Uncle Bobby

Olivern's comments about this show may be referring to another Uncle Bobby, as the Uncle Bobby I remember from my youth was a small, middle-aged fellow, possibly with a British accent, who wore sweaters.

For years, Uncle Bobby was an institution on Saturday morning TV on CTV here in Canada, and the show was a mixture of games, comedy routines and documentaries. I remember a special episode back when the CN Tower in Toronto was completed.

My favorite segment involved a big, cardboard clown character who would come out of the wall to the tune of Jim Reeve's "Bimbo" -- I think he might have had something to do with birthdays.

Sadly, memories of Uncle Bobby have faded over the years. The show left the national network in the late 1970s and I believe it continued as a local Toronto program for awhile after that. But 25 years ago when I was 7 and 8 years old, Uncle Bobby was as much a part of my regular Saturday morning routine as "Spider-Man" and "Rocket Robin Hood" reruns.

Uncle Bobby, another of the Saturday morning childrens' shows that entertained me as a child. I remember Uncle Bobby for his British accent, the puppet that he used to speak to, and like another person mentioned, the birthday song that had the main puppet kissing the other puppet who was his "girlfriend". She would appear only for the "Birthday Song". Happy Birthday to you, (kiss) Happy Birthday to you (kiss), Happy Birthday to all of you (kiss), Happy Birthday to you (kiss). That was something I haven't seen since 1977, yet still remember it... I once met Uncle Bobby and a country club my family belonged to in Toronto. I was picked as his assistant for his magic show. After the show he gave me some little gifts, and I still remember the inscription, "Love from Uncle Bobby." As a kid, I didn't get it, but as an adult I totally understand. This person did nothing but love children and tried to teach values and cooperation through entertainment. I remember that each show also included a Police Sgt. that would give tips for playing or biking or anything in a safe manner. What I would give to see something like that on today's Saturday morning line-up. It would be the gem in the crown of any responsible network offering childrens' programming. Anyway, Uncle Bobby the man and show will always remain dear to me, as I am sure it would to anyone who watched it.

Uncle Bobby started out as a short, wiry little man with a hawk-nose and British accent, but ended up being a less mobile, pulpy-nosed, long white-haired old man, less of a British accent and with a huge stomach. I believe the show featured cartoons and kid's features, including a regular visit from a safety cop from the Toronto police corps. Off the program, he did like his "wee drams." I read somewhere that Uncle Bobby and CTV sportscaster Pat Marsden used to close some bars in downtown Toronto back in the late 1960s, early 1970s.

Bimbo the clown and the birthday puppets deserve some mention here, also. What was it about hosts of kids shows in this era and their cardigan sweaters? Is there some symbolism here that is escaping me? One thing I remember that at some point, the show stopped taking itself so seriously and laughed at itself quite regularly, as the rest of us were doing. These cheap little shows were so bad, they were truly great!

The Uncle Bobby Show was an institution here in Canada and more should be made of this talented man who came to entertain us in our living rooms every weekday.

I was very sad to hear about "Uncle Bobby's" passing. When I lived in Toronto during the mid-seventies, I used to watch his show quite regularly.

On one occasion, I got to meet him when my class went to visit the "Uncle Bobby Show" set. He seemed to be a rather decent fellow. The fact that my father was also originally from Britain probably struck an additional chord with me.

It was also a thrill to see Bimbo the Clown up close. To this very day, every time I listen to Jim Reeve's "Bimbo" song, it reminds me of him singing the Birthday song.

I remember the Uncle Bobby show from when I was a child in the late 60's or so, along with Chez Helene. I also remember that, toward the end, his nose seemed to become more red, and his manner on television more erratic. I wonder if anyone else remembers this particular show: He had a woman playing the guitar and singing. In the background somewhere, he was singing along off-key. I remember her saying through gritted teeth, "Uncle Bobby is trying to help ... but he isn't doing a very good job." I vaguely remember the safety officer, and I definitely remember Bimbo the Birthday Clown. I forget the words, but I still remember the tune. One of the comments reminded me of the kissing puppets.