BILLINGS, Colonel Robert Stanley - (Ret'd) 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Stanley Billings on February 24, 2012. After a long and happy life, his big heart gave out, used up by all the living, giving and loving he did during his 75 years. He is survived by Sheila, his beloved wife and best friend. They celebrated 50 wonderful years together this past summer. His children, Barry (Kate), Alison (Jefferson Gilbert) and Michael (Julie Mulholland) will remember their dad for his love, support and guidance. He was “Pop“ to Wyatt and Jasper Gilbert, Thea and Madeline Billings and Ben Billings. Bob will be dearly missed by his sister Ellen Ryan, his brothers George (Linda) and Roland (Susan) and their families. He is predeceased by his parents Harry and Edna Billings (Kingston). We won't soon forget - he shared his own signature sense of humour and great zest for life with all who knew him. Bob had a distinguished 33 year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, Armoured Corp., underlined by loyalty, friendship and concern for his soldiers and their families. The Colonel served proudly in three regiments - Lord Strathcona's Horse, Royal Canadian Dragoons and the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's). He ended his career as Commandant, Land Forces Staff College at Fort Frontenac, Kingston. The same place where his father joined the army and went off to war in 1939. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at ROBERT J. REID & SONS, “The Chapel on the Corner“, 309 Johnson Street (at Barrie Street), Kingston. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11 am at Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, 4080 Bath Road, Kingston, Ontario. Cremation to follow. Internment will take place at a later date. In memory of Bob, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Soldier On Fund. Online Condolences at:
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One of the good guys!
Posted by Barbara and Doug (Knobby) Clark (Friend) On Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sheila and family,
Sorry to have missed the wake and funeral. It is one that we both wished to attend.
Bob and I were together in Cyprus (1964) and many summers in Wainwright. He was a special soldier and leader and always the same. Just a great guy.
Sorry not to have had a chance to express our condolences personnaly to you and the family. The boys, I remember from Fort Henry many summers ago.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Knobby
Sorry for your loss
Posted by Yvette & Wayne Carey (Friends) On Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Dear Sheila: I am truly sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I wish you and your family all the best at this very sad time.
Love Yvette
Our Condolences
Posted by Walter Capobianco (Friend of deceased brother) On Friday, March 2, 2012
Kathy and I are sorry to hear of your brothers passing. We have just found out and we feel your loss.
Farewell Good Friend
Posted by Paul Nielsen (Fellow Hussar and friend) On Thursday, March 1, 2012
My deepest condolence to Col Bob's family. There is no question that Col Bob had a huge heart and a warm smile and he had a particular fondness for all Hussars. He always offered me a kind word and sound advise. Col Bob you will be truly missed.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis - Paul Nielsen CO 8CH 2007-2010
So very sorry to hear this news.
Posted by Judy Wildman (Friend to Linda and George) On Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I wish you all the best. Please know how very much I care. Losing your brother is so sad.I can't even imagine. I know you all loved him very much. I wish to send my sincerest sympathy and hope that all the great memories will help to sustain you through this very sad time.I think of you all so often and with love and friendship.
Love Judy
Our Condolences
Posted by Einar and Ruth Housken (Friends) On Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sheila, Ruth and I were so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. It was an honor to have worked for "The Colonel" in both Trenton and Kingston.
Sorrow at your loss
Posted by Ken Roberts (friend of son-in-law) On Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I spoke with Jefferson on Monday and he spoke, quite emotionally and respectfully, about his father-in-law. It is clear that Canada has lost a very fine man. My condolences to the entire family.
Memories
Posted by George Service (Fellow Officer) On Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I remember Bob as a congenial, competent officer, an excellent leader, trainer and mentor.
Condolences
Posted by Paul Fleury (A Fellow Hussar) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Served with Barry in Germany in the late 1980's. I have fond memories of arriving in the UK unannounced and being welcomed into Bob and Sheila's home in London with no questions asked - fish and chips being picked up on the walk from the High Commission. Thinking of you all.
