Robert Harry Russell Bingham, known fondly to friends and family as Bob, embarked on his final road trip on September 14, 2025. Born in Port Arthur on April 14, 1957, Bob’s zest for life and hearty laughter left an indelible mark on the world. He was the kind of man who could light up a room with a joke, even if that room was occasionally a truck cab.
Bob’s journey took a sudden detour in Thunder Bay, but not before he’d travelled many a highway and byway, making memories and friends at every turn. Starting out at the Grain Elevators Pool 7, he quickly learned that his true love was the open road—except for those “idiot drivers,” who he would often mention with a characteristic eye-roll and a chuckle.
His convoy of jobs in the trucking industry included stints with Manitoulin, Brenron, and Morrison Trucking, where he retired. Bob always had a special place in his heart for Dave and Bill Morrison, and if there’s a CB radio in the great beyond, you can bet he’s thanking them for the ride one last time.
Twelve years back, Bob faced off against stage 4 throat cancer and gave it a run for its money, showing a level of courage that would make action heroes look like amateurs. The C word didn’t stand a chance against his tenacity, and despite the lingering effects of treatment, Bob never let it slow him down. He was always there, tool in hand, ready to fix a family member’s leaky faucet or a neighbour’s squeaky gate.
When it came to the culinary arts, Bob was a maestro. His famous spaghetti could make an Italian grandma weep with joy, and his pickles and beets were the stuff of legend. He took to Pinterest like a fish to water, whipping up new recipes that would leave us all in awe—and with full bellies. His open door policy wasn’t just a metaphor; if you showed up at Bob’s house, you were getting fed, no questions asked.
Bob’s dream retreat was Sandstone Lake, where he and his beloved wife Helen lived the lake life from spring to fall. It was there they crafted a little slice of paradise, a testament to his love for the simple pleasures in life.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen; daughters Melanie, Ashley (Yoller), and Arja; brother Bill (Joanne); mother-in-law Sirkka Ahola; sisters-in-law Arja Zepik, Anne Venerus, and Minna (Mike) Bihun; nieces and nephews Raeann, Scott (Lina), Nadine (Wes), Colin (Jessie), Chris, and Tina; and grandchildren Sasha, Austin, Miia, and Jack. He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Mona, sister Barbara, father-in-law Leo, and brother-in-law John.
Bob was a man who could best be described as loving, generous, and courageous. His humour and warmth were as reliable as his trusty truck, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Join us on Saturday, October 4th, 2:00pm, at the Slovak Legion to celebrate the man, the myth, the legend—Bob Bingham. Raise a glass to a life well-lived and a man well-loved. Here’s to Bob, who could always be counted on for a laugh, a helping hand, and a plate of spaghetti that could conquer any appetite.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
