Robert William Saari (Bob)

Robert William Saari (Bob), aged 82, peacefully passed away at his home on August 19, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on October 16, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, he was the son of Jalmar Saaristo and Maria (Mary) Saari. Growing up with his brother, Donald (Donny), Bob was raised by his mother after the tragic loss of their father on October 28, 1954. Throughout his life, he maintained cherished friendships with Leonard, Bruno, and Kenny.

After leaving Sudbury, Bob attended Queens University in Kingston, where he graduated with a degree in metallurgical engineering. It was during his time in Kingston that he encountered the love of his life, Carol Margaret Hitchcock. Bob and Carol exchanged vows on August 6, 1966. Initially residing in Mississauga and Burlington, they later welcomed their son, Darryl Gordon Saari, in May 1970. In 1977, Bob joined Canadian Liquid Air and was subsequently transferred to the Edmonton office. Eventually, he transitioned to Edmonton Iron Works in Nisku, Alberta, before focusing on roles as a lobbyist, particularly with the Canadian Manufacturers Association, the Beverage Container Management Board, and the Alberta Pressure Vessel Manufacturers Association. Despite his relocation to Ontario in 2010, Bob remained committed to his work with the APVMA.

In 2010, Bob and Carol returned to London, Ontario, to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, Julie, and most significantly, their two grandchildren, Jared and Jordyn. Bob cherished his hobbies, such as playing golf, crafting golf clubs, cycling, enjoying the sauna, walking his granddog Teemu, and savoring a beer in the company of friends or by himself. He possessed a warm and engaging personality, always willing to strike up conversations with anyone he encountered, whether it be a server at a restaurant, a fellow traveler on a plane, or a member of the Riverbend club.

During the later years of his life, Bob was confronted with multiple myeloma and, eventually, pancreatic cancer, which ultimately claimed his life. Honoring his wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. Instead, donations in his memory can be made to the London and District Myeloma Support Group at http://myelomalondon.ca or the Walk of Champions at http://www.lhsf.ca/myeloma. Additionally, contributions to pancreatic cancer research can be made at https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca/.