Bowins, Robert John
1948 — 2023
Bob died peacefully in his sleep on December 22, 2023 in Sudbury, Ontario, aged 75, with his loving wife of 40 years, Allison, by his side. Son of the late Perry Bowins and the late Edith (née Walker) Ivanicki, “Robbie” grew up with many happy memories among his multi‑generational family in Stayner and Collingwood, with his brother Donald Bowins (Sandi) and sisters Dianne Martin (Edward) and Ruth Stewart (predeceased). He first attended a one room schoolhouse, then the Collingwood and Port Colborne high schools where he excelled in both academics and sports. He became nationally ranked in track and field and was the subject of many local news articles.
Bob had a brilliant mind. He obtained a degree in chemistry and physics at McMaster University, then applied his extensive mechanical and electronic skills to fix a vast array of technical problems while working at the university. Bob was encouraged to continue his education at McMaster, and obtained his Ph.D. in rare earth and economic geochemistry.
Bob became Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in Sudbury. Among his continuing achievements were the Amethyst and Lab Ontario awards for excellence as a researcher, scientist and technical collaborator, and as a mentor to young scientists. In addition to being an accomplished and curious scientist, Bob was also kind, eager to help, and gave freely of his time and expertise. He was able to solve almost any problem while maintaining his marvellous wit and sense of humour.
Throughout, Bob remained an involved and caring father to his children Elise Eivor (Dmitry), Allison (Chienfa), and Donald. He was excited to learn that he would soon be a proud grandfather to Elise and Dmitry’s child. Bob cherished the role of husband and father, a fact often remarked upon by his siblings and mother.
Bob’s mind was never idle, and during his retirement he kept up-to-date on science and the news, taught himself guitar, and built model boats. He continued to upgrade and apply his extensive knowledge in electronics, programming and mechanics, and could fix almost anything, whether computers, software glitches, circuit boards or cars. Anything technically un-fixable could often be “fixed” by his sense of humour and calm.
Bob will be greatly missed by his wife, his children, his siblings, his uncle and aunt, his cousins, and his numerous nieces and nephews. Bob can be remembered via donation to his favourite charity, the Sudbury Food Bank, either directly or online at www.sudburyfoodbank.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to Cooperative Funeral Home