Robert Henry Grove

He gave his life to the Lord when he was a teenager and lived his life loving and serving God. Those who knew him celebrate with him that he is at home in Heaven with Jesus, his lifelong friend.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Oscar and Jean Grove, sister Grace Conley (Bert), and nephew David.

Robert will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Cornelia Wilma (née Jeffries) of 71 years, his children Paul (Shirley), Ruth Jennison (David), Mary Langman (Bruce), Daniel (Melody), and Stephen (Bonnie). He treasured being the grandfather of Thomas (Amanda), Timothy (Amy), Matthew (Sarah Lynn), Sarah (Timothy), Aaron (Lyndsay), Julia (Andy), Amy, Caleb (Courtney), Samuel (Laura), Anna, Brittany (Greg), Westin (Alicia), Zachary (Erin), Heather and Benjamin and great-grandfather of 21 great-grandchildren among his extended family.

Robert and Wilma met in Evangel Temple Brass Band where they both played trumpet. Music was a big part of their lives. They both loved to sing and the “old” hymns were always favourites. It seemed he could pick up any brass instrument and play.

Robert began his career in the printing and engraving industry before joining the Brampton Fire Department. He rose to the rank of Captain and served in that capacity until he retired. Throughout the years he made it his mission to provide Bibles donated by the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters to fire stations from Windsor to Orillia. Bob’s love for God and people led him to become ordained in 1994 through Anchor Ministerial Fellowship. He and Wilma served as Dorm Parents at Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario while two of their sons attended. He was involved in church ministry throughout his life with everything from mowing the lawn and leading a Brigade unit, to serving on the board and teaching Sunday School.

After his retirement from the Brampton Fire Department he continued to serve the community by becoming the Director of the Hope Drop-In Centre, a Christian mission that provided pastoral counselling, food, Bibles, inspirational literature, and prayer.

Dad was a generous man, giving to his family and church and to those he met who had needs. The Bible was his guidebook for life reading it every day. He lived it and shared it with others. He was a man of prayer, praying for his children and their families every day desiring that they would all stay close to Jesus. He wrote a memoir called A Directed Life for his family. In it he shared important events of his life and the ways God directed him and how prayer was the key factor in all he did.

A private family Memorial Service will be held at Parkwood Gardens Church in Guelph, ON later this week. In lieu of flowers, donations to Christian Service Brigade: or Wycliffe Bible Translators Canada (Ndop Cluster Project): or Emmanuel Bible College would be appreciated.