Robert John Vince

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert John Vince on May 1, 2026 at his recent residence, Spencer House in Orillia, formally of Huntsville.

October 3, 1936, born and raised in Huntsville, the oldest child of John and Florence Vince (nee Scott), brothers Dennis (Donna), Murray (Chris), Vernon (Judy) and predeceased by sister Shirley Pennefather.

Proud father of Victor (Kristina), Darlene Steinwachs, Robert (Charmie), John (predeceased), Edward, David (Lynda) and Debby Stevenson (Grant).

Grandpa of Christopher Price (Shelisa), Gregory Price (Karen), Lisa Agostino (Eric), Charmi-Ellaine Blan (Justin), Aaron Stevenson, Tommy Vince (Morgan), Nathan Stevenson, Serena-Eve Cano (Ruben), Jonathan Vince, Matt Voli (Haley), Nate Voli and Nina Jass (Matt)

Great Grandpa of Skyler Price, Caitlin Price, Vivian Stubbert, James Voli, Noa Jass, Ada Jass, Ela Jass, Charmi-Faustina Blan, Anthony-Fulton Blan, Isabel-Marie Blan, Lucy-Josephine Blan, Michael Stevenson, Tomas Vince, Joesph-Charles Vince, Layla Price, Aubrey Price, Alaina Agostino, Olivia Agostino and Levi Agostino.

Robert and Barbara were married in 1957 and began their life together in Ontario, where they welcomed their first child, Victor. Soon after, they moved to the United States, where they raised their six remaining children.

A hardworking man all his life, Robert made his living repairing wood-burning and oil furnaces and running the family dairy farm — more than 300 acres of land that he took great pride in.

In the early 1980’s, Robert and Barbara returned to Ontario with their younger children. Not long after, Robert moved back to Huntsville to help care for his aging parents. There, he found joy in spending endless hours — sometimes days — tinkering with the farm tractors. There was scarcely a day when he wasn’t under a tractor, puttering away to bring it back to life.

In his spare time, Robert loved connecting with people on his shortwave radio, talking to others from around the world. He also enjoyed relaxing in front of the TV, whether it was his favorite old cartoons — especially The Road Runner — or cheering on his teams: the Toronto Blue Jays, the Maple Leafs, and the Buffalo Bills.

Robert was a storyteller through and through; no matter who you were or when you met him, he always had a story to tell.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Spencer House in Orillia for their exceptional care and support in assisting with our father’s well-being. Their dedication and professionalism have made a significant difference during a challenging time for our family.

Additionally, we want to extend our sincere thanks to Tom and Barb Jarvis, as well as Ben and Samantha Sattler, for their unwavering support over the past few years. Whenever we faced the daunting tasks of moving or needed help setting things up, they were always ready to lend a hand. Their kindness and reliability have been invaluable to us.

We are also deeply appreciative of Paully Wally, who generously stored “Dad’s babies” for us, providing a secure and caring space for these cherished belongings.

To Paul, David & Donald Thomas, we all thank you for your support throughout the years. Each of you have played an important role in easing our journey, and for that, we are truly grateful.

In times when family support and community care are crucial, your generosity and assistance have been a beacon of comfort. Thank you all for standing beside us and offering your help so willingly and compassionately.

A visitation will be held on May 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville.  The memorial service will be held on May 22, 2023 at 3pm in the funeral home chapel.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day; unseen, unheard, but always near".