Obituary of Robert Banbury

BANBURY, Robert Earl Passed away suddenly at the Hamilton General Hospital surrounded by his loving family and many friends on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at the age of 66. Beloved husband and best friend of Margaret Ann (nee White).Loving, supportive and wonderful father of Jill (Chuck Ward) and Michael Banbury. Cherished brother of Betty (the late Bill) Chrysler, Gwen (the late Morley) White and Joan Kozel. Devoted uncle of Deborah, Lori, Michele, Brenda, Brian, Gregory and Kristin. Predeceased by his parents Earl and Blanche Banbury, loving father and mother in law Leslie and Marguerite White and brother and sister in law Edward and Brenda White. Since his retirement in 1993 from General Motors, he has actively been involved in the Niagara Wood Carvers Association (Past President) and enjoyed sharing his talents by instructing others in the art of woodcarving. Together, he and his wife organized two "Blast from the Past" events bringing together thousands of previous Port Dalhousie residents from all over the world. His most notable accomplishment is the restoration and preservation of the Lakeside Park Carousel in Port Dalhousie. His unending dedication coupled with his professional woodcarving skills and knowledge resulted in the first restoration to resurrect the hand carved 1905 Loof Carousel back to its original condition. Additionally, he was instrumental in the planning and development of the revitalization of Port Dalhousie where his beloved carousel will be placed in its new home to be admired for years to come. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St. on Friday October 30, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Star of the Sea Church on Saturday October 31, 2009 at 10 a.m. with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Friends of the Carousel would be appreciated by his family.