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About Reverend Rumball

 


Reverend Robert L. Rumball

Bob Rumball was born to a Methodist circuit-preacher and religious instructor. From these very earliest days, religion was an integral part of his home-life, and Bob was always there to challenge those who did not respect others.

He would bring home people who were not wanted by church deacons to attend local churches because of their "rag-tag" look. For years, his mother would conduct a church service under their roof for these souls.

Always interested in sports, Bob played hockey, baseball, football, and boxing. He also loved motorcycles, and at one time drove over 25,000 miles in a summer.

After high school, Bob attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and played varsity football and basketball. He went on to play football professionally as a half-back with the Ottawa Rough Riders for four seasons, all the while, he preached on Sundays in the area surrounding Ottawa. When off season, he attended the Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago. He graduated the same year he was traded to the Toronto Argonauts, where he played one final year.

Bob married Mary-Jean Kennedy that same year. Soon after, he began preaching regularly around town, and at one point, he did so at the Evangelical Church of the Deaf, then located at 56 Wellesley Street East. No one was looking at him, as they were deaf, and looked at the interpreter instead. The deaf asked questions and participated through this interpreter. Bob was fascinated by the process, and found that day his true calling. He believed he could open the eyes of the world to the plight of the deaf population, and pave the way for reforms in education, employment, psychiatric care and the justice system.

Bob learned sign language in three months, totally immersing himself in the culture. He gave voice to the needs of the deaf. People began to listen, and things began to change. He quickly realized that the special needs of the deaf were best met within the deaf community, where communication is easier. He learned of the deaf community's dream to have a centre for their own, and began making plans to see that dream come true.

In 1960, Bob purchased land in Parry Sound and established the Ontario Camp of the Deaf. The Ontario Community Centre for the Deaf (now called The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf) opened in April of 1979. Many group homes and new programs followed, as well as expansion of the facilities and property at the camp. Bob also became a chaplin for the Police, and was appointed a Citizenship Court Judge. He won the Order of Canada, and the Order of Ontario, among many high honours for his contribution over the years.

Today, despite passing his 75th birthday, one can still find Bob at the BRCD, in court interpreting, or swearing in new Canadians. Bob and Mary-Jean's children are also closely involved with the deaf community, and will no doubt help continue the Bob Rumball Legacy for many years to come.