Kathryn's truest best friend and heart & soul said goodbye to us on the last day of Winter - March 19, 2025. He was surrounded by a family so grateful for the amazing privilege of his time with us.

Ole & Jean Gilman were proud parents of Robert Norman, born in 1951 in Smithville, Ontario where he spent his early years. Bob married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Kathy Dennis in 1971 and enjoyed 54 years together. They moved north to Lanark, before finally settling in Humphrey with their two children, Sheena (Tony) and David (Michele). Sheena, having moved to Nova Scotia in 2002, provided Bob incentive to visit, explore and capture the beauty of Atlantic Canada on their many trips out East with his stunning photography. Addy and Reid were Grandpa Bob's pride and joy, loving their boat trips to "Gilman Peninsula" to swim and fish, and countless other memories in nature with Bob as their guide. Like a brother to Linny, Trace (Rick) and dear uncle to Mike, Mark (Sherri), Jess (Ty, and children, Emmy, Aidy) and Jer all living close to where Bob grew up in the Niagara Escarpment area. Predeceased by most of his aunts and uncles, he will be missed by Aunt Sharon, Aunt Dean (Emrick) and Aunt Pat and cousins including Bev, Joanne and Joan.

Bob's love of the outdoors drew him to his lifelong career with the Ministry of Natural Resources where he helped manage forests, lakes and wildlife. Some of Bob's closest friends came to him through his work and their mutual love of the outdoors.
Anyone who knew Bob came to know a humble, kind and patient human being. He was an outdoorsman, an athlete, a guitarist, canoeist, boater, avid reader and photographer. His photographs of landscapes and wildlife adorn the walls of many friends and family. And he has artfully captured so many special moments for his loved ones. Bob stayed in touch with members of his junior hockey team, the Caledonia Corvairs - a testament to the connections made in sport but also that special team and their bond.

Bob was a long time member of the Parry Sound Curling Club where he will be remembered fondly as a wonderful friend, teammate, coach and photographer of many events. Bob and Kathy moved to “Dandelion Farm” about 6 years ago, with their horses and live a peaceful life amongst a rich diversity of flora and fauna which Bob enjoyed documenting through his photography. They have hosted many friends and family over their years on “the farm” and felt so blessed to enjoy a slow paced and humble lifestyle. Bob's close family and friends certainly understand what a special person he was, but even those who only met him briefly have commented on his wonderfully kind soul.

Bob and Kathryn were amazed and so thankful for the regular visits with family and friends during Bob's time in the hospital. Bob was also thrilled to chat to friends and family from afar using his ipad when travel wasn't possible. The connections brought so much comfort, support and light. It truly was a 'Celebration of Life' that Bob was able to be a part of.

We are so grateful to all the dedicated and caring health care providers of the West Parry Sound Health Centre who went above and beyond with Bob's care as he navigated his medical journey. Special thanks as well to all of those at the Sudbury Cancer Clinic and especially Dr. Lacey Petrie. Your dedication and commitment to Bob's treatment was incredible.

Per Bob’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the West Parry Sound Health Centre, the Northeast Cancer Centre in Sudbury, or to the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

"In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; and like seeds dreaming beneath the snow, your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity"
~Kahil Gibran

Condolences

So very sorry to hear about your loss. Most sincere condolences on behalf of the Stivrins family

Bob will be missed by the many who knew him. Over the years as his neighbor across the street he would send over a picture of our house - usually in the winter with snow, lights and stars surrounding the vista. My heartfelt condolences Kathy.

Bob was a truly wonderful man. My sincere condolences to his beloved family. John & Sandra, Parry Sound curlers.

Kathy, Sheena, Tony and Family, Sincerest condolences to everyone. Bob was a wonderful human and we need more like him.

Gilman’s, I am so sorry to hear of this loss😞 Bob was such a wonderful soul. He will be missed dearly by all. Big hugs to the whole family. Shannon Lynn

Kathy & family please accept our sincere condolences. We are saddened to learn of Bob's passing. May your love of family & cherished memories help you through this difficult time. RIP Bob.

