LAMB, Robert Urquhart
November 29, 2021

Robert Lamb

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert U. Lamb (Bob) on November 29th, 2021.

Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones from complications during his battle with lymphoma, which he had already overcome once before, 12 years ago.

Loving and devoted husband of the late Mary Ciarallo-Lamb (2009), Bob is survived by his inspiring partner, Marlene Perks; beloved and admiring daughters Melissa Marie (Adam) and Jessica Robin (Christian); cherished grandson, Leo Di Stefano; his brave and kind parents, Shirley Nolan and Robert U. Lamb; his dearest siblings, Julie Anne (Richard Hughes), Graham (Linda Williams), and Brenda. Uncle Bobby to David, Vanessa, Derek, Carolyn, Allison, and Michael. He is also survived by his aunt and godmother Dolores McIntyre and many dear cousins.

Bob touched so many lives, including his Concordia classmates, his golf buddies who played at Whitlock and Summerheights, his bandmates, so many great friends and neighbours, as well as Marlene’s family and friends.

Bob will be remembered for his love of life, his constant optimism, and his wisdom. He was committed to lifelong learning. In recent years, he took up playing the bass guitar, ballroom dancing, boating, kayaking, travelling abroad and even learning Spanish.

He displayed his competitive spirit as an avid golfer, hockey player and was a passionate Montreal Canadiens fan. He was playful, and loved music. Everyone who knew him felt his magnetic personality.

He graduated with a BSc in 1975 as part of the first ever class of Computer Science at Concordia University. Bob spent the majority of his 30+ year career at Nortel, in senior management, where he influenced the introduction of leading-edge technologies.

He was always community spirited. He coached youth soccer for the Lakeshore Soccer Club and spearheaded multiple projects where he always advocated for the “little guy.” In recent years, enjoying living in Summerstown, Ontario, his advocacy and community spirit continued towards improving the services in his neighbourhood.

We would like to thank Dr. April Shamy and the dedicated team of doctors, nurses and staff of the Oncology and ICU departments at the Jewish General Hospital, who gave Bob the best, most empathetic and compassionate care.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects from 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, December 11th at Voluntas Funeral Home, 4695 St-Jean Blvd, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC, H9H 2A7. A limit of 50 people in rotation can gather at the same time during visitation. Please respect social distancing. Vaccination passport required.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service will follow with a small number of invited family and friends. However, the service will be live streamed for all.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to one of the charities he supported and have helped our family: Hope & Cope through the JGH foundation and the MS Society of Canada.

Forever in our hearts, until we meet again. And as this wise man always said, remember to enjoy the journey.

 

Visitation

Voluntas Commémoration

4695 Boul. St-Jean, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Qc H9H 2A7

Saturday, December 11, 2021, 1p.m.-4 p.m.

28 responses

  1. John & Shanti Warner

    December 3, 2021 at 10:14 pm

    Sad to lose your company, Bob. It was a pleasure to have known you. Much Love to Marlene and all of the family. Your neighbours, John & Shanti

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 6:25 am

      John and Shanti, Indeed Bob and I were blessed to have such kind and wonderful neighbours that continue to give me support. As you recently shared with me ” time heals”. A powerful message for Melissa, Jessica and I to hang on to, as we navigate through these sad times.

      Reply
  2. Anne Marie and Michael

    December 4, 2021 at 10:42 am

    Although we only knew Bob for a short time through a serendipitous meeting in Sandbanks P.P., we will never forget his joie de vivre, sense of humour and grace. Our deepest condolences to Marlene and Bob’s family. He will be missed.

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 6:32 am

      Anne Marie and Michael, Indeed that was a serendipitous gift to see you again after so many years and that you got to meet my Bob. You immediately witnessed his true personality and qualities and how very happy he made me. We were so much looking forward to our planned camping trips together. I hang on to the lovely memories of us spending time together.

      Reply
  3. Jean Duplantie

    December 4, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    I met Bob and Marlene in the fall of 2015 at their home in Summerstown, my late wife and I home for 13 years. How the divine has human being cross pathes will remain a mystery but for me, Bob, Marlene and I hit it off from the get go. We quickly became friends and our love of music brought us closer and that uplifted me morally and spiritually. I thank God for crossing pathes with Bob, a straight up fine person, rich in human and spriritual values. I will miss you bud. My deepest sympathy to Marlene and Bob’s family.

