Robert B. Brockway

Robert Bruce Brockway of Maumee passed away peacefully at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on January 6, 2016 after a lengthy illness.

Bob Brockway (known to his friends as 'Brock') had a ready handshake and infectious sense of humor. He was fortunate in his friends, in his family, and in his business affiliations. Born in Toledo, OH to Bradford Hamlin and Constance Hilbrant Brockway on February 6, 1947, Bob was a lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio. He graduated from Start High School in 1965. Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1968 where he completed basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes. He also served at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, and aboard the USS America (CVA-66). Following his honorable discharge he returned to Toledo where he studied at the University of Toledo. He joined his father working at Concession Supply and Toledo Theatre Supply Inc. on Secor Rd., moving eventually to its Summit St. location. Bob served many roles in the business, eventually replacing his father as president. He closed the business in 2007. Bob continued working at various jobs, most notably at the Jeep Assembly Plant in North Toledo as a contract supervisor on the line.

His leisure time was spent exploring the outdoors, including numerous expeditions to such faraway places as Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand. Closer to home he enjoyed time in the great outdoors anywhere north of his current position and in any season. As a member of the Murray Lake Fish and Game Club in Quebec, Canada, the WR Hunt Club in Clyde, Ohio he honed his skill as an outdoorsman and shared those with his sons. A favorite spot was trout fishing with his sons on the Driggs River near Seney, MI, and other area waters. His favorite time of the year was winter and traveling countless miles across the state on snowmobiles with many friends. He recently enjoyed a research excursion with loving partner, Anita Giles, to Copper Country on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan where his family enjoyed an extended heritage.

Bob's most passionate commitment was to the Zenobia Shrine, to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. His greatest joy was being a Lancer, commonly known as the "little red cars" participating in parades and competitions all over Northwest Ohio and the Midwest. A crowd favorite at any parade, he was proud to be the director of the unit from 2000 to 2009. He also was known for his contributions to the Shrine Circus with his mastery of all things cotton candy. Bob and Anita also enjoyed being members of Hillbillies Turkeyfoot Clan #75 of Zenobia. In addition to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine , and the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, Barton Smith Lodge #613, he was a past member of The Royal Order of Jesters and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite- Valley of Toledo. Bob was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and in later years a congregant at the New Hope Christian Church.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by partner Anita Giles of Rossford (Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, Dendarah Court #10), his sons Anderson (Hanna) Brockway of Toledo, OH and Benjamin Brockway of Sunbury, OH, their mother, Suzanne I. Brockway of Toledo, OH, and grandson, Logan Brockway.

The family will receive friends and relatives at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH Sunday, January 10, from 2-6 pm. Masonic Service will be held at 6pm, followed by words from his minister, Dr. A.W. Farnsworth, concluding with military honors. Bob has chosen to have his remains cremated and scattered by his sons in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Bob and Anita ask any memorial contributions be made to the Zenobia Shrine Roadrunners or Hospice of Northwest Ohio Inc. Please view and sign Bob's condolence page at www.newcomertoledo.com