Bale, Charles Robert (Bob)

Bob passed peacefully at home on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. 

He will be dearly missed by Sue, the love of his life for over fifty years, and by his four kids and their spouses: Bryan & Shannon, Kristen & Jonathan, Adam & Stephanie, and Logan & Tiziana. Beautiful memories will stay with them and with the eleven grandkids who all adored their Bobby: Trevor & Scott; Amelia, Charlie, Benjamin, & Oliver; Nolan & Daphne; Danika, Ivan, & Penelope.

Living by the belief that kindness is never forgotten, Bob was a positive influence in the lives of many individuals as well as in the communities where he lived and worked. After an impactful 25 years in the parole service, Bob retired and began a second career, one ignited by his love for music and his commitment to positive social change. What started out as house concerts soon progressed into the creation of community events. Many Sudburians will remember the popular Dairy Queen Out of the Cold Concert Series, which helped feed people in need for over two decades, and the well attended Vale Summer Concert Series, offered free to the community with donations going to the Sudbury Food Bank. Bob went on to become an agent for several artists and groups over the years. In helping to bring music to many, he also helped support those creating it.

Another of Bob’s passions was being on the water. The youngest son of Ernie & Irene Bale (both predeceased), Bob grew up near Lake Nipissing in North Bay and, from a young age, spent many happy days fishing. He and his older brother, Bill, who was without a doubt his best friend, took part in many fishing tournaments over the years. Bob continued to enjoy being on the lake with family and friends throughout his life. Those days in Bob’s boat will be at the heart of happy memories for many.

Bob’s love of nature and adventure shaped the kind of dad he was. He and Sue regularly took their young family camping, boating, and exploring, and together they spent many special summers at their camp on Nepewassi Lake. A longtime season ticket holder for the Sudbury Wolves, Bob always prioritized supporting local hockey and other sports, including all the athletic pursuits of his four kids. He will also be fondly remembered by the many families who participated in the baseball and volleyball programs he initiated in the Wanup community when his kids were young. It made Bob proud to see them, and later, each one of his grandkids, developing a love of adventure and the outdoors, too.

Well known in his neighbourhood for always being willing to lend a hand, Bob truly valued each person in his life. Those close to him will remember Bob as a careful listener, confidant, and mentor. He consistently made time for good conversation with friends and family, and those exchanges were guaranteed to include some great stories and shared laughs. He and Sue treasured all the times they spent with friends old and new, especially around the table. Some of these cherished friends were musicians Bob had worked with over the years, including Dave Gunning, Karen, Maureen, & Teresa Ennis, and others.

Bob will surely be missed as a brother or brother-in-law by Frank & Brenda, Bonnie, Lea, Judy, Peter, Brad & Jayne, Bart & Bambi, Karen, Steve & Karen, Kent, Beth, and Shane. Bob was also a beloved brother or brother-in-law to family members who went before him, including Ted, Bill, Ruth, Jeff, Mark, and John. As a son-in-law, Bob was dearly loved by Fred (predeceased) and Jean. 

Even in his later years, Bob never lost the ability to create joy for those around him. When life became incredibly difficult, he faced his challenges with strength, dignity, and positivity. Bob’s love sweetened many lives, and his kindness will never be forgotten.

In his memory, donations can be made directly to the Sudbury Food Bank. https://www.sudburyfoodbank.ca/donate

A life well lived, a man well loved.