (Pete), Justin Weare (Ashley), Katelynn Bawden (Jesse), Brandy Bawden, Ryan Chinnery (Katelynn), Tyler Chinnery (Kristin), Jenna Chinnery (Adi), Jeff Rieger (Clair), and Josh Rieger. An infant grandson, Owen Weare passed away in 2002. Loved brother of Ken Weare (Marlene). He is also survived by his great grandchildren, a great great grandson, and nieces and nephews.

Born in St. Thomas, October 17, 1944, he was a son of the late Harvey “Wimp” and Edith “Toots” (née Towers) Weare. A retired Captain with the St. Thomas Fire Department, Rob worked by the principal of giving taxpayers his best possible effort and to treat others as he wished to be treated. He was a member of First Yarmouth (Plains) Baptist Church, St. Thomas United Lodge #44, A.F. & A.M., the Elgin County Railway Museum, Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society, Halton Electric Historic Railway Museum and Ontario Southland Railway. Rob was actively involved in researching and implementing improved railway transportation and design through Transport 2000 and the Port Stanley Terminal Rail.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received by the family on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. at the Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas. A service to celebrate Rob’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. Private interment of his cremated remains will be made in Elmdale Memorial Park. If so desired, please consider a memorial donation to The Railworks Coalition Inc. Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).