Obituary of Bob Fahrenkopf

FAHRENKOPF - Robert “Bob” Carl

Surrounded by his family, Bob passed away peacefully in his 76th year while holding the hand of the love of his life, Karen (nee Compass) of almost 56 years.

 

He was a devoted Dad to his daughter Robin Reitz (Paul) who already misses him like crazy. He was infatuated with and so incredibly proud of his only grandson Michael Reitz and his granddaughter-in-law Maria who affectionately called him Poppy.  His best Buddy - grandson-kitty Hank is already lost without him.  He will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Michelle Freeman (Brad); nephews Jeffrey Freeman (Natalie) and Jordan Freeman (Amanda); great-nieces Dayna, Everley, Margo and Adelyn. 

 

Bob worked as a production welder for 35 years at Budd Automotive Canada in Kitchener.  He was very proud of his years of service and incredible welding skills, often teaching the up and coming the perfect weld.  In his retirement years, after moving to Waterford in 2007, Robin yanked him out of retirement from 2011-2024, where he loved being the maintenance manager, dishwasher technician, bus boy, butter tart sous-chef and anything else we he was needed for at Ritzy Cakes & Eatery.

 

Known for his outgoing spirit, Bob was notorious for his stories and teachings.  He never hesitated right up to the end to tell another story about his Budd’s days, a fishing story, his trip to Puerto Plata 100 years ago but talked like it was just 5 years ago.  He never missed an opportunity to teach a “how” or a “why” lesson to anyone who listened about some random thing, which could have won him a large cash prize on the tv show “Canada’s Biggest Know It All” if he had been a contestant. 

 

His passion for finding the PERFECT SPOT for pickerel in Rice Lake which he spent MANYS years at, salmon in Lake Ontario, perch/pickerel in Lake Erie, was hilarious.  He never left a lure in long enough to give the fish a chance to find it.  He had to move on to the next best spot before too long.  Patience was never his strong suit!  He so badly wanted to get back out on Lake Erie again in his prize possession boat and just didn’t make it.  Hunting in his younger days was always top priority!  The thrill of the catch was so exhilarating for him whether it be fish, deer, etc.

 

Lover of a great garage sale, he couldn’t resist a “just in case he needed it down the road” purchase, he was THE ultimate project “starter”, the high-alert protector of “HIS THINGS” that Karen or Paul might possibly get rid of on him when he wasn’t looking, and truly the real life “McGiver” handyman.  He was our very own lawn technician making sure he had the greenest and well manicured lawn which was one of his favourite things to do on the riding lawnmower until he couldn’t do it anymore and still swore up and down until last week that he would be doing it again soon.

 

He certainly loved his TV time, naps with Hank and was a huge foodie of Pizza, shawarma, poutine…you know all the yummy healthy stuff!  He was beyond thrilled to find a great buffet!  

Traveler-Extraordinaire with miles and miles of driven road right beside his best friend and wife navigating with the fold out paper map, wide open across the dash board listening to Charlie Pride blaring from the 8 track stereo system.  He took the family to every province in Canada and MANY states during long annual vacations throughout the years.  He was always up for a good road trip!

Whether you needed it or not, you got the shirt off his back!  The most generous guy you could have met.  Never wanted to spend more than $10 on a pair of shoes for himself but never considered a price tag when it came to his family, friends or fishing and hunting gear!  

We’ll take it over from here with the “Bob stories”. Time for Bob to fish in paradise!

 

We would like to sincerely THANK Paramedic Sharon (and her shift partner) the day he was taken to the hospital and Norfolk General Hospital Emergency and ICU departments.  The compassionate care, kindness and absolute love that was shown to us during Bob’s short stay was nothing more than AMAZING!  We are eternally grateful for the ICU care from Dr “K”, Nurses- Sadie, Chelsey, Cali, Lauren, Heather, Roxy (sorry if we missed someone who tended to him there). Dr Callery his family doctor who always went over and above with Bob.  We also would like to thank Emily and Ron from RT Respiratory who took such great care of his home oxygen needs since last December.  We are so grateful to each and every one of you.

 

Arrangements entrusted to the Thompson Mott Funeral Home, 62 Main Street N, Box 70, Waterford (519-443-5332).  As per Bob’s wishes, Cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service.  As expressions of sympathy, donations to Norfolk General Hospital ICU Dept, or Purrfect Companions of Norfolk would be greatly appreciated by Bob’s family.  Personal online condolences can be made at www.thompsonmottfuneralhome.com