Obituary of Bob Ready

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert (Bob) Ready announce his passing.  He left peacefully surrounded by family and friends at St. Marys Memorial Hospital on July 25, 2026, the day after his 76^th birthday. Bob was a beloved Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, loyal friend, devoted farmer and proud member of his community.

He was born and raised in Downie Township, on Line 15.  He created his own home beside his parents’/childhood farm. When he was not tending to the land as a cash crop farmer, he worked at the Stratford, St. Marys and Rannoch Co-ops for over 20 years and then for 28 years selling insurance for Downie/Tradition Mutual Insurance, with many of his clients becoming good friends. After retiring from selling insurance, he became an egg farmer. He was a member of the Downie Optimist Club and St. Marys United Church. He was always up for a visit with friends, a crop tour, checking out farm equipment, and a card game. He did not miss too many community events as he enjoyed gathering friends to support local fundraising suppers, hosting gatherings and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Community was the heart of who he was: his quiet acts of service and willingness to lend a helping hand without hesitation earned him the respect and admiration of many. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Marion (Ross), his children Laurel and Jamy Poirier, Mike Ready and Julie McIntosh, grandchildren Brett, Alia, Ellie and Lena. Brother to Roy and Bev Ready, Mary and John McIntosh, Jamie and Nancy Ready, Nancy and Allan Coghlin. Brother-in-law to Nancy Ross, Jim and Mary Ross, and Joanne Ross, and Uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Reta Ready, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Lorne and Ethel Ross, brother-in-law Bob Ross and nephew Andy Coghlin.  

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30 at St. Marys United Church (85 Church St. S, St. Marys), from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7p.m. – 9 p.m.  A Memorial Service will be held at the St. Marys United Church on Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. The service will be streamed live on the St. Marys United Church Facebook Page, click here.  A Celebration of Life Open House will follow at the Downie Optimist Community Centre (3185 Road 122, St Pauls) from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and staff over the years who provided Bob with guidance throughout his life’s journey, and especially Dr. Gatfield, Dr. Hahn and their teams the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Bob’s memory to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation, St. Pauls New Playground and the St Marys United Church Food Grain Bank.