FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2016 31 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2017 31 in Halifax celebrating the end of the war. There were wet and dry can- teens and some of the lower ranked officers were not allowed in the wet canteens. Bob called it “silly” that all the navy ships were brought into the harbour at once. There were so many men all in one place and they went wild and broke into stores and breweries to “swipe stuff.” Bob was ordered to help “police the city” dur- ing the drunken riots. He was given a steel helmet to wear. Bob is not a drinker and he doesn’t like beer. Before the war, Bob worked at a brewery in Toronto and his job was held for him after he served for three years and two months. Employees can get fired for sampling the products on the job, he pointed out. Before the war, Bob mar- ried his sweetheart Doris. They met at a roller rink. During the war, Doris and their two little children, Raymond and Phyllis, shared a house in Toronto owned by Bob’s father, who was a widower. “Doris helped to take care of him too,” Bob said. He always enjoyed going home to see his family while on leave, even though the week-long visit went pretty fast because he spent two days there and two days back on the train from Halifax. They had three more children after the war: Bob, Cathy and Betty. Sadly, Phyllis passed away three years ago. His beloved wife Doris died in 2013. They were married for 74 wonderful years. His family “makes his life pleas- ant,” Bob commented. His daughter Cathy lives nearby in Seagrave. “She looks after me,” he says, “Calls every day” to see if I need any- thing, or want to go out. His daughter Betty travels all the way from Alliston regularly, to have a visit and take him for a lunch date. A sports enthusiast, Bob played second base for the Scarborough Seniors baseball team. He’s a real hockey fan too, so for Bob’s 99th birthday, there was a big party at the Villa. Bob has a great photo of himself wearing a Maple Leaf Jersey with num- ber 99 (Bob’s age and Wayne Gretzky’s number). His advice for longevity is simple but profound: “Just live your day. You don’t know what will happen. Just don’t worry about it.” If you see Bob on February 20, 2018, wish him a Happy 100th Birthday! Sports enthusiast Bob loves his hockey, Wayne Gretzky and the Maple Leafs. His family gave him this jersey for his 99th birthday earlier this year. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog Standing up for your rights. Defending your interests. www.defendme.ca Freedom is Never Free David Hodson / defendme.ca / 905-743-0744 “Thank a veteran for peace today. Support our troops for peace tomorrow”. David Hodson, an accomplished criminal trial lawyer and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, represents people charged with all crimes, including: assault, robbery, break & enter, theft, sexual assault, fraud and weapons offences. DAVID HODSON, CD Criminal Defence Lawyer David Hodson, a criminal defence lawyer serving Port Perry and Oshawa, honours those who made the ultimate sacri�ice for our freedom, and thanks all who support our troops.