Robert (Bob) Urban Doyle

May 26, 1938 – June 28, 2024 Robert (Bob) Urban Doyle, 86, passed away peacefully in Scarborough, Ontario on June 28, 2024. Bob was born in Nova Scotia on May 26, 1938. Throughout his life, he lived and worked in Toronto, Australia, Thailand and Vietnam. Bob lived a full, and colourful life, touching the lives of many others along the way. Bob considered entering the clergy when he left high school. He eventually stepped away from that path, pursuing a career in social work and education. While receiving his BA in English Literature from St. Francis Xavier he was active in the Literary Society, wrote poetry, and was editor of the university newspaper. Bob subsequently completed his Masters in Social Work at the Maritime School of Social Work. Bob taught social work at Dalhousie University and worked for the government of New Brunswick before completing his PhD in Social Work from the University of Toronto in 1972. Specializing in the emerging fields of community development and social planning Bob assumed a variety of leadership roles for the City of Toronto, the Ontario Government, Not for Profit agencies, First Nations, the Government of Bermuda, and the Social Planning Council of Toronto. Bob first went to Australia in 1976 to teach at the University of New South Wales for a few years. In 1991 Bob returned to Australia. His long and successful journey in education continued as he lectured in social policy and development and assumed the role of Post Graduate Coordinator for La Trobe University in Melbourne. Four years later Bob continued his goals as an educator when he moved to Wagga Wagga, Australia. He accepted a professorship at Charles Sturt University as well as that of Director for their Rural Social Research Centre. Thailand became the next milestone in his journey. In 2001 Bob became a Professor of Social Development at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Thailand. While in Thailand he was also an Adviser for Global Solutions in Bangkok. Bob retained a special connection with Thailand’s culture, returning in 2012 as a Visiting Professor at Chiang Rai Rajabhat International University. Bob was a prolific writer, in many ways a man before his time. He published and edited over 40 journal articles, enlightening academics, politicians, governments, funders, and community on emerging challenges such as multi-cultural relations, poverty, community housing and homelessness, hunger, aging, and social work training, among others. Bob’s love of travel and life-long interest in literature led him to become a crime fiction author. In 2012 he wrote & published the first Tara Street novel, “The Tangerine Murders: Dancing with Death (APF Press)”. In 2014 his second Tara Street book,” 'Ghosts in the Brothel (APF Press)” was published. In addition to his love of literature and writing, Bob always had a camera in hand. He happily shared photos including the beautiful autumn colours of his beloved Maritimes or friends and experiences from around the world. Several features of Bob’s personality resonate for those who know him - his curiosity about the why fore, his love of poetry, his belief in himself and what he considered central to wellbeing, what appeared to be the unconscious integration of risk into his life, his soft and welcoming voice, and his kind blue eyes. His enjoyment, respect, and appreciation of all those around him resonate loudly. Bob has left an assortment of wonderful gifts in his wake. There is no doubt they will be used as important touch stones as we all go on with our lives. Bob’s enjoyment of those around him was a hallmark of his personality, as evidenced by his regular invitations to participate in social gatherings at his home. However, Bob quickly became notorious for his lack of hosting skills. Guests were greeted with empty tables and a bare kitchen. It became apparent that Bob's idea of hosting involved providing the location while expecting guests to bring their own culinary creations or whip up their specialty pasta dishes as the crowd gathered. Bob's unconventional approach to entertaining combined with an abundance of storytelling, laughter, and camaraderie made his parties unforgettable. Bob is survived by his daughter Karen Pothier (Jim), his brother Harry, and sisters and Kathy Comeau (Gary, predeceased) and Charlene Power (George). He is predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-laws Eileen Hughes (Robert) and Eleanor Anco (Don). Bob will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Thank you to the staff of Scarborough Grace Hospital - Birchmount, 3A, for your commitment to your patients, it is nothing short of inspiring. We are so appreciative of your exceptional, compassionate care of Bob during his last days. Dr, Sandra Marcus was Bob’s palliative care specialist at Scarborough General Hospital. We are most grateful to Dr. Sandra for making a difficult and sad time more manageable. Her kindness and professional guidance is greatly appreciated during this difficult time. She truly cares about her patients and her patient's loved ones! In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name (Robert Urban Doyle) to the St. Francis Xavier University, Student Financial Aid (https://shorturl.at/VbXDL). A Zoom Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” Taken from Four Quartets by T.S. Elliot, Bob’s poet of choice “To be a Baha’i simply means to love all the world, to love humanity and try to serve it, to work for a universal peace on earth and universal brotherhood.” Baha’i Quote