My Grandfather used to tell me stories about his youth in London, England in front of the old radio after the BBC news. Some were about life in the trenches in World War 1, and others were about life with his mother Mary Knight, not to be confused with my Grandmother Mary Louise Deller Knight. Mary Louise Deller Knight however knew how to belt out a song especially anything by Vera Lynn— and I cannot remember the amount of times I sang Vera’s songs with Bob Stacey.
Grampy Knight used to tell me stories about the British Music Hall scene because my great grandfather was a music publisher in London and ran British Music Halls. Because of his stories I always wanted to be a carny in a travelling carnival. But that was never to be, but the stories and especially the songs I remembered. I could call out any song and Bob would remember every word.
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where, don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again some sunny dayWill miss you Bob!
Linda Seccaspina
One of the wonderful things about moving back to Carleton Place was getting to see familiar and loving faces like Bob Stacey. Bob was my dad’s Godfather ( Shane Edwards), and a friend and relative to my grandparents. Bob always had a story or song to share. His positive attitude and enthusiasm for life was contagious. Right before the pandemic, Bob, my Great Aunt Heather and Great Uncle John, my Aunt Val and my parents came over for dinner. We had a lovely evening where Bob shared fond memories of the grandparents I never got to meet. Through Bob’s recollections, he made me feel very connected to them.I will miss his storytelling abilities and the way he always made everyone around him feel special. Bob was a Carleton Place gem. Elizabeth Smith
So sorry to read of Bob’s passing! A truly wonderful man with a delicious sense of humour. We always enjoyed Bob’s company and had so many long chats either inside or outside Temptations when Bob was purchasing his UK newspapers. We shared common passions. England, London in particular and musicals in the fabulous West End Theatre District of the British capital. Every time Bob met Jeff he said, “Here’s the man from Hooton Pagnell!” We’ll leave you to look it up. Bob said we are probably the only people from Carleton Place who have ever been there, LOL! Next time we’re in Leicester Square we’ll toast your memory Bob! WITH LOVE – Jeff and Kathy Maguire
Family
I am sad to say that a long time member of the MUDDS family Bob Stacey passed away last night. Bob was one of a kind and always a twinkle in his eye and a good joke to share. He loved to sing and was a life long member of St James Anglican Church Choir and a member of The Town Singers. Thanks for the memories Bob!
–Mississippi Mudds Memory Lane—Sylvia Giles
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My wife, Diane Elder, and I were blessed to get to know Bob when we joined the Mississippi Mudds in the early 1980s.
Here he is at the makeup table, preparing to go on in the “Clownin’ Around” show in 1986.
Rest in peace, Bob, and say “Hi” for me to Diane, who passed on October 2, 2021.–Dennis Lloyd
Tribute to Bob Stacey.
Remembering this amazing person today. Absolute heart of gold. For all of his friends that Bob touched their life are sad today to hear of his passing. Bob always loved to come to Giant Tiger to shop and always loved to talk to me with the biggest smile on his face. He always told people if you can’t find something in store Petya will help you find it. The group of people that Bob would hang out for coffee with almost everyday would sing, joke and tell stories like there is no tomorrow.. Bob knew how to live life to the fullest. I know Beth is up there Bob waiting for you at the gates to welcome you home. The friends that are left behind are left with an empty heart today– but we are better people because Bob Stacey was part of it. Rest in peace Bob, you will be dearly missed– your jokes, your stories and your smile. Petya Lowes
Bob truly will be missed by so many friends Linda- but he wanted folks to know he had a wonderful life and would want everyone to enjoy their lives as much as he had enjoyed his. It has been a roller coaster of emotions today for myself and family &. friends – for the first time in several years I did not get a telephone call last night from Bob at 5.45PM for a chat- this was a ritual we had and we discussed world affairs a variety of subjects and we always ended with “God bless, sleep well, love you!”–Ronette Vines
The last song I sang with Bob Stacey was at the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum Royal Garden Party... “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavour?” has always been one of my favourites since I was a wee one. I said to Bob ‘“Gee I wish I had my musical spoons with me!” As Ronette Vines said:
Bob would want everyone to enjoy their lives as much as he had enjoyed his……
I agree, so let’s sing this song in tribute to Bob. He would love it.
God bless, sleep well, love you you all!!!!
Obituary
Robert (Bob) John Stacey
October 10, 1933 ~ July 20, 2022
Suddenly, at Waterside Retirement Residence in Carleton Place, Ontario. Predeceased by his parents Jack (1970) and Elizabeth Stacey (1990) and siblings Roy Stacey and Lillian MacPherson. Bob leaves to mourn several nieces, nephews and cousins including Eleanor and Tom Wright of Appleton and Lorna McRae of Carleton Place. He will be truly missed by many (special friends) Dorothy Howard and Ronette Vines of Carleton Place, Angie and Tom Hall and Ange Dupuis of Ottawa.
Bob loved his church and was a faithful member of St. James Anglican Church, Carleton Place. Bob was one of the melodious choristers up to the time of his passing. As an avid fan of theater and music Bob shared his talents with Carleton Places’ Mississippi Mudds and the Town Singers. He was in his glory sharing a song or telling a story at any social gathering. England and Europe were favorite travelling spots for Bob over the years and he made numerous trips before and after retiring from the Patent Office Hull/Ottawa.
RIP “Our Bob”
Friends may call at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Avenue, Carleton Place on Wednesday, July 27th from 2-5 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 28th at 1 p.m. in St. James Anglican Church in Carleton Place. Inurnment will follow at St. James Cemetery.
In memoriam donations to St. James Anglican Church, 225 Edmund Street, Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 3E7 and CHEO.
lindaseccaspina 