Bob Loney passed away at Northwest Regional Palliative Care Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, at the age of ninety-three. He was born in Fort William, Ontario July 19th, 1932, son of James and Ray Loney. Our father was a footballer, a singer, a friend to many and someone who was of highest spirit when being of service to his family and numerous good friends. In the weeks and days leading up to his passing, he continued to express his gratitude for the wonderful life he lived. When asked by his palliative care doctor what his goals and wishes were for the next phase of his life dad playfully but sincerely replied, “Can I have 100 more years?”. A logical response from someone who thoroughly enjoyed his life and lived it to the fullest. Dad played football with the Fort William Redskins, winning a national dominion championship in 1958. During his 43 years of marriage to Arleen Joanne Loney and the extended Hurdon family, dad immersed himself in song at church, as a backup vocalist to Bobby Curtola on the Bob Hope show and alongside his brother Hugh and lifelong friend & brother-in-law Ronny Hurdon during dads 60+ year membership with the Fort William Male Choir. Our house and camp were constantly filled with world class vocal music featuring mom & dad, with special guest appearances by the Hurdon clan and good friends from the Fort William Male Choir. Dad was always very humble about his life experiences, including the Choir’s private performance for the Pope at the Vatican – a significant moment for both the Choir and Canadian choral music. In addition to song the extended Hurdon family introduced dad and us to Amethyst Harbour; a place of great joy, music and deep spiritual connection for dad, our families and special friends, most notably the Mauro family, Bruce Rendall, Tracey Mancino, Carol Silver, a ray of sunshine who dad welcomed into our lives after mom’s passing and special “chosen” grandchildren Jenna Grace and Pedro Adan. It has been said that you don’t attract what you want in life, but rather you attract what you are. This certainly applied to dad who attracted many friends of great humour, kindness and character, such as Al and Diane Crocker, Karen & Jim O’Conner from across the street and of course dad’s faithful Fisherman Friends! When meeting with many of his family members and these special friends over the past three months, dad had one consistent message to deliver. “If there is anything you love to do or want to experience…..DO IT NOW!!…DON’T WAIT!!!” We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our gratitude and thanks to the medical professionals we encountered while dad was in end of life care. You are heroes, legends and profoundly impactful in the work you do, not only to your patients but their families. Thank you. Dad touched many lives and his presence will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his sister Mary Loney; children: Clarke, Marilyn (Rob) Mauro and Robby; grandchildren: Sarah, Eryn and Alyson, great grandchildren Audrey, Oliver and Charlotte, sisters-in-law: Marilyn Blanchard, Peggy Hurdon, Marge Hurdon and Cheryl Hurdon and brother-in-law Jim Hurdon. He was predeceased by his dear grandson: Torr Lewis; brothers: Jack and Hugh Loney; brothers-in-law: Ronny Hurdon and Pete Johnston and sister-in-law Jackie Johnston.
Honouring dad’s wishes and love of family, friendship and Amethyst Harbour, a celebration of dad’s life will be held on July 19th (dad’s birthday), 2026 at 2249 Amethyst Avenue starting at 1:00 pm.
In advance of this, should friends desire making a financial donation dad encouraged it be directed to the St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay (807) 768-4440 or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (807) 345-4673, where he received such great and loving care over the years.
We will close this obituary in keeping with how dad would close every conversation with family and close friends by declaring, “LOVE YOU LOTS!”
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
