Sadly we announce the passing of Dr. Robert Edmund Lidkea on July 28, 2025, at La Verendrye Hospital with his family by his side.
Robert was born in North Bay, Ontario, on January 1, 1931. His parents were Ernest Willard Lidkea and Mary Lano Chadbourn. He attended both public and high school in North Bay. After graduating he became a registered Optometrist in 1952 at the University of Toronto. In 1958, he received his doctorate from the University of Waterloo. He was a lifelong learner who was dedicated to his profession. He earned his fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry in 1983.
Robert’s journey to Fort Frances began back in July 1952. He answered an ad looking for an Optometrist. This is where his connection with Fort Frances begins. On his second day here, he was invited to attend a Kiwanis meeting as a guest, he became a member the next month. He had 46 years of perfect attendance and was recently awarded the status of life member.
He was a devout Christian attending St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, this is where he met the love of his life Margaret Elizabeth MacDonald. He always said lucky for him she attended the St. Andrews Presbyterian church across the street and would see him going to church. He said she was “a gift from God.” They were united in marriage in 1958.
They were blessed with two sons, Allan and Bruce, then later after Bruce married Jennifer, they were blessed again with Cameron and Piper. He was a very proud grandpa.
Robert always said “volunteerism in the price you pay to live in a good community.” He certainly lived by this. He was involved in community organizations and projects his entire life. Including FF Town Council, Museum board, Rainycrest Board, District Health Council, Provincial and Regional Emergency Health committee. For this and so many other acts of Volunteerism in the community, he was awarded citizen of the year in 2007. His career has been truly exceptional, he started his career as the youngest Optometrist in Canada and retired on his 93rd birthday as the oldest Optometrist in Ontario (very possibly the oldest in Canada). Throughout his career he was active in volunteering for both the Canadian Association of Optometrist’s as well as the Ontario Association of Optometrist’s, having the privilege of being the president in 1975. For all his volunteering in Optometry he was awarded the millennium award for public service in 2004.
Robert was predeceased by his parents and siblings Harry, Jack, Pauline, William and Victor; and the love of his life Margaret in 2023.
He is survived by his sons Allan and Bruce (Jennifer); and grandchildren Cameron and Piper; and by his “Chum” Beckham (grand-dog).
Robert’s strong faith and love of God prepared him for the next stage of his life.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the La Verendrye General Hospital or St. John Baptist Anglican Church.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Baptist Anglican Church in Fort Frances.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
