It is always with great sadness when we lose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to express their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....
ROBERT (BOB) O'REILLY - HUSBAND OF PAST DISTRICT 7070 GOVERNOR VIRGINIA O'REILLY
On Saturday February 21st, 2026, Robert Michael O’Reilly, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully at home in Toronto. Born on August 13th, 1952 in Verdun, Quebec, he was the youngest son of the late Ed and Leona O’Reilly (nee Arbour). He is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by his wife Virginia (almost made 50 years!) and his dog Maxi. Predeceased by brothers Ed and Wayne and nephew Ed Jr., he leaves behind sisters Mary O’Reilly, Anne Sprague (Doug), daughter Karen Bourdeau (Greg), and grandchildren Kylla Dobson, Tyler and Ashley Bourdeau.
Lovingly known as Uncle Robert to many of his nieces and nephews and their children, Bob took great pleasure in highlighting each of their achievements and accomplishments. He will be missed by Sean (Jane) and Reilly (Jenn) Musselman; David (Heather), Beth (Chris) and Johanna O’Reilly; Max (Stacey), Luke and Hannah Sprague; Mary O’Malley; Susan, and Patricia O’Reilly; and Grace Fraser. Also missed by in-laws Nancy Oakley, Gail Shaw, Janellen Gallow; John, Jane (Bob) and Claire (Dave) Doucette; and Barb Fenn.
Bob was always so proud of his family and was one of the driving forces behind the many O’Reilly golf/ family reunions; he will be fondly remembered for the many personal notes and cards he sent to mark special family events, not to mention a Christmas Eve excursion playing Santa. Bob was blessed with natural athleticism and this led to a love of football; playing in his younger years at Assumption College High School in Windsor, Ontario and eventually onto varsity as a student at the University of Windsor and later at St. Francis Xavier University. He achieved accolades both as a quarterback and assistant coach. Not known to many, Bob also completed an Education Degree at Queen’s University, using these skills during his earlier careers. He loved sports and when not working, golf, tennis and curling were his passions. His wit and wry sense of humour either amused or annoyed the hell out of you but make no mistake, he’s now enjoying the greens, laughing with brothers Wayne and Ed.
Wherever Bob went he quickly developed friendships; he was not shy to introduce himself and start a conversation. Over the years he built a strong repertoire of acquaintances; his golfing buddies (trips to the Carolinas), the Mundys Bay cottage residents and the Cherry Beach dog walking community. The bonds he developed with his neighbours were of particular note and in the past few years he was extremely grateful for their kindness and generosity.
Cremation has occurred. A mass will be held at 11:00 am on May 2, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 794 Kingston Road, Toronto; a Celebration of Life reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish, memorial donations are welcomed to a charity of your choice.
Michael Banh from the Rotary Club of Uxbridge has asked us to remember fellow Rotarians who have passed away :
KEN HENDRY - ROTARY CLUB OF UXBRIDGE
It is with sadness we tell you of long-time Rotarian Ken Hendry’s passing on July 23, 2025. Ken was a quiet, but ever so reliable member of the club. He was ready and able to help with the scrap metal drives, the Trip of the Month lottery as part of the committee, going to council for signage permissions and placing signs all over town for the Christmas Tour of Homes. He spent extra time at Autofest last year assisting with 50/50 sales. Ken was a Paul Harris fellow and his service will be remembered. Our condolences go to his partner, Carol, and his family.
DEIDRE GIBSON - ROTARY CLUB OF UXBRIDGE
Past-President Deirdre Gibson - Obituary
Deirdre Gibson passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa on Thursday November 13, 2025 at the age of 74 years after suffering a stroke. Loved and missed by her husband of 48 years; Robert Reimers. Cherished mom of Lindsay Reimers & Ian Reimers. Grandmother (“Mormor”) to Zeven (10), Zoelle (5) & Nolan (5). Dog mom to Maisie, Thor and Shadow. Predeceased by sister Margaret Gibson, sister to Dana Bachman (late Doug McIlveen, late George Bachman), Scott Alderson (late Michelle Chapman) and twin sister Lenore Moore (Brett Moore). Predeceased by her parents Henry Dane Gibson and Audrey (McCullough). She was an Auntie and "Grauntie" to many loving nieces and nephews, with many cousins near and far of her own. Deirdre grew up in Scarborough, ON, and active in Girl Guides where she developed a taste for adventure and learned as a young girl about service before self. She was a voracious reader who often brought a half dozen books on family trips. She loved her family near and far, and believed in staying connected to extended family and friends from around the country and the globe, fostering those same values in her kids including the sense of adventure, travel, culture, and helping others. "DD" was a quick and witty social butterfly delving into many groups and activities off the side of her busy desk as a project planner and developer for social housing and seniors groups. She was the past President of three different Rotary International clubs in the Toronto area, as well as involved with the local Probus group in Uxbridge, having raised thousands of dollars for charity groups over the years, selflessly supporting those in need, which fuelled some of her overseas expeditions to communities her efforts had supported. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Emmanuel International Canada would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to share memories, express condolences or make donations www.lowandlow.ca
STEVE SNODDON - ROTARY CLUB OF UXBRIDGE:
Past-President Steve Snoddon - Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Stephen Bruce Snoddon on February 14, 2026. Born to Morris and Doris Snoddon, Udora on November 11, 1953, Stephen leaves behind his loving wife, Annette, his children Andrew (Danielle) and Katie (Trent) and his adoring grandchildren Clara, Isaac and Zander. The youngest of six siblings, he was predeceased by Michael, Joye and Roger. He is survived by; sister Faye, brother Murray and a large extended family that will miss him greatly. Steve’s legacy will live in the countless people and projects that have benefited from his selfless and passionate dedication. Stephen’s family invite you to a celebration of his life at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 170, 109 Franklin Street, Uxbridge, on Thursday April 23, 2026, from 12:30p.m. – 4p.m. Eulogies and toasts to begin at 1p.m. Please join us to share stories and to honour all that Steve meant to his family and his community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Uxbridge Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. Friends are invited to send condolences or make donations by visiting www.lowandlow.ca.