Five years is a long time to wonder and worry about a loved one. 
On July 8, the body of local cottager Bob Puffer was found on Georgian Bay, not far from the spot where he launched his kayak on a June day in 2007.  
Bob had been missing all that time, last seen at his Lake Kashagawigamog cottage.
While police had discovered his silver Honda Civic in a public parking lot in Killarney, a search of the area turned up no clues.
Bob’s body was found by canoeists near Solomon Bay on Philip Edward Island in Georgian Bay.
No foul play is suspected by police.
Now that the quiet vigil for his return is at an end, his friends and family members will have the opportunity to honour him. 
Memories from those who knew him recall an intelligent, warm-hearted guy who loved to laugh.
He will rest in the Ingoldsby United Church cemetery, close to his great-grandmother, Ina B. Puffer and next to his father, Dr. Douglas Puffer, who passed away in January of this year. 
Every summer, Bob spent time at his beloved cottage on Puffer’s Island. 
His parents, Fran and Doug, raised their children on the shores of Lake Kashagawigamog, continuing a family legacy started in 1918, when Bob’s great-grandmother acquired the island property. 
Bob was always in the lake, his brother remembers. Water-skiing, sailing, wind surfing … he did it all. 
And even though he was the younger brother to John and Judy, he was unbeatable when the siblings challenged each other to swims around the island. 
Bob also cherished the time he spent at Camp Kandalore near Minden. 
His stories about campfires and canoe trips must have been contagious because his nephews, Douglas and Bobby Higgins who admired their uncle tremendously, became loyal Kilcoo campers. 
Niece, Tory Puffer and nephew, Will Puffer are current Camp Kandalore campers, following in Uncle Bob’s footsteps. 
The Puffers, founding members of the Lake Kashagawigamog Organization, have always taken their stewardship of the environment seriously. 
Bob’s connection to the natural world reflected his family’s commitment.
He was happiest when sharing his passion for the outdoors with others including volunteering at Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children living with cancer.
If he was in the woods or on the lake, he was at home.   
Welcome home, Bob.