It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Jacob “Jack” Rob on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Dryden Regional Health Centre at the age of 75.
Jack was born on March 17, 1951, in Dryden, Ontario, to John and Gerry Rob of Quibell, Ontario. Raised in Quibell, Jack attended Quibell School and Dryden High School.
In July 1972, Jack married Angela “Angie” Dellezay, and together they began building a life on a property that started with a single building on a treed lot. Through years of hard work and dedication, they transformed it into an amazing homestead, complete with a beautiful home, a large shop, and numerous other outbuildings. It was a reflection of Jack’s determination, craftsmanship, and pride in the life he and Angie built together.
Jack started his working life at the Colenso Sawmill on Red Lake Road. He later became a shift manager at the Studmill in Dryden and eventually partnered with his wife Angie to create a lumber reload business. Together, they loaded lumber and other commodities onto CN and CP railways from their yards in Red Lake Road and in Vermilion Bay.
Never one to sit around, Jack’s life was defined by hard work. He was talented, creative, and skilled at designing, building and repairing many things, always willing to help family and friends with their projects. Jack’s legacy lives on through the values and knowledge he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Beneath his tough exterior was a man who took immense pride in his family and wanted to see them become capable, responsible, and independent. Jack was an incredibly intelligent man who accumulated a vast amount of knowledge throughout his life and was always willing to share it with his sons and grandchildren. He was a natural teacher who shared his wisdom with patience, care, and generosity.
Jack was also deeply community-minded and spent countless hours volunteering his time and talents to community projects, including the maintenance of the Quibell Cemetery and Community Hall.
Spending time with family and friends was important to Jack, and many benefited from his adventurous nature as he organized fishing, snowmobiling, and outdoor excursions to both new and familiar places. He was a talented guide and host who led many family gatherings at the loving home he and Angie created for their family.
Jack’s medical challenges and cancer diagnosis never got him down. He embodied the true meaning of stoicism as he fought to spend time with his family and continue doing the things he loved. Family and supporting his friends became even more important to him during this time, and he continued to help others whenever he was able.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Gerry Rob; his parents-in-law, Joseph and Malvina Dellezay; brothers-in-law Roger and Edmour Dellezay; and sisters-in-law Judy Dellezay and Yvonne Dellezay.
Jack will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Angie; his sons, Dean Rob (Susan) and Jason Rob (Cara); grandchildren Ethan Rob (Jada), Abigail Rob, Adam Rob, Sydney Rob, Olivia Rob (Corey), Isabella Rob; great-granddaughter Lilah; sister Ricky Marchiorello (George); brothers Richard (Karen), Ron (Ruth), Dan (Barb), and Art (Sue); brothers-in-law Robert Dellezay (Sally), Andy Dellezay (Mercedes), George Dellezay (Debbie), and Henry Dellezay (Daphne); and sister-in-law Marian Gittings (Mike). Jack will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada, as well as in the Netherlands, Wales, and Australia.
As per Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the caring staff at Dryden Regional Health Centre, including the nurses in the palliative care unit and Cancer Care Centre, as well as the staff of the Points North Family Health Clinic and Drs. Gagnon, Berry, Loutit, and Bester, who all contributed to Jack’s care.
Donations in Jack’s memory would be greatly appreciated and can be made out to the Dryden Regional Health Centre Foundation, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6, or to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre – Cancer Clinic, 980 Oliver Rd. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4, or to a charity of your choice.
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