Robert Bruce Mercer
January 25, 1956 to May 16, 2024
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Robert Bruce Mercer, affectionately known as Bobby, Bob, or Bobaluchi to his sisters. Bobby passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age of 68, following complications from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
Predeceased by his parents, Ron and Beryl Mercer, and his brother, Wayne, Bobby leaves behind his heartbroken and devoted fiancée, Gail St. Croix. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Bev Mercer and Rhonda Langer (John), as well as his cherished nephews: his buddy, Anthony Langer, Dustin and Dylan Forbes, Benjamin Oliver, and Aaron Mercer. Bobby’s great-nephews, Elijah and Lennon Forbes, and great-niece, Mila Forbes, along with numerous cousins, will all miss him dearly.
Bobby was a warrior from birth, bravely facing and overcoming numerous health challenges with grace and without complaint. His resilience and strength allowed us to share 68 wonderful years with him. Despite the odds, he lived his life with a deep love for laughter, his family, and a good Rickard’s Red. Later in life, Bobby found his greatest joy in his fiancée, Gail, the love of his life.
Born in a time when those with special needs were often excluded, Bobby found joy and acceptance from the many people who took the time to share a greeting, a joke, or a coffee with him. For this, we are eternally grateful.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Scott Moffatt, Bobby’s dedicated general practitioner, and Dr. Kirsty Tompkins, his hematology oncologist, who gifted us with an additional 17 years with Bobby. To the doctors, nurses, and interns in the Emergency Department, your professionalism, kindness, and empathy during Bobby’s final days were deeply appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Brian Harnett, hematologist, whose exceptional end-of-life care provided comfort and dignity to Bobby in his final moments.
Bobby embraced his role as a big brother with love and dedication. Even in his final conscious moments, he asked, “Was I a good brother to you girls?” Yes, Bobaluchi, you were the best. We are so proud to call you our big brother, and you will forever remain in our hearts. No more suffering, dear Bobaluchi; you are finally home with Mom and Dad.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Bobby’s life will be announced at a later date.
My name is Kimberley Kreiger,I have known bob for a long time from People First nl.He was a well liked man and I thought of him as a agood freind.May you rest in peace Bob with the Angels.My thoughts and prayers are with you dearly
Oh the times we used to have with the whole Mercer clan on Belfast St. after Church on Christmas Eve.. These gathering soon grew to encompass almost every weekend we could get together. added with a dash of the Mangans and a splash of the Billiards.. Along with my parants Bruce and Shirley Tucker the Cllub was complete.. Those days are gone now. Many have passed. Those that remain still share the memories. One Mercer in particular meant a great deal to me. Though time and distance separated us i never ever forgot my good friend Bob Mercer. Ii never will. Godspeed an God Bless Bob
Bev and Mercer Family,
So sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. I remember Bobby from my childhood days growing up on Larch Place. Bobby lived at the top of the street right across on Carpasian Rd.
Not sure if many people know this but Bobby was the official Movie Critic of the neighborhood. Bobby would always come over to the top of Larch Place late in the night and give us his reviews of the latest movies that he had gone on to see. Whether it was the Capitol and Paramount Theatres downtown or the Avalon Mall Theatre Bobby would tell us what movies were worth seeing or the ones to pass on. I swear Bobby saw every movie that was out there.
Take care Bobby I bet you’re probably watching one right now.
Brian, Mabel and O’Grady Family
Barrie, ON.
Gail, Bev and Rhonda,
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a kind gentleman, full of humour and grace. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with you in this time of grief.
Sorry for your loss.RIP Bobby.
Bev and Rhonda, we are so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. He always had a smile and was so friendly when we met. I know you will miss him. Take comfort in your memories of happier times. Sincerely, Bill & Carolynn Browne
Bev, Rhonda, Gail and family I am so very sorry to learn of Bobby’s passing. I have such fond memories of him from times visiting your parents house with Shirley, Bruce and John Tucker. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace good buddy , you were a very special human I am so privileged to have known.
So sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing.Myself and Lil have some fond memories of bobby and the Mercer clan
Bev, Rhonda, Gail and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Bobby’s passing. Being family friends for many years, I have lots of memories of our “get togethers”. Bobby was always so happy.. He may have faced a lot of challenges but he did it well. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bev, So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.. Having grown up on Carpasian Road I have many childhood memories of our neighbour hood friends. I was a little older than Bob, your brother Wayne and I were the same age.. My condolences to you and your family.
Bev and family
I remember Bob from our school days. He was also happy and so friendly. Sending deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear brother.
Bev,
Sorry to hear of your brothers passing.
Ann Crane
To the Mercer family, my condolences on Bob’s passing. I grew up in the neighborhood (Carparsion, Elizabeth, Vaughan & Larch Place). Bob was around a lot and was a very nice guy. We were friends growing up and although I haven’t seens Bob in probably 35 years, I’m saddened to hear of his passing..
Shannon Keough
So sorry and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing.. I remember Bob from my Holiday Lanes days, playing the Pinball Machines. Way back in the 1970’s and early 80’s. Bob enjoyed a good game of Pinball. He was always around and got along with everyone. He was a fun guy. Condolences and deepest sympathy to the entire family and friends. RIP Bob.!!
Bev and family – So sorry to hear about your loss. Oh my, so blessed to have a joyous person like your Bobby in your life. Cherish the memories. Marina and Fred
So sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. He was a fighter, that’s for sure. I know Bobby from our days at Brinton and St. Augustine’s church. I often bumped into in latter years and had great chats. Bev, Rhonda, and families, our hearts go out to you during the coming days. Hugs.
Crystal
Bev, Rhonda & Gail:
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Bobby. As a close member of your family, I have many beautiful memories of him. Bobby was truly a warrior who always embraced life with an abundance of enthusiasm and positivity. I know that as a family, you will sorely miss his presence but take comfort in knowing that your wonderful mom and dad were there to greet him with open arms into the kingdom of heaven. Take care and God bless.
I am so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. Condolences to all family and friends. Bobby was an honest and kind person, who lived life with a smile and joy in his heart. He will be missed, May your memories give you some peace in your hearts during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace.
To Gail and the Mercer Family. Sorry to here of Bob’s passing. We got to know Bob from his many visits to Tim’s on Portugal Cove Road. He was a find gentleman
and we had numerous conversation with him. He will be missed.
To Bev, Rhonda and family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Bobby. I well remember him when we were kids hanging out on Vaughan Pl after dinner. I recall him singing some Cat Steven’s songs and generally enjoying taking part in chatter and games. Take care,
Beverley Rowe Karagianis
Bev,Rhonda,Gail and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. He sure lived a full life and i know he will be missed. John and I are thinking of you all.
Deepest condolences,
John and Susan ( Carter) Ralph
Sincere condolences to Gail and Bob’s family. I will keep you in my prayers. Your friend always, Kimberly Underhay
Rhonda, Bev, Gail and family, thinking of you all during this time of grieving, keep the good memories close.
Deepest condolences.
Gail, Rich and I are thinking of you and Bob’s family at this time. May he rest in peace.
Gail, thinking of you as you grieve the passing of your darling and loving Bobaulchi. May Bob’s gentle soul rest in peace.
Bev, I am saddened to learn your brother has died. Death is terrible. Thinking of you and family members.