Former Fire Department Captain Leaves Legacy of Service to Community

Sunday, August 13th, 2023 - 5:18 pm
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Robert “Bob” Joseph Regimbald, known as “Reggie” to fellow firefighters, was a man dedicated to both his family and his community. His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to protect them.

Regimbald’s peaceful passing occurred at Guelph General Hospital on July 15th, at the age of 77.

With a 30-year career at the Guelph Fire Department, Regimbald’s service began as a professional probationary firefighter in September 1976 and culminated in his promotion to captain in June 2001.

Bob Wells, a fellow firefighter who started on the same day as Regimbald, fondly recalled their time together, both professionally and personally. “Bob was a great firefighter and a fine family man. We had many good times together, on and off the job,” Wells said.

Regimbald’s son Marc, who’s a long time Caught in Guelph (and Area) community member, described his father as a very likable person and emphasized the strong bonds at the fire hall. “The guys at the hall were like a second family. It was a brotherhood,” Marc said.

Deputy chief Steven Goode praised Regimbald’s dedication to the Guelph community, noting his skills as a plumber and his love for fishing. Even after retiring in 2007, Regimbald remained connected to the fire department.

Wells shared memories of skiing, playing ball and hockey, and working on various jobs with Regimbald, describing him as a fun and funny guy. “Although we drifted apart over the years, we would always catch up when we crossed paths. It’s so sad. He has gone too soon,” Wells lamented.

Marc also reminisced about watching his father play hockey with his firefighter friends and enjoying good times together.

At home, Regimbald was a cherished husband and father, leaving behind his beloved wife Susan and four sons, Marc, Michael, Matthieu, and Eric, as well as several grandchildren.

Marc recounted the post-retirement breakfast club his father was part of, along with funny stories shared over regular meals of two eggs over easy, hash browns, brown toast, and black coffee.

The notion of ‘protect and serve’ was not merely a slogan for Regimbald, but a principle he embodied daily. Marc noted his father’s gentle way of guiding his children, as seen in his advice against Marc obtaining a motorcycle license.

“He saw a lot. He’d picked up too many motorcycle riders in pieces at accident scenes. Although I still think about doing it, I still haven’t gotten my M1 because I still hear my dad in my head. He wanted to keep his sons safe,” Marc said.

Regimbald’s legacy as a dedicated community servant, a loving family man, and a cherished friend endures in the many lives he touched.

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