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Born and raised in Glengarry County near Alexandria, Ontario, Bob Ranger taught himself to play the fiddle at a very early age.
In the 1950’s, Bob moved to the Upper Ottawa Valley where he played with various bands. His expertise as a back-up fiddler was in great demand by many Ottawa Valley musicians and singers. Bob became very adept at playing for step dancers, and he was hired as House Fiddler for competitions all over Ontario and Quebec. He was fondly nicknamed "The Step dancers’ Fiddler" and "Iron Bob" in recognition of his stamina.
Bob made a recording which consisted of four of his own compositions as well as some old traditional tunes he loved to play. Bob was always willing to help and encourage young fiddlers in any way, and consistently did so throughout his career.
The Ottawa Valley lost a dear friend and a unique and talented musician when Bob passed away from a heart attack in 2001, but his contributions will always be remembered by many step dancers, musicians and fellow fiddlers.
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