Obituary of Robert John Bailot

July 21, 1955 - Fort William, Ontario

June 8, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

“Life is very short and there is no time for fussing and fighting my friend”

- The Beatles

It is with heavy hearts and absolute shock that we announce the passing of Robert Bailot after a very brief and aggressive battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home, Robert took his last breath on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 68 years young. To say he will be missed is an understatement. We are devastated.

Robert was born on July 21, 1955, as the third of five children to loving parents Giovanni (John) and Olizia (Ilca) Bailot in Fort William, ON. As a boy and young man, Robert spent countless summers camping at Sibley and enjoying Sunday picnics surrounded by his four beloved siblings. He could often be found working on cars alongside his Pa, helping with yard chores, or enjoying delicious traditional Italian meals prepared by his mother. He grew up watching hockey with his dad and brothers, playing street hockey with the neighbourhood kids, biking around Fort William, and later playing in bands as a drummer with his buddies.

Robert began his automotive career in partnership with his father Giovanni at their shop, Heron Auto Body and Paint, in Thunder Bay, ON. He later worked at Great Lakes Paper Mill and continued in the field of automotive body repair until 2021, when he retired from Colorworks in Calgary, a shop he managed for over two decades. Following in his mother Ilca’s footsteps, he perfected many special family recipes, with his pasta sauce being a favorite, and hosted numerous family feasts throughout the years.

After attending Sir Winston Churchill High School, Robert met the love of his life, Louise Belisle, a small-town girl from Caramat, ON. Fate brought them together as they were paired up in the wedding party of Rob’s friend Fred and Louise’s sister Connie. In 1979, Robert and Louise married, started a family, and began their happily ever after, surrounded by many wonderful lifelong friends. During their years in Thunder Bay, the Bailot family spent most of their time living out in Paipoonge, where Robert taught his children how to use the riding lawnmower, ride ATVs around the acreage, tending to his vegetable garden, fishing in the creeks, dancing around the living room, and throwing a great party!

In 1999, Robert and Louise moved their young family to Alberta. It was a difficult decision at the time, but the Bailot family quickly put down roots in Calgary and created a beautiful life that far exceeded their expectations.

Nobody was ever turned away at the Bailot house. On any given day, you could stop by and find that Robert and Louise had taken in extra animals, grandchildren, friends passing through, their children’s friends, their grandchildren's friends, and even their neighbour's children's friends! There was always an extra seat at the table, plenty of food to go around, and even with his very full house, a safe place to lay your head. He instilled in his children a love for animals, devotion to family, and an unwavering loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Whether attending concerts together or simply listening to music in his man cave, his children shared in his love for music. The innumerable songs that make up the soundtrack of Robert's life will undoubtedly be a comforting source of many happy memories. It is evident how his four children became the wonderful, giving, compassionate, and hardworking people they are today, and why they have such great taste in music!

Robert lived for his family. He loved his children and grandchildren so much and did not want to leave them. He was immensely proud of them all. Robert took them camping, attended their sports and activities, and kept his backyard pool meticulous, just for the opportunity to hear them laugh and see them smile. Nothing lit him up like his grandkids, not even a Leaf’s win.

Robert and Louise were married for 45 beautiful years. Their most cherished moments together were spent travelling to the mountains, camping with their grandchildren, sitting around a campfire, watching their favourite shows, and just celebrating life’s milestones with their beloved family. Most recently, Robert had the opportunity to watch his Green Bay Packers play in Lambeau Field, with his wife by his side, a longtime dream of his. Whatever ups and downs life threw their way, they navigated it all and remained faithful to one another until the end, always putting the needs of their family first.

Robert was predeceased by his father Giovanni Louie Bailot in 2006 and his mother Olizia Ilca Bailot in 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife Louise, his cherished children, Melissa (Steve), Genina, R.J. (Mat), and Leanna (Vincent); and his most prized grandchildren, Dayna, Korum, Devin, Lucas, Hannah, Felix, Amelia, Lilith, and Kalliope; in whom his legacy of commitment to family will live on forever. Robert also leaves behind his brothers, Enos (Lisa), Noris (Bonnie), and Johnny (Marie); and his sister Anna Brady (Paddy). He will also be missed by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Adoring Nonno, hardworking father, loyal husband, brother, uncle, zio, friend, neighbour, cousin, and co-worker, whatever your relationship was with Robert, you felt welcomed, wanted, and accepted. Robert welcomed us all with open arms, now our arms are empty. He was not ready to go, and we were not ready to lose him. Please hold your loved ones close and tell them what they mean to you, for tomorrow is promised to no one.

A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Park96 (14660 Parkland Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB) until 7:30 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, a not-for-profit that makes and delivers lunches to kids in schools, in honour of Robert’s wish to feed everyone, at www.bb4ck.org, (#110 909 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 1L7) or an EFT (Memo: “In Honour of Robert Bailot”) to financial@bb4ck.org, or to the Canadian Animal Task Force, his son RJ’s Organization (311 34 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 1T7), in honour of his beloved dog Chuck at www.cataskforce.org  (donations@cataskforce.org)

“I don't know how, I don't know when

But you and I will meet again”

- Tom Petty

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Robert’s family here.

In living memory of Robert Bailot, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.