Robert Carl Dias

The family regretfully shares the sad news that Robert “Rob” Dias passed away peacefully at home on March 28th, 2025 after a difficult struggle with MDS and then AML (cancer).  Much loved husband of Deborah, loving father of Anne (Gerry Duquette) and Robyn (Kevin Bertrand), Matthew (Natasha), Kimberly (Dave), Michael and Kaitlyn.  Cherished son of Patricia and Robert (Bob, predeceased).  Beloved grandfather of Mason, Emma, Drew, Ashli, Cruz, and Abbie.  Protective brother of Lynn (Bryan), and Karen.

Rob started his working career as a welder and apprenticed with his father Bob Dias in Sturgeon Falls.  From there he moved to Elliott Lake and started work as a Millwright for Panel Mine.  When the mines were closing in Elliott Lake, Ontario Power Generation recruited many of the tradesmen, including Rob.  He moved to the Kincardine/Port Elgin area to work for OPG at Heavy Water and then the Bruce Power Plant.  In 1998 he was transferred to the Darlington plant and retired from OPG in March of 2014.  He enjoyed his working career and prided himself in taking few, if any, sick days.

In his personal life, this kind man loved the outdoors, fishing (especially for Pickerel on the French River), hunting, travel (especially cruising), boating (Georgian Bay), golf (especially in Arizona), feeding the birds, squirrels, chipmunks and the bunnies (everywhere).  In his Elliott Lake days, he was an enthusiastic curler and his team often travelled to compete, even making it to the Provincial level one year.  He also had success competing in fishing derbies and one year his two-man team won a fishing boat (Walleye King) and motor.   He was expert in fish, animal, tree, plant and bird identification.  He loved watching the weather and regularly checked the official government website for updates and information.  He cared deeply for his dogs Queenie, Gem, Bonnie, Coco, Waldo, Beau and Charlie.  Rob took many photographs and spent happy hours reviewing and posting pictures on FaceBook. He was born in Woodstock and lived in Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, Elliott Lake, Kincardine, Port Elgin, Tiverton, Courtice, Beaverton, Washago, and finally in Orillia, Ontario.

Although just in his 70th year, he lived a full happy life and enjoyed his family and friends.  Rob didn’t usually have much to say but he was very well known for his quick shots of humour, solid work ethic and bountiful fish fries.  He is sorely missed.

Celebration of Life to be held at Villages of Leacock Community Centre, 44 Museum Drive, Orillia, Ontario L3V 7T9 on Sunday April 13, 2025, from 2-4.  Sharing of special memories or tributes starting at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre, part of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie Ontario where Rob received excellent and compassionate treatment.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca