Robert (Bob) George Joseph Aiken, 69, of Red Lake, Ontario, passed away peacefully on 2 March, 2023, surrounded by his family.  "Bob" lived a storied life, was universally loved, and a constant friend and fixture of Red Lake. Bob's helping hands assisted many in need in the community and he rarely needed to be asked to lend a hand where it was needed.

Bob was born and raised in Red Lake where he met his wife Joanne in 1969, together they would have 3 sons, foster and suddo-adopt many, many more children over their 48 years of marriage.

Bob started out his work career as a mechanic and while there learned many of the skills that served him well going forward in life.  In his 30s he purchased the Red Lake bowling alley (Bob's Bowling) which he and the family lived in and operated for 25 years. Not a man to stand idly by Bob also worked at and managed the Lafarge cement plant until his retirement in 2019.

Bob carried on a great deal of the family traditions started by his Father and Grandfather passing them to his sons; A love of the Red Lake waterways and its stewardship; organizing and setting off the July 1st fireworks; helping to popularize and support SCUBA diving in the area; as well his membership and support of local groups especially the Red Lake Legion, Lions Club, and the community.

Very close to Bob's heart was the property they owned on Aikens Bay that he took great pride in having developed as a family and friends gathering point.  Bob and Joanne hosted many get togethers there over the years and many have fond memories of time spent at the Bay.

Bob is survived by his wife Joanne; Sons: John Cowan (Kirstie) and their child Marcella; Wayne (Nadia) and children, Trinity, Maveric, and Declan; Donny (Tammy) and children Drake, Madelyn, Mark (Maleena), Jillian, Alexis; The daughter he wished he had niece Debbie McEvoy and her children Brooke, Tanner and Dillon; Bob's siblings; Edna Mae, and Diane Hester, John (Penelope).  Bob had one great grandchild Mavis and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews

Bob was predeceased by his father George and mother Theresa and brother-in-law Martin Hester.

A celebration of Bob's illustrious and eventful life will be held on Monday, July 31st from 12 noon to 2:30 pm in the Red Lake Royal Canadian Legion Lounge with shared memories reading at 12 noon.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Red Lake Legion, the Lions Club or the Red Lake Hospital.

In addition, the family requests any funny, fascinating or memorable tales or anecdotes of Bob's storied life be sent to robert.george.aiken@gmail.com .