Born November 20, 1938, as the second of 6 boys to Mally and Anita Fera, Robert ( Bob) Fera was raised in Coniston, Ontario, surrounded by a large family and close knit town. This experience shaped his future personal and professional commitment to family and community, leading him to a career in education. At the age of 19, he was appointed principal of Holy Redeemer, later Sacred Heart , then St David’s, and for the last 20 years of his career, St. Raphael’s school, where he implemented many innovative curricula and after school programs for the community. Early in life, he married Peggy ( Margaret) Arrowsmith. Three children , Rob, Sean and Marnie showed up in rapid succession and the family moved to the south end of Sudbury, where Bob later launched into community politics, winning the Ward 9 council seat. In addition to an active political career as Alderman, he also took on the role of president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, the office of Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Sudbury Board of Health. His trademark sincerity and no nonsense ability to cut through “administrative inertia “ ( or BS as he would call it ) with humor and dogged determination made him a formidable character and respected leader. Using these skills, he tackled municipal and local health issues which led to increased and greater accessibility to services for community members. Bob’s path inevitably led to Queen’s park where he helped develop Community Care Access Centres ( CCAC) , of which he became Provincial and Sudbury/ Manitoulin Chair. He fought tenaciously for what he saw as inadequate funding for community health services, causing the government much consternation about the force of nature they had unleashed.
Through all of his political and educational forays, his commitment to family remained at the forefront, defined by one consistent act; small and seemingly insignificant for some, but given his hectic career, significant for his young family: he was always home for dinner. Always.
Bob leaves behind a legacy of community and family. Some still with us. Some not. He despised politically correct terms like “ pre-deceased” and so stipulated “ let them figure it out”. Bob relished his role as father in law to son Rob’s wife Lorrie Morin, and daughter Marnie’s husband Steve Pedersen. He loved his role as grandfather to Alex ( fiancé Shelby), Cameron, Cassandra and William Pedersen and Caleigh, Olivia and Hannah Fera. He oversaw the growth of his family from his beloved Rock Lake, continuing the tradition started by his mother and father in law Charlie and Buddy, and brother in law Bill. The Rock was also a focal point for the many family re-unions attended by brothers Ron, Larry ( Claire), Vince, Norm ( Denise) and Joe ( Diane) and his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bob remained passionate for life despite suffering multiple myeloma in his later years. He died December 25, 2019 surrounded by family . His journey was made easier by the constant companionship of his wife Peg, neighbors, friends and through the kind, superlative care of his health team led by fellow Rock Laker, Dr. Marc Dube, MD. Family and friends are invited to Cooperative Funeral Home Monday December 30 at 2- 5 pm, 7-9:30 pm . Funeral at St. Patrick’s Church, Tuesday December 31 at 1 pm . In Lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations to be made to the Estaire- Wanup Volunteer Fire Brigade ( cheques only please). They always heeded the call to resolve Bob’s zealous wood stove stoking issues. They never once fell for his blaming Peggy’s cooking, especially since they always left well fed ! Arrangements entrusted to Co-operative Funeral Home 705-566-2100 .