So very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I only knew bob from the Parry Sound Curling Club. He took some amazing pictures of us over the years and always enjoyed our chats. He was a great friend to my dad.. He will be missed by anyone who knew him. Our sincere condolences to the family. Kathy Vince Purcell

For many years Bob curled with us in the annual family bonspiel at the Parry Sound curling club. I believe that we won a couple of times. It was always a highlight of our curling year. He is dearly missed. He has blessed us with several of his awesome photographs which we shall cherish. Rest in peace Bob. You had a good run. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Bob has been my best friend since meeting in high school along with Kathy my other best friend. My head and heart are crammed with memories of nights of guitar and singing, canoeing and fishing and the silent joy of just being together. He will be so missed and we send him to his friend Gaia. I love you my friend.

How fortunate we were to be invited into Bob's remarkable life. He was truly a Northern Renaissance man. Bob lived each and every day to the fullest. Bob's kind and thoughtful ways were an inspiration to his many friends and those of privileged to provide care and comfort to he and his loving family. We are thankful that Bob's memory will live on through the art that is his photography. May his memory be a blessing.

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We have fond memories with Bob... playing baseball in Humphrey, working on his cars over the years to keep him on the road and we are fortunate to have one of his photographs in our living room. Thank you Bob. Rest in peace. Tony & Bev Hawkrigg

Lost great friend.

My deepest condolences to your family. I said to a friend yesterday.... Bob had the kindest eyes and soul. I'm greatful for the short time I knew his gentle character.

I truly enjoyed getting to know Bob over the past few years while working on his vehicles. We had some great chats and I loved looking at his photography and learning something new about nature! He will be missed!

To Bob's family and friends.....Sorry for your loss. Bob was a very caring and thoughtful person. He loved the great outdoors and all the critters that lived there. Although I didn't work in the same department at MNR we had many interesting conversations about many subjects. I will truly miss Bob. Lloyd T.

Our paths crossed in Lanark and Parry Sound. Bob was always considerate to other staff and the public. I will always think about him when I am wandering around in northern Ontario. Laird

To Kathy and family: Sending my sympathies on Bob's death. Bob was my close MNR colleague for over 15 years, where I respected and valued his experience and thoughtful views and advice. His thoughtful comments continued to be a trademark of Bob when we would run into each other and have a chat in the community - and even during my visit with him in hospital. Truly an inspiration! That thoughtfulness comes though in his photography: I was lucky to have been able to outbid many others at a Ducks Unlimited silent auction about 10 years ago on a stunning mounted winter photo by Bob of the Shadow River. I will miss our chats. I am sorry for your huge loss. Dorothy Shaver

Kathy & FAMILY - So sorry to hear of Bob's passing! Bob was one of our goal tenders for our 1969 O.H,A, JR.D CALEDONIA CORVAIR HOCKEY CLUB CHAMPS and we'll miss him dearly at our 5 year reunions! A teammate for life!

Kim and I were saddened to hear about Bob's passing. We have great memories living down the street from Bob and Kathy in Humphrey, playing baseball with Bob, and Kim curling with Bob. Our deepest condolences to Kathy, David and Sheena.

I have so many memories of Bob - and all of them bring a smile to my face. He was such a wonderful man, and his passing leaves a void for so many who were fortunate enough to have known him. My condolences to all his family.

Jon and I used to love seeing Bob walk in the door when we used to own Hawkrigg....and not because his truck always seemed to need something repaired He always had a good story and beautiful photographs to share with us. We especially loved the special spider photos he took of our resident window arachnid. I have a massive print of a photo Bob took from Green Island.....it sits over my desk and is the Georgian Bay view I will never be able have from my house. We always admired your marriage.....a mutual respect for one another's differences while living a beautiful life together. Katherine and family.....big hugs from us. Bob was a good dude.

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Prayers with the family. One of my memories of Bob and his children is trap netting fish on Blackstone and Crane lake. Not only did Bob come and help but so did his kids David and Sheema. Good times!!

So sorry for your loss. The Gilman family were great neighbours when we lived in Humphrey. Bob and I did some car pooling when I worked at MNR and we played a little guitar together. Such an incredibly caring and kind man. He touched so many people in the Parry Sound area with his vast knowledge. Ontario is better- because of him. I really consider it an honour and a privilege to have known him. Rest well my friend. Good bless you buddy. Ken.

Kathy, Sheena & David, and Family. My Deepest Condolence in the loss of Bob. Our family has many memories from our years in Humphrey involving Baseball and Curling. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Julie Thorogood & Family