Honoured by Eileen B Studholme and Family.
Robert D. Studholme
Born 1925 in North Bay
There are people who have a gift for taking an idea, jumping hurdles, breaking down road blocks and rolling up their sleeves to turn that idea into reality. Robert “Bob” Studholme is one such man. His “get it done” attitude has ensured the preservation of several of North Bay’s historic landmarks for the enjoyment of North Bay’s residents and thousands of visitors to our city.
You need only look at the CF100 and the ACT “Gateway to the North” arch in Lee Park to see what can be done when perseverance, determination and commitment come together. As a volunteer, Bob coordinated the restoration of these land marks in 2006.
Bob’s dedication to preserving history and remembering others was equally evident at the Cenotaph on First Ave. at Ferguson St. In 1997, he became Chairman of “Project Flanders” to restore the Cenotaph. He raised $700,000 through donations, grants and persuasiveness from individuals and businesses in North Bay and surrounding areas. The Memorial Wall was dedicated in Nov. 2000. Over the next 10 years, Bob raised additional funds for the new benches, flood lighting, sprinkler systems, sidewalks etc. He restored the WW1 monument which was renamed Vimy Wall.
Bob had a knack for engaging politicians, civil servants and business leaders to accomplish what naysayers often thought impossible. Perhaps it was a trait he’d earned as a Warrant Officer in the Second World War, having flown in a Lancaster Bomber as a Mid-Upper Gunner. At the age of 17 he joined the RCAF and was sent overseas in 1943. For the next two years he served with the 419 Squadron at Middleton St. George, England. Sixty-six years later, Bob made arrangements to bring the Lancaster Bomber to North Bay where it was viewed by more than 2,000 people.
After the war, Bob worked at his parents’ tourist camp on Lake Chebogomog, Crystal Falls and later he began a 40 year career at Cochrane Dunlop Hardware. Never one to sit still, Bob played hockey, coached and managed teams and was inducted into the West Nipissing Sports Hall of Fame. In 1968 he played second on the Rudy Steski curling team when they won the Legion National Curling Championship. Bob was voted on the Canadian All Star Team and the Steski team was inducted into the North Bay Hall of Fame.
Recognition for his talents went beyond the sports world. In Nov 2006 Bob was presented the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for “a significant contribution to Canada, to their community and fellow Canadians”. In 2007 his “exemplary contribution by generously giving of himself and so both benefitting veterans and making manifest the principle that Canada’s obligation to all who have served in the cause of Peace and Freedom must not be forgotten” earned him a Commendation from the then Minister of Veterans Affairs, Hon. Greg Thompson.
For over 50 years Bob has been a member of the ACT, Legion Branch 23, Canadian Owners & Pilots Association, a life member of the 406 Wing RCAF, Past President of the North Bay Granite Club and a campaign volunteer for the North Bay and District Hospital Foundation.
Bob’s wife Eileen (Burke) whom he married in 1952, their sons Chris (Helene) and Don (Helene), and grandchildren Eric and Julie have purchased this Leaf of Inspiration for Bob, proud to honour him for his dedication to our community and his many years of volunteering.