We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert Broadbent Fire Chief of the St. Thomas Fire Department.
Chief Broadbent was born and raised in St. Thomas and had worked with the fire department for 32 years (age 24). He had been Chief of the St. Thomas Fire Department since 2010.
Chief Broadbent was a long-time OAFC member. Our deepest condonlences to his family, friends, fire department and community.
Obituary:
The life of Robert Edward Broadbent, who died peacefully surrounded by family and close friends on August 28, 2017 at the age of 56, will be remembered and celebrated by many. Rob will be deeply missed by his beloved wife and best friend, Debbie Broadbent (nee Bates) and children Tara Broadbent, Corey Broadbent and his wife Erin Broadbent (nee Walters). Rob loved and cherished each of his grandchildren, Payton Broadbent, Jane Broadbent, Thomas Broadbent and George Broadbent and he will be sadly missed by them all. Rob is survived by his loving mother, Shirley Broadbent (late Ray April, 2016), sister, Kathi Jolliffe (Craig) and brother, Steve Broadbent (Linda) and niece, Stephanie Heffren (Greg) and nephew, Tim Broadbent (Hilary Warwick) and each of their children. He will also be sadly missed by Pat and Frank Bates, mother and father-in-law and Jim Bates (Lisa Smith) brother-in-law and children. Rob will also be missed by his running family which was a tremendously important part of his life. Rob was a man committed first and foremost to his family with whom he created many special memories, followed by friends, career and community. He began his career as a firefighter on August 1, 1985. As he worked through the ranks at the St. Thomas Fire Department, he dreamed of and planned for the day that he might become the Fire Chief and he accomplished this goal on June 21, 2010. Rob’s commitment to the well-being and safety of others was second to none. He was actively involved with numerous community projects and committees, and was always willing to step up to any challenge if it meant that it might make a difference in the lives of others.
Visitation will be held at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570) on Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 7:00-9:00 pm and Friday, September 1, 2017 from 1:00-3:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. A service and celebration of Rob’s life will be held at Central United Church 135 Wellington Street, St. Thomas on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, it was Rob’s request that donations be made to The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, The London Regional Cancer Centre and Pearce Williams Christian Centre. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca. Rob and his family extend a special thanks to the staff of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and The London Regional Cancer Centre for the exceptional care that was provided.
Visitation:
Shawn Jackson Funeral Home
31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas
(519-631-0570)
Thursday August 31, 2017 - Location TBA
Firefighter walk through at 6:00pm
Public visitation from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday September 1, 2017 - Location TBA
Public visitation from 1:00pm – 3:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Service Information
Saturday September 2, 2017
Service will be held at 1:30pm at
Central United Church
135 Wellington St.
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5R 2R7
The venue being used for the funeral service has limited seating and as such a number of firefighters may not get access to the service. It has been requested that those that cannot get inside of the church will be asked to form an honour guard upon the travel route immediately outside of the church.