Longtime harness racing industry participant William Robert ‘Bob’ Anderson, formerly of Listowel, Wingham, and Clinton passed away at Fordwich Village Nursing Home in Fordwich, Ont. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in his 89th year.
Bob was born in Wallace Township at the family home located at the corner of what is now known as 87th line and Highway 23. He attended elementary school at the nearby schoolhouse on "the third of Wallace"
He started his farming career at that site, taking over the family farm from his parents. He started farming in that location with wife Lois before selling to Harvey Krotz. They continued to farm together for nearly 50 years after that at farms located in Wallace, Howick, Elma and East Wawanosh Townships.
In addition to operating the farm, Bob also worked off the farm for several different employers including Listowel Co-op, Moore Poultry Transport and Campbell’s Soup. He also worked for Armstrong Bros. Farms and O’Brien Racing Stables where he learned about Standardbred racehorses, which became a passion for him and was a pursuit along with farming.
Bob had an interest in each of the animals on the farm but will be remembered for the many horses he raised, trained and raced over about 45 years at various racetracks located throughout mid-western and central Ontario.
Husband of Lois (Denney) Anderson. Father of Don & Wendy Anderson of Brights Grove, Cheryl & Dan Kelly of Mississauga, and Beth Anderson of Kitchener. Grandfather of Julie Anderson & Mark Hanson of Winnipeg, Man., Scott Anderson of Sarnia, Spencer Kelly & Nida Nasim of Mississauga, Ryan Kelly of Mississauga, John Schwemler of Petrolia, Stephanie Schwemler & Mike deBoer of Elmira, and Will Schwemler of Kitchener, and great-grandfather of Gareth Hanson, Zach Kelly, and Zane Kelly.
Brother-in-law of Phyllis McLennan of Listowel, and Jim & Darlene Denney of Avon.
Predeceased by his parents William and Marion (McIntosh), his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Clifford and Dorothy (Watters) Denney, his brother Ray Anderson, and his brother-in-law Jack McLennan.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at Parkview Gardens (Listowel Legion) on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at eatonfuneralhome.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bob Anderson.