Robert Webster Hesse

Robert Webster Hesse of Brussels passed away suddenly at Owen Sound Hospital on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. He was in his 86th year.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife Lucy, Brussels; children Linda VanKooten, Stratford; Beverly Hearn, Calgary, Alberta; Barbara (Dave Wahl), Medicine Hat, Alberta; Norman Welsh, Kitchener; his grandchildren Jacob and Lucas VanKooten, Travis and Jessica Wahl, Kayla and Laura Hearn, Eric (Cynthia) and Shane Welsh, as well as five great-grandchildren.
Robert will be remembered by Laura Illingworth (John) and sister-in-law Charlotte Hesse. He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Elmina (Dahmer) Hesse, daughter Cheryl Hesse, brothers John Stanley (Myrtle) Hesse and Calvin Hesse.
Robert was born and raised at 601 Ontario Street, Stratford and lived and worked as an auto body mechanic at his shop on Downie Street. He moved to Kitchener in 1971 where he met and married Lucy in 1978. He then worked in industry selling steel barrels. He retired at the age of 55, against his wishes, due to health reasons.
In 1991 he moved to Brussels where he became active in the community, joining the Lions Club, where he held the office of president, the Masonic Temple, Mother Lodge Preston #297, where he became Master in Brussels and joined the Shrine in 1995. He held many offices in various Shrine Clubs and joined the Fire Brigade, Hillbillies, Desert Rats and Blue Water Clubs. 
Robert enjoyed many interests, including the “coffee club in Brussels”, had great vision for renovating homes, loved spending time with family and friends, enjoyed travelling in his Mercedes (his mafia car) to various destinations. He and Lucy also travelled to Alaska, England, Spain, Portugal, Madiera, as well as all over the U.S. and Canada, living the dream. Because of declining health he was not able to get about on his own for the last year of his life.
Family and friends will be received at Melville Presbyterian Church, 55 Dunedin Drive, Brussels on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will take place  at the church on Thursday, Nov. 24  at 10 a.m.  Rev. Gordon Williams and Rev. Elwin Garland will officiate. A private family interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg.
As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Mocha Shrine Centre, London for the Canadian Shrine Hospital.
A Masonic service will take place Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.
Online condolences and donation information is available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca