Bob Fulton

Fulton, Robert Futcher “Bob” – Of Aylmer, ON, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Joan Fulton. Dearly loved father of Leslie Fulton (Wilson), Brent Fulton (Barbara), and John Fulton (Kimberly). Beloved stepfather to Kim Woodford, Kathy Robinson, Robert Gagen, and Kelly Vanderlee. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Jayme, Courtney, Cooper, and Ronan. He is also survived by his dear sister, Elaine Fulton (Larry) Predeceased by his sister, the late Lois Farley (Bob).Nieces, nephews, and extended family have wonderful memories of their time spent with Uncle Bob. Born near Fingal Ontario, September 03, 1936. He was a son of the late Lloyd and Kathleen Fulton. As a proud STCI graduate, and a brief Guelph OAC student, Bob confidently took over the reins of the Fulton family farm and raised his family within the growing farming business environment. Bob offered his family unique exposure to the animal kingdom, through both mixed farming operations (domestic cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, a pony, dogs-of-course), and rescue and rehabilitation of various wild animals. As an agricultural steward of the land, he supported the preservation of land and the environment for the planet and future generations. As a member of the rural community and industry, Bob was a volunteer fire fighter with the Fingal & Shedden Fire Departments, was awarded a Fire Services Exemplary Service medal for twenty years’ service, and he was once a Director with National Farmers Union. As a resident of Aylmer Bob was recognized by the city as an outstanding Senior Citizen, in appreciation for his outstanding gardening efforts to the city’s Lion’s Park.Being an outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed partaking in hunting trips with collegial farmers and friends to the Pickerel River in northern Ontario, and he taught the boys how to fish in the streams and lakes. During the summer season, he also took the whole family to Horseshoe Lake near Parry Sound ON. Later, Bob enjoyed time spent with Leslie and her family in British Columbia, including exploring the West Coast, and hiking on Keat’s Island.
Bob loved to exercise his innovative inclinations to develop both the farming enterprise, and new and specialized farm machinery for the ever-evolving agricultural sector. In the 1970s Bob pioneered the use of large crop planting equipment in Southwestern Ontario, and collaboratively with White Farm Equipment improved their combine product designs for improved reliability. Earlier, he had also adapted peanut harvesting equipment for use to harvest Ontario fancy beans. In the winter seasons, Bob also supported his children’s snowmobiling habit, effecting numerous repairs as required on a recurring basis. During winters he also drove eighteen wheeled semi-trucks on trips from the Yukon, through the U.S. to the Mexican border, including passage over the fabled ice roads on the Northwest Territories, a basis of his adventure stories. Bob loved sports, played football at STCI, and as a hockey-dad supported and coached both sons (Brent and John) during their Novice, Peewee and Bantam Shedden junior hockey teams careers, often coaching using the antique single-piece hockey stick that his father (Lloyd) gave to him, and supporting his daughter’s (Leslie) figure skating in Ontario and Michigan. Bob had the kindest of hearts, often with an intensely thoughtful opinion, but always punctuated with a positive spin, a point, and a wink accompanied by a genuine smile. In recent years Bob enjoyed going to music “Jams”. He had a passion for dancing at these events with his wife Joan, and he loved to travel. Bob and his wife Joan made frequent trips to the East Coast of Canada. Robert Futcher Fulton was a strong multi-faceted farmer, inventor, community member, husband, father, and grandfather. A self-sufficient provider, a creative force, a provocative student of thought, and a solid community participant; Bob’s influence and lessons of life contributions will be missed by many who knew and loved him. Celebration of Life for all family and friends will be held at the Masonic Center of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, St Thomas, located on highway 4, South of St. Thomas, ON, on Wednesday August 23rd 2023 between the hours of 1:00pm and 3:00 pm. Words of remembrance spoke at 2:00pm. For condolences and commemoration, please visit: www.WilliamsFuneralHomeLTD.com Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas entrusted with arrangements. The family asks for any donations to go to either of these following organizations: London Health Sciences Foundation: Support Cancer Care | London Health Sciences Foundation (lhsf.ca)https://lhsf.ca/campaign/cancer-careSt. Thomas Elgin General Hospital: Home | St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation (steghfoundation.ca)