Robert "Bob" Franklin Canada Obituary (1941

Robert Franklin Canada. Age 77 passed away March 17th 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bob was born April 13th 1941 in Lexington, Tennessee, the son of Hugh & Zora Canada. He graduated from Parsons (TN) High School in 1959 then joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1966. Bob Canada served with a specialty as a 96C20 Interrogator and was honorably discharged six years later in 1972. Bob received a B.S. in Recreation from Memphis State University in 1968 and was awarded a Master's in Education from MSU in 1973. From 1962-1970, Bob worked in various capacities for the Memphis Parks Commission. In 1971 Bob was hired as the Superintendent for the Tuscaloosa Parks Department in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In 1972 he returned to Memphis and served as the Executive Director of the Mason East YMCA until 1977. In 1977, Bob became the Athletic Director at Shelby State Community College until 1990, where he also served as a teacher, tennis coach, and golf coach. As golf coach, Coach Canada earned multiple "Coach of the Year" honors and won several conference championships. In 1993 Coach Robert Canada was inducted to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. In 1990, Bob met his future wife Dr. Helen Inbody and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. In May of 1991 Bob and Helen were married. That same year, Bob accepted the job as Summer School Director at Oral Roberts University. Shortly after, he became the Head Men's Golf Coach at ORU and served in that capacity from 1991-2006. He was named conference coach of the year 5 times and led the Golden Eagles to the NCAA tournament four times. Coach Canada was also the Head Women's Golf Coach at ORU from 1993-1995. During his time at ORU he was also an associate professor from 1994-2019. In February of this year, he was honored by Oral Roberts University with the creation of the Bob Canada Conference Room inside the ORU Aerobic Center. Bob Canada was passionate about his faith, helping others and serving in his church. Bob had a heart for those disadvantaged or in need. He could often be found lending a hand to a stranger, visiting a friend or an acquaintance in the hospital or simply dropping off a bag of groceries for a family. He was deeply involved with his men's small group Bible study and he supported numerous charities including The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Harvest House. Coach Canada served on mission trips to England and China sharing The Gospel through the game of golf. Bob used the game of golf throughout his life as a platform to teach, communicate and establish meaningful relationships with literally thousands of men, women and children, as well as the hundreds of student athletes he coached and taught. His living testimony was one of kindness, approachability, generosity, respect and friendship. Coach Canada was a man of influence and he left a positive mark on people's lives all over the world. Some of Bob's many interests and hobbies included playing golf, trout fishing, cars, bartering, nutrition and health. He had a love for Studebaker's and owned several. He was the past president of the Tulsa Studebaker Club and later elected to the International Studebaker Association as a Board member and officer. After years of study in health and nutrition, Bob earned the title of Doctor of Naturopathy in March of 2004 from The College of Natural Health. Bob loved his hobbies, Bob loved his friends, and Bob loved his family. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 28 years, Dr. Helen Inbody, his sister Donna Rhodes, his son Michael Canada, and step children; Marcia Lewis, Paula Inbody and Paul Inbody Jr. Grandchildren Sarah Canada, Michael Canada Jr., Keenon Canada, Chris Tunnell, Emily Henderson, Jeffrey Reavis, Paul Inbody III, Rachel Wendler and Shelby Inbody. Great grandchildren Gabriella Carrasco, Hayden Carrasco, Jordan Freeman, Bailey Tunnell, Frankie Tunnell, Jack Henderson, Gracie Henderson, Oliver Reavis, Paul Inbody IV and Paige Kate Inbody.