In Memory of
Robert “Bubba” Desjardins
“GONE FISHIN’”
November 19, 1948 – February 13, 2026
On Friday, February 13, 2026, Robert “Bubba/Bob” Desjardins passed away at the Espanola Regional Hospital after a lifetime of health struggles. “They’ve tried many times to take me, but I’m just not ready yet.”
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Louise Desjardins (St. Pierre), whom he married on August 5, 1972. Bob was a loving husband, best friend, and personal chef to Louise. Together they loved fishing, hunting, camping, going for long drives, and dancing in the living room. Their favorite song was “Stand By Me,” which was played for him at the hospital. He will forever be Louise’s Valentine.
He will be sadly missed by his son, Ernie (Jessica Rainville). Ernie inherited his need for an adrenaline rush from his dad, who loved racing motorcycles, doing wheelies across town, and always putting on a show. His daughter, Vanessa — Daddy’s little girl — will remember his attempts to teach her about dirt bikes and cleaning fish, though she was always more interested in pretty dresses and high heels.
Bob’s four beautiful granddaughters — Britney Desjardins, and Alexa, Portia, and Bianca Von Scheunemann — will remember their grandpa as a jokester who always made them laugh.
Robert will also be missed by his brothers and sisters across Canada, who remained close in heart: Gerry (predeceased by Rhonda) Desjardins, Carol (Ken) Short, Janice (Reg) McLennan, Andrea (Kevin) Selinger, Tommy (Elsa) Desjardins, Peter (Susan) Desjardins, and Paula (Ken) Cochrane.
Bob will be deeply missed by his beloved fur-babies, Shena and Sky.
A special thank you goes to all the men from “Bob’s office” — Tim Hortons in Espanola — for visiting him and protecting his chair while he was in the hospital. Thank you to all of our family, friends, and co-workers for your support during this difficult time. Words cannot express our gratitude to the many doctors who cared for Bob over the years, from SickKids in Toronto to the present day. We would like to thank the Espanola Paramedic Services for the quick and professional response. Thank you to the incredible nurses at Espanola Regional Hospital for their compassionate care through his treatments over the years, to his final hours— you are all angels. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Dr. Stephen Bignucolo for everything you have done for Robert. You are a kind, patient, and truly remarkable physician. In honour of Bob’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to celebrate Bob in your own ways.
Our condolences to Louise and family. Always had a short chat with Bob at his office at Tim Hortons. He always called me Auntie, it was our laugh between us. He will be missed.
February 19, 2026
Bob was definitely one of a kind.
I never saw him angry…but I did hear him swear a “few” times.
He was always fun to talk with and could tell a good tale.
He was a fishing legend….”in his own mind”
If I told him that I caught a 5 lb fish he would say that his was 6 lbs.
No matter how long it was between visits, seeing him again was as though we had spoken the day before
The outpouring of love and condolences for him amazes me.
May he rest in peace!
February 17, 2026
Goodbye old chum, definitely going to have a beer or two on deerhound road this spring. I’ll be at our old camp site thinking of you while drinking a cold one.
February 17, 2026