Obituary of Robert Sommerville

SOMMERVILLE, Robert (Bob) Lindley (O.D. University of Waterloo) – Peacefully surrounded by family at Maple Park Lodge, Fort Erie on September 7, 2013 at the age of 91 years. Beloved husband of the late Dora (2010) for 66 years. Cherished father of David Sommerville (Susan) and Julie Detenbeck (Stewart). Dear granddad of Heidi Blom (Anton) and Alana Detenbeck (Roy Bacot). Great granddad to Talia and Naia Blom. Robert will also be sadly missed by his sister Loreen Dunbar (Clarence), sister-in-law Jessie Martin and many nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his parents Wallace and Ethel Sommerville. Born July 18, 1922 in Hamilton, ON, graduated from Delta Collegiate. Served in the Canadian Navy for 3 years as a visual signalman on the Corvette HMCS Snowberry in the North Atlantic and Bay of Biscay and later on the Destroyer HMCS Niagara out of Halifax. He graduated in 1949 from the School of Optometry in Toronto and obtained his doctor of Optometry from University of Waterloo as a graduate student. He set up his Optometric Practice in Fort Erie in 1949, retiring in 1996. He has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry since 1954 and was president for several years of the Niagara Frontier Society of Optometrists (International) and also served on the executive of the Ontario Assoc. of Optometrists. He was active in Central Ave. United Church, Clerk of Session for several years and later on as a Chairman of the Board of Trustees. As an active and enthusiastic gardener he had two terms as President of the F.E. Horticultural Society. Robert was Past-President of the F.E. Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society, served on the executive of the F.E. Kinsmen Club and continued to be active in the K40 Club. He was an active and enthusiastic sailor in the Fireball Class, competing in both the U.S. and Canada and was a charter and forming member of the Parkway Sailing Club and served as its second Commodore. In later years he was an avid windsurfer, often seen in front of his home on the Niagara Parkway. He had a deep interest in oil painting as well as photography and acted as President in both Welland Colour Slide Club and later the Fort Erie Camera Club. His keen interest in nature and birding was enhanced by his active membership in the Buffalo Ornithological Society for 35 years. His interest in music was enhanced while a member of the Board of the Niagara Symphony Association. Bob volunteered his time and services to his local community and as far away as the Caribbean. He will be mostly remembered for his love and support for his family. A sincere thank-you to Dr. Scher and the staff at Garrison Place and Maple Park Lodge for all of the kindness, care and compassion offered to Bob and our family. WILLIAMS FUNERAL SERVICES, 722 Ridge Rd. N., Ridgeway entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will be held at the Williams Chapel on Thursday morning at 11 o’clock. Reception will be followed by interment at McAffee Cemetery. In memoriam contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.