Robert Charles Jackson
1935 – 2021
Robert Charles Jackson, 85 of Dryden, ON passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 5, 2021 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.
Bob was born February 9, 1935 in Keewatin, Ontario to parents Agnes and Robert Jackson. He grew up with his brother Don and his dog Skippy.
Bob lost his mother at an early age and went on to live with his Aunt Pearl in Fort Frances where he attended school. After high school, he moved to Atikokan to work in the Steep Rock Mine as an office clerk. Here, he met the love of his life Una Mary James at the First Church United in Atikokan.
In 1965, Bob, Una and their 3 children, moved his family to Dryden. Bob started a job with the Dryden Board of Education as a teacher in the Technical Education Business Department. Soon after, as a young husband and father, he attended Lakehead University on nights, weekends, and many summers to obtain his official Ontario teaching degree.
In 1981, Bob persuaded the Dryden Board to introduce the Workplace Experiential Co-operative Education Program at Dryden High School. Bob started the program with only 14 students and was able to see it grow into the program it is today. Bob’s vision of the co-op program has been used as a model by many Ontario schools and helped set career paths for thousands of students. Bob also spent many years teaching the Co-operative Education course at Lakehead University and was asked to be a guest speaker across Ontario. It is not surprising that Bob was nicknamed Mr. Co-op, and that he was given the “Outstanding Achievement Award” by the Dryden Board of Education and was honored by the Premier of Ontario for his contribution to education in the province.
We are proud to say that Bob, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa gave his heart and soul to the education community but especially to his students, some of which he would still talk about, and some of which, reached out to him just recently.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Una and his brother Don. He is survived by his eldest daughter Jean (Dan) and two sons David (Joelle) and Mark (Teri) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bob spent his later years enjoying his home and flower garden on Eagle Drive for as long as he could. At this time, we need to extend a heartfelt thank you to all his neighbors and friends who made it possible for him to stay in his home as long as he could. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed. Dad wanted to give a special thank you to his neighbor George Coles.
We must also thank the amazing staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre; from dietary, to housekeeping, to the nurses as well as Dr. Cortens for his wonderful care through the years. Dad loved your “visits.” Thank you as well to Dr. Bester and Dr. Pettinger for your care and compassion.
Interment at the St. James Cemetery in Murillo will take place at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Second Chance Pet Network or the Canadian Cancer Society through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook page or at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.….and remember….Bob always said, “Wear your hat!”
