Surrounded by the love of his family, Robert Engel of Desboro, passed away at Kelso Pines in Owen Sound, on Saturday December 7, 2024, at the age of 96. He is now reunited with his cherished wife of 70 years, Evelyn Mary Engel (nee Neale) who predeceased him in 2020. Loving father of Dianne Jackson (Robert), Linda Hoffman (Bruce), Keith Engel (Stephanie), and Teresa Cristofanilli (John). Proud grandfather of Shelley Vanstone (Rick), Cheryl McMillan (Jeff), Christopher Jackson (Cara), Lisa Galbraith (Jody), Sheena Guy (John), Stephanie Wawrzynczak (Filip), Jennifer Engel (Tim), Jessica Stewart (Chris), Travis Engel (Janine), and Quinton Steward. Treasured by his 19 great-grandchildren, 6 step great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his stillborn daughter Patricia, siblings Muriel Moss (Terry) and Doug Engel (Marie), in-laws Victor Neale, George Neale, Ethel Salm, Ida Middleton, and Rosa Neale, and his parents Albert and Helen Engel (nee Robertson).

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Robert was a natural born story teller, beginning from his boyhood days walking uphill both directions to Desboro's two room schoolhouse, to flying a bomber. He was always an easy going, lovable jokester. Together with the love of his life, Evelyn, they raised their family on the 200 acre Engel farm. Primarily a dairy operation, they also raised pigs, sheep , geese, ducks, chickens, and finally beef. No farm would be home of course, without their beloved dogs (mostly Collies), the cats in the barn, and the work horses in the stalls. They were proud of their Sullivan Twp farming community, where all farmers worked together to crop and share machinery. His children recall their mom being the disciplinarian while he never, or never had to, raise his voice to them. He was also a trusted mentor to many young folks; one Scott Batterman comes to mind as he was dropped at the farm, his dad telling Robert to “see what you can do with him!” Robert also enjoyed baseball and hockey, and in quieter times he could be found fixing and puttering around with equipment in the shed, no job complete until it was clean and pristine. He always began his day with oatmeal and a coffee, and loved his Maple Walnut ice cream, mushroom soup, and coconut cream pie, so much so that the family would bake a personal pie just for him. He also enjoyed TV shows Corner Gas, Murder She Wrote, the Beverley Hillbillies, and anything starring John Wayne. Particularly poignant at this time of year is that beginning with his own children, to nieces, nephews, grandkids, and great-grands, for over 60 years he would go to the barn Christmas Eve to “help a calf in distress”, only to return as Santa, with a gift for everyone. Fortunately, there was always a shot of whiskey to keep Santa and his helpers warm. Though one more Christmas would have been nice, Robert knew it was his time, saying before he went to sleep, “I think I'll go where the good dogs go.”

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday December 13, at 1:00pm, with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Pastor Michael Henkel officiating. Spring interment Desboro Cemetery.  If desired, donations to

Chapman House would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com