The family of Robert (Bob) Frederick Hamilton Dakin announce his passing on March 3, 2026, at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario.
Bob was born February 2, 1947, in Westmount, Quebec, and was adopted by Ken and Grace (née Hamilton) Dakin. He grew up in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, and later moved to St. Catharines, Ontario.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Mary-Patricia (née Manning); daughter Jean Murray (Keith); son Robert Dakin-Sas (Matthew); and grandson Joseph Dakin-Sas. He is also survived by his sisters Meredith Roussel (Mark), Peggy Cicci (Angelo), and Alison Stevens; his brother Kenneth (Helen); sister-in-law Rosemary Glockner (née Manning); brother-in-law Joseph Morris (Frances Manning); and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Ken and Grace Dakin; brothers-in-law Mark Roussel, Angelo Cicci, and Alexander Manning; and sisters-in-law Judy Manning (née Boyd) and Frances Manning.
Bob devoted many years to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, serving as a forestry technician, bird-dog, heli-attack crew member, fire line crew boss, and later as a logistics coordinator during fire season, ensuring crews had the personnel and equipment they needed. A dedicated union member, he served as OPSEU Local 711 president from 1982 to 2004 and retired in 2007.
Though he spent much of his career in the bush, he was not fond of camping, preferring summer vacations at Twin Lakes Beach, Manitoba. Retirement did not keep him idle; he worked as an on-call guard at the jail for the OPP and later with Treaty 3, continuing until late 2025. He often spoke warmly of the people he met in those roles.
Bob was active in his community, including judging figure skating, volunteering with the Kinsmen, leading marriage preparation classes at Saint Mary’s Church, assisting with the Music and Drama Festival, running sound for Christmas cantatas, and helping with community Christmas dinners.
He met Mary-Patricia in the summer of 1970 at a beer garden in Fort Frances. After a long-distance courtship, they were married on August 4, 1973, at St. Ignatius Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, surrounded by friends and family. They later welcomed their daughter Jean and son Robert.
Bob’s love for his family was steadfast. Even when work kept him away during important milestones, he made sure his presence was felt and listened with full attention to every story upon his return. He often expressed pride in his children, in the adults they became, and in his sons-in-law. He delighted in his grandson Joseph, marvelling at the way he saw the world, his Lego creations, and his uncanny ability to negotiate for cookies or early desserts.
At Bob’s request, there will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Friends of the Laureate Academy Bursary Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
