The PGA of Ontario Remembers Robert 'Bob' Panasik

We are saddened to share the passing of PGA of Ontario Class "A" Life Professional, Mr. Robert 'Bob' Panasik (1941-2023).

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Robert R. Panasik on December 27, 2023 at the age of 82, due to complications following heart surgery. He was born on October 20, 1941 in Windsor, Ontario, the son of Nick and Virginia Panasiuk (both predeceased).

Bob was a loving father to Melissa and brother to Nick and the late Louise (2023) and will be remembered by his nieces and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by numerous friends and the golf community at large.

Bob's career was golf. He was a player, a teacher, and a mentor. It was that "never work a day in your life" kind of career. He loved to play golf and compete, and he did that very well, compiling a phenomenal career record.

For 56 years Bob held the record as the youngest player to qualify and make the 36-hole cut in a PGA Tour event at 15 years, and 8 months old. Bob, or "Panny" as he was often called, especially by his golf peers, qualified for nine US Open Championships, played on three Canadian World Cup Teams and competed in 14 Canadian Open Championships. Panny also successfully completed the most daunting task of qualifying for the Champions PGA Tour, where he was an active member for one year. These statistics helped him earn his membership in the PGA of Canada, PGA of Ontario, Canadian Golf, and Golf Ontario Halls of Fame.

Bob was always a student of the game and loved to share his knowledge and new discoveries about the swing with his students and anyone who was interested in listening to his stories and theories. As such, he was also a great mentor to many elite professional and amateur players whom he made time for and who are grateful for his advice and for whom he made a difference in their golf careers. Bob made everyone that he spent time with feel special and was always "in this moment" for them.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Beach Grove Golf and Country Club in Tecumseh, Ontario.

Should you wish to make a donation in Bob's memory, please consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Courtesy of John and Christine Dengel