Obituary of Robert Covemaeker

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Covemaeker on February 28th, 2024 at the age of 75, peacefully in his home.

Survived by the love of his life Paula (Coene) and their three children, Catherine Harris, Henri (Lisa) Covemaeker and Jerry (Stephanie) Covemaeker; grandchildren Alec and Xander Harris; Amanda (Randy Crombey) and Carter Covemaeker; Lauren, Noah, and Hayden Covemaeker; and great grandson Riggs Crombey. Also survived by his brother Albert (Mary) Covemaeker, sisters Louise (Jim) Verhoeven and Josie (Jerry) Mezenberg, brother-in-law Willie (Marnie) Coene, and sisters-in law Rose (Rick) Coene, Lena DeKeyser, and Magda Levesque; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Henri and Marcella (Debel) Covemaeker, Paula's parents Felix and Agnes Coene,  and brothers-in-law Chuck DeKeyser and Robert Levesque.

Born in 1948 in Mooreslede, Belgium, Bob immigrated with his family to southern Ontario in 1954. Over the years of his childhood, his family relocated from one farm to another across tobacco country, share-growing until eventually putting down roots with their own farm near Bothwell.

Bob and Paula were married in 1971. They later took over the family farm where they raised their three children and transitioned it from tobacco to a successful greenhouse vegetable seedling operation.

Bob enjoyed farming and outdoor life, including pumpkin growing and log-sawing competitions.  Throughout his life Bob was an avid hockey player in the Bothwell men’s league and later for over 20  years with the “Slo-Boys”, while also helping coach his sons’ hockey teams for a few seasons.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed volunteering at the annual Bothwell car shows. He went to many races including Friday nights at the Delaware speedway and several Nascar races. 

In their later years, Bob and Paula camped with their RV mostly in Ontario and Florida with many old and new friends. While in the sunny south Bob continued to enjoy horseshoes, playing several times a week.       

The Covemaeker family will receive relatives and friends at the Badder & Robinson Funeral Home, 211 Elm St. Bothwell on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at a funeral mass on Monday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 9 Alice St.,Thamesville.

Interment at the St. Ignatius Cemetery, Bothwell. A Reception luncheon will follow at the Bothwell Legion Hall.

The family would like to express its sincerest gratitude to the many personal support and health care workers who have helped both Bob and Paula over the last several years.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Four Counties Health Services Foundation, Friends of the Bothwell Catholic Cemetery, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com.