Robert Alan Preston Rideout

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bob “RAP” Rideout in his 85th year. He was predeceased by his father Ralph (1966) and mother Ann (2001) and brothers Jon (2010) and Don (2022). He attended Kennedy Collegiate in Windsor, ON and graduated from the University of Windsor with a degree in Psychology. Bob was a member of Mensa Canada.

While attending Kennedy Collegiate Bob enrolled in the military cadet program – and in 1960 was selected as Best Cadet at the National Cadet Camp in Banff Alberta. Later that year he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the army reserves. By 1973 he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and was appointed Commanding Officer of the famed Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment.

In 1962, he was hired by Ford of Canada as a mail-clerk at the Windsor Operation. He held various positions in Windsor, Dearborn Michigan, Bramalea and Oakville. Bob retired, in 1999, as the personnel and organization manager at the company’s Canadian headquarters in Oakville.

In 1958, Bob met his “high school sweetheart” and best friend, Marlene Vernhout. They married in 1965 and became the very proud parents of Candice (John) in 1970 and Dean (Megan) in 1974. They were “Oma and Opa” (grandparents) to Theo, Max, Lauren and James. Bob’s happiest times included his family.

While the family is holding a private ceremony, they invite you to honour Bob by donating to the charity of your choice or planting a tree to grow a lasting legacy.

Lastly, a sonnet Bob wrote in 1963 while attending university:

Speak Not of Death

Speak not of death, too young am I to die.

My life is full and gay and rich with joy.

So long it is ’fore in my grave I lie.

So sweet my years they almost tend to cloy.

Speak not of death for I have wife and child.

For them I must provide, protect and care.

Besides life’s winds blow yet so soft and mild.

Besides I’m still remote from death’s cold lair.

Speak not of death though years have swiftly passed

And my three score and ten have come and gone.

Yet long the time before I breathe my last.

Yet long the time before I see no dawn.

Now stop and see to what my life has led

Now speak to me of death for I am dead.

– R.A.P. Rideout (1963)