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 6:19 am

      Jean, dear friend, so well said… all of it! Bob was rich in human and spiritual values. You can unfortunately relate first hand to the profound sense of loss I am experiencing. We need to courageously continue and play music again. Bob would want that. xox

      Reply
  4. Jan and Jim Barton

    December 5, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    I have been a dear friend of Marlene’s for 25 years. I have never seen her as happy as she was with Bob. What a fine man, who entered her life with grace, and as a couple they filled their years together with so much joy and love it lit up everyone in their wake. They convinced us to take a first time train trip from Toronto to Montreal to see the Rolling Stones with them! It was so fun. Our conversations around the firepit at our farm last year will stand at as one of the fondest memories. Love you Marlene, Bob you will be deeply missed. May you rest in peace.

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 6:09 am

      Janice, we have been through many chapters in our lives together since we worked at Canadian Tire in Welland. As for you Jim, much like Bob was to me, you are a very treasured gift to my friend’s life. All four of us spent limited time together but every single moment was so special and Bob and I dreamed of camping out at your farm again. Indeed these are fond memories. Love always, Marlene

      Reply
  5. Ron Maheu

    December 5, 2021 at 9:11 pm

    I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Even though our relationship was limited to the time we attended Loyola College together and were members of Phi Lambda Rho, I have wonderful memories of our fraternity activities (and antics) together, and will continue to remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

    Reply
  6. Diane MacFarlane

    December 6, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    It is with shock and overwhelming sadness that we have learned of Bobby’s passing. Our families have been connected for over 85 years and we’ve known Bobby since the day he was born. His love of music, fun loving personality, and kindness will never be forgotten. On a personal note we most recently reminisced about the Concordia days and his failed attempt to cook my sister and I a chicken dinner, agreed on how wonderful it was to be a grandparent, and he contacted me when my father passed. Bobby was a wonderful father, son and brother, and our sympathies are with all his family.

    Reply
    • Shirley and Bob Lamb

      December 8, 2021 at 12:01 am

      Thankyou Diane for your kind words and condolences

      Reply
  7. Aurelia Baumgartner

    December 7, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Bob always smiled. So infectious you couldn’t help but smile as well. Knowing Bob and family for
    over 30 years, this is extremely heartbreaking for all of us. Will miss you desperately. No one has ever fought harder to live than Bob for his parents, Melissa and Jessica, Marlene and friends. I sure hope a little has rubbed off in all our hearts so we can better ourselves to his standards. Our deepest sympathies to all. Love Aurelia, Larry, Erich and Chris

    Reply
    • Melissa, Jessica & Marlene

      December 8, 2021 at 9:17 am

      Thank you for your heartfelt message Aurelia & family ❤️

      Reply
  8. John Pellegrino

    December 8, 2021 at 11:35 am

    Rest In Peace My Fellow Bass Man. Eterno mi Fratello – Forever my Brother!

    Reply
  9. Ellen Lord

    December 10, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    It was quite a shock for Phil and I to see Bob’s obituary notice in the paper. My husband Phil was one of Bob’s golfing buddies in St.Jean and at Whitlock golf club. I met Bob through Phil and remember walking around the golf course while the three buds (Bob, Rick and Phil) played. We have a lot of good memories from those days and the last time at a milestone birthday party in Kirkland. Although it has been awhile since our last get together we both will miss his all encompassing smile and laugh. You will be missed greatly Bob. Our deepest condolences to your family especially your Mom and Dad, brother and sisters, two lovely daughters and Marlene.
    Ellen and Phil Lord

    Reply
  10. Donald Harris

    December 10, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    We are sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. To Melissa, Jessica and families we are grieving with you. Our families go back a long way to when you both played
    soccer with our daughter Alanna. Remember all the practices and games we shared together with your Dad and I coaching and both Moms cheering you all on.
    Think of all the tournaments we went to across Quebec and Ontario; what great times we shared. We hit it off right away with your parents who were both warm
    and friendly people. Our families vacationed in the mountains of New Hampshire; we also attended the family party for your parents 10th wedding anniversary. We always felt like part of the family and that was especially fostered by Bob. BBQ’s in your backyard, fun outings; Bob was full of life, enjoyed coaching you girls and was just an all around great guy. We live in Gatineau now and won’t be able to be there with you in person but we will be there in spirit. We send you both our warmest thoughts and prayers that God will grant you all peace while you grieve. Think of those great times we shared, that is what we will be doing. God bless Donald & Gail Harris

    Reply
  11. Mark & Karen

    December 10, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    A time to mourn, a time to reflect, a time to reminisce. Such sadness to lose a great son to his parents, father to his girls, brother to his siblings, companion to Marlene and great friend to many. I hear Bob’s laughter, remembering all those good times we had together. Friends for over 50 years. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

    Mark & Karen

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 6:42 am

      Mark & Karen, Bob was indeed such a good friend. He loved you both so very much and I was blessed that you welcomed me and that we also became friends. You give great comfort to Melissa & Jessica and all of Bob’s family who have known you for so many years. Looking forward to reminiscing with you.