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Posted by PATRICIA LILLY/POTTER (DEAR FRIEND AND SCHOOL MATE) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
FRIENDS SINCE 1947 WHEN WE ATTENDED THE FIRST SCHOOLS IN BARRIEFIELD RIGHT THROUGH TO KCVI. REMAINED GREAT FRIENDS THROUGH THE YEARS BOB WILL BE SORELY MISSED. WE WILL REMEBER. DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO SHEILA AND FAMILY AND SISTER ELLEN.
Our Condolences
Posted by Clay & Janet Samis (friends) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I served with Bob in Calgary,Iserlohn and Ottawa and his cheery presence and great sense of humour will be missed. Our deepest sympathy Sheila on your loss. We are out of country so sadly unable to attend service.
I'm so sorry for your loss
Posted by Andrew Williams (Fellow student of Mike's at Brock University) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
It's been a long time Mike, I just heard about your Dad and want to pass along my condolences. All the best to your family in this most difficult time.
Andrew
Bob was a great fellow !
Posted by Ted Gow (Friend since Gr. 9 at KCVI (60 years)) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Bob was a steady and positive influence in our community. We will miss him at the condominium
in Kingston. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheila and family.
Margaret and Ted Gow.
Condolences
Posted by Percy & Rod Harris-Lowe (friends) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Dear Sheila and Family:
We first met Bob thirty-five years ago when he was the hockey coach for our twin sons. We were impressed by the professionalism and good humour exhibited throughout. He continued to exhibit these same qualities whenever we were together in subsequent years. At the moment we are in Vancouver visiting with one of those sons and are so sorry that we will not be able to be at the service on Wednesday, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you. He was a true gentleman.
"Tanks"
Posted by Kent and Del Foster (Friend and Royal Roads Classmate) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
There is no better example of how to live life as a warrior, husband, father and friend than Bob. Those of us who had the good fortune to be in his life circle from time to time all share the benefit of being better persons because of it. Our turn to say "tanks".
Sorry for your loss
Posted by Al Cooper (Friend) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sheila, I still remember the many good times we had during flight training in Texas and Alabama and the kindnes Bob and you both showed to the bachelors. He will be missed.
I am sorry I will not be there for the funeral as I am out of the country at present, but I will be thinking of you.
Al Cooper
Sorry for your Loss
Posted by Murray McClafferty (Friend) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I served with Bob in Gagetown, Petawawa and Trenton. He was truly an officer and a gentleman.
Farewell
Posted by Art Neadow (Friend) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sheila and family;
Please accept our condolences, Bob and I go back to PWOR days.
Jean and I are still out of country and regretfully not be able to attend tomorrow's service. Art
Our condolences
Posted by Greg,Yvonne and Charley (Friends) On Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. He must have been very proud of his kids.
Sincere Condolences
Posted by Peter and Cathy Nichita (Fellow soldier - friends) On Monday, February 27, 2012
Sheila, we are so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He never once allowed his many achievements to cloud his common touch and genuine, caring ways.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this trying period.
Sincerest sympathies and condolences.
Peter and Cathy
Sadness
Posted by Ellards (Friends) On Monday, February 27, 2012
Shiela and family, We were saddened to hear of Bob's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim & Lucile
Thinking of you
Posted by Kathryn & Vernon Doyle (cousin of Jefferson) On Monday, February 27, 2012
Allson and Jefferson, Sorry to hear of the Colonel's passing. He leaves you and the boys many wonderful memories to remember him by.
Farewell Bob
Posted by Don & Dene Gray (Neighbours & Friends) On Monday, February 27, 2012
Sheila, We are sorry to hear of Bob's passing and regret that we are so far away at this time. He was a gentleman and a fine soldier. We will miss his humour at the condo.
Our condolences
Posted by Steve and Ann Mulholland (Brother-in-law to Michael Billings) On Monday, February 27, 2012
The Billings Family: Our condolences to the family. God bless you all.
Steve, Ann, Luke, Gabie, Barrett, Keaton, Talise and Chase Mulholland
Our sympathies
Posted by Dave and Roberta Wichman (Friends of Michael) On Monday, February 27, 2012
Mike,we're thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Although this is a sad event, a wonderful father will ALWAYS be just that..a wonderful father,husband and person. Even though he is gone, the spirit and memories last forever and will give you solace and smiles in the years to come. As time passes, so will the pain ease and the sorrow soften. Love, Dave and Roberta.
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