Member of the Order of OAC. It is with deep sadness that we announce the end of the remarkable life of Robert (Bob) Ettinger Logan on December 6th, 2022 in his 93rd year. He was a well-known sheep farmer, humorist and former high school teacher. Robert was raised by his parents Georgina and Harold Logan, who greatly influenced his convictions and beliefs. He was born on a family farm in London, Ontario during the depression. It was during these early formative years when his family produced more than enough food, so that they were able to provide support for the homeless, who came knocking at their door. Witnessing the desperation of hungry people, shaped his social conscience and the importance of farming. Bob was very reluctant to leave the farm, and when his father was hired as a professor at the University of Toronto, he refused to move and was reprimanded for continually taking down the “For Sale” sign at the age of 6. Robert and his family moved to Toronto where he attended high school at the University of Toronto Schools. It is here where he developed his interest in football, which lasted his lifetime. It seemed so fitting that the Argonauts won the Grey Cup in his final year, too bad about the Leafs. Robert would later go on to complete his university degree at the University of Guelph in Agriculture (Aggie54). He enjoyed his university days and developed many close relationships with his classmates. His class was a great contributor in building the first pub on campus, one of his favourite accomplishments. The other occurred when he attended his prom, just hours after he romantically eloped with this dazzling redhead he had been dating. It was quite a shock to his family and friends, but then again, we think that was his intent. Shortly after graduation, working at Canada Packers, he was hired by Eph Gray to teach Agriculture at Norwell Secondary School in 1956. Eph needed a goalie for his hockey team and so Bob fit all the requirements. Mr. Logan was dedicated to his teaching and he loved his students for over thirty years. His students were way ahead of their time, and Bob would frequently cull his greenhouse for “weed”. They thought they outfoxed him but he always knew it was time to check when the students suddenly lined up at the door for a tour. After retiring from teaching, Bob was now able to follow his passion for farming. He expanded the sheep farm to become one of the largest in Ontario. He was adamant about the preservation of agriculture and provided scholarships for students at Norwell to pursue degrees in farming. Bob created a scholarship at the University of Guelph in his father’s name, Dr. H.A. Logan. It is awarded to grad students whose research will have an impact on sustaining rural livelihoods in their communities. Together with his late beloved wife Luella of 63 years they raised four children in Palmerston. They were very proud of their families: Wendy and Rick, Scott and Cathie, Carolyn and Alden, and Jennifer and Christy. They cherished their adult grandchildren: Meghan (Andrew), Robin, Sarah (Francois), Jake, Janna (Michael), Caeleigh, Mackenzie (Charles), Ryan and Sydney (Ramiro). Robert was delighted in getting to know his great-grandchildren: Ava, Junie, Brynn, Hunter, Paige, Isla, and Sophia. It was all about family to Bob and Lou and they provided a magical place to bring their family together. At Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving large numbers would be invited and huge meals provided. The cousins loved playing in the barn, bottle feeding the orphan lambs, going on Easter egg hunts, observing sheep dog trials, competing in basketball games, canoeing on the pond, and most of all laughing at the dinner table. He deeply valued his friendships with his sister Carol and brother-in-law Grant Gooding, his late sister Jane and brother-in-law Carl Schunk, and his late sister-in-law Margaret and brother-in-law Robert Lewis. He loved connecting with his nieces and nephews and watching them mature into thoughtful, compassionate adults. In the last four years of his life, he was able to reconnect with his childhood friend Jane Bishop. They supported each other through the trials of Covid, for which the family is extremely grateful. Robert and Luella have always cherished their community and loved supporting Palmerston. Luella was on town council and the first woman Reeve of the town. To honour his late wife’s accomplishments, he created a scholarship at Wellington County for women pursing studies in politics and leadership. Robert was a member of the Legion and Lion’s Club for over fifty years. They were invested in their friends’ and neighbours’ lives, and a quick visit to town meant they were gone for the whole afternoon. Reunions were important to Bob and Lou, with many fond memories of parties at the pond and dances in the barn. Robert was a loyal friend, a visionary, a builder, a teacher, a historian and a parent. He will be missed. We would like to thank the staff of Erin Mills Sunrise Retirement Home, LIHN Palliative Care and Southlake Hospital for their professional and compassionate care. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Palmerston’s United Church on Saturday January 14th at 11:00. A luncheon will be held afterwards.