      Reply
  12. Karen & George Buckle

    December 11, 2021 at 11:04 am

    Marlene & the Lamb Family,
    It is with incredible sadness we message you about Bob’s passing. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends and in the fact that others care deeply. We were blessed to spend an afternoon together in late September with Bob and Marlene, for this we will be forever grateful. Wishing you peace and courage for the days ahead and memories to hold forever in your heart.
    With our deepest sympathy and condolences.
    Karen & George Buckle

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 5:55 am

      Karen & George, our Costa Rica winter friends turned into forever friends. Your support has been and continues to be immeasurable. I mostly honour your wish for peace and courage. I am grateful for your friendship, as of course my Bob was.

      Reply
  13. Serge & Sylvie Bergeron

    December 11, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    We are very sorry for the loss of our dear friend Bob Lamb. We have known Bob for 14 years when we met in November 2007 to organize and help thousands of Canadians bring their new USA bought car across the border. We founded CarsWithoutBorders and Bob was on the radio and TV several times in the next 9 months. carsWithoutBorders was loved by thousands of Canadians and after a large petition- the laws were changed to help import. Our next adventure was playing music – Bob learned playing the Bass guitar, took lessons and was quite good at it. He. Adored Beatles songs and would sing duos with his life partner Marlene. This lead to a live band Performance in November 2019. We enjoyed numerous golf games – as regular partners playing twice a week for all these years. Great friend, super neighbor; just like a brother.we offer our deepest sympathies to all the Lamb family, mother and father Shirley and Bob, daughter Melissa and Jessica and close family – brothers and sisters. And also to Marlene who loved Bob so deeply and will miss him tremendously. Our condolences.
    Serge & Sylvie Bergeron – Summerstown.

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 5:49 am

      Serge & Sylvie, Thank you for your kind words. Our friendship is everlasting! You brought us such joy. So many memories to cherish, such a profound loss for all of us.

      Reply
  14. Lyne

    December 11, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    I just attended the funeral online. It was a beautiful celebration of Bob. Bob was a really nice man that I wished I had known better. He gave me hope, when I needed it the most. I will be eternally grateful to him for it. My most sincere sympathies to Marlene, Melissa Marie, Jessica, Leo and all of Bob’s family and friends.

    Reply
    • Marlene Perks

      December 30, 2021 at 6:35 am

      Thank you Lyne. Indeed Bob was a messenger of hope! I know he is still doing that for all of us who need it. We must believe that.

      Reply
  15. Steve Fox

    December 12, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    I first met Bob when we were at Concordia University in the early 70’s. We must have studied a bit since we both graduated, but it was our camaraderie that I most remember. To celebrate graduation, Bob and our closest buddies headed south to my parents’ home in Barbados for three weeks. We played a lot of golf in the blistering heat. Bob’s swan dive off the top deck of the Jolly Rodger pirate ship will remain one of the highlights of that trip. Other activities in Barbados, must stay in Barbados.

    Bob and I have kept in touch all these years, including a golfing reunion with five of us, 35 years later at our home in Manotick, Ontario. It was a pleasure to know Bob for so many years. My sincere sympathies to Marlene, Melissa, Jessica and his family and friends. I know he will be missed.

    Reply
  16. Diane Ferraro Ferguson

    December 16, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Thank you Melissa for your heartfelt reminder, and Thank you to your Father for keeping the letter. He is your Angel!

    Reply
  17. Gary Perks

    December 24, 2021 at 9:39 am

    Cousin Marlene and to the Lamb family. Our most deepest condolences go out to you on your loss of Bob. Living on the east coast in Nova Scotia, Evelyn and I never had a chance to get to know Bob other than to be introduced to him for a brief few moments during one or two Perks family gatherings in the last 5 or so years. Marlene. I just watched the ceremony video, and from your words describing Bob and your time together with him, he is someone we would certainly have embraced as a kindred spirit. Bob’s journey fighting lymphoma so touched us given our common experiences with our daughter Kaitlin who lost her fight with leukemia in 2018. Marlene, our heart goes out to you and I wish we could have been there to give you a supporting hug. Your cousin Gary and Evelyn

    Reply
  18. Marlene Perks

    December 30, 2021 at 5:40 am

    Gary & Evelyn, Indeed you would have embraced Bob’s spirit. He was a strong fighter, just like your Kaitlin. I feel your hug, albeit virtual.

    Reply

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