The line seemed unending.

Family and friends of a Watford man who died in a car crash at the corner of London Line and Forest Road Sept. 20 filled the roads on the outskirts of town for kilometers as they drove by his family paying tribute.

Bob Hollingsworth, 57, was known as The Paint Man and was often seen wearing a Sherwin Williams T-shirt, driving around in his van with his dog, Lexy, and cat Hustle whom he often took to work with him.

Lexy was in the van when the accident occurred but was unharmed. Hollingsworth’s obituary says he was in “the protective embrace of his furry sidekick” at the time.
Hollingsworth spent endless hours with family, often dropping in to people’s homes without notice for a visit.

“Bob loved to laugh and he worked hard. We will miss hearing the rattling sound of your ladders coming down the lane way, the rev of your cutlass engine, but most of all your smile and laughter,” the family wrote in his obituary.

With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the family thought of a creative way to mourn their loss with the community – a drive by tribute parade to the man who loved music and the Red Wings.

Cars were lined as far as Nauvoo Road and Confederation Line as people waited to pass by the family gathered on First School Road.

Lambton OPP are still investigating the accident, which claimed Hollingsworth’s life. So far, police have not said whether charges have been laid.