Robert passed away suddenly at his home in Victoria, BC. Predeceased by parents, Edward Raymond Kosonic and Winnifred Mary McConkey of Etobicoke. Survived by the love of his life, his wife, Julie Marie Luckevich; brother, Dave (Dorothy); sister, Christine Beckett; nephew, Ian Beckett; niece, Jocelyn Doucette; 5 great nieces and nephews; goddaughter, Claire Lapointe and a large extended family on Julie’s side.
An excellent husband, son, brother-in-law and uncle, Robert was the quiet one who could be relied on. When others were stressed, his helping hand and quiet compassion would cheer them up.
Robert was loved and respected by all who knew and worked with him. He had a 20 years plus career with BMO Nesbitt Burns in Toronto. At BMO, he was a valued member of the Risk Management team where his years of experience and dedication to his work were very much appreciated.
Robert (aka Super Sonic and Treb to his oldest friends) was an accomplished self-taught guitar player and had a brief but memorable mid-life career in a rock band, playing the El Mocambo being one of the highlights. Led Zeppelin was his favourite band, with Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vaughan being two of his idols. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of guitars, rock and blues music and musical styles. While working full-time and caring for his parents in their later years, he developed a hobby of buying, restoring and selling Fender Stratocasters and other guitars locally and on eBay. He loved buying guitars that had seen better days. He would lovingly sand and polish the ax, replace worn out parts with new ones, re-string, perhaps relic it, or install new tuners, a pick guard and even re-fret on occasion (a difficult task). He would make the best new ax out of an old one, and then pass it on to another guitar player to be loved and cherished.
Robert loved his cats, Weasel, Smokey and Panther, and could be relied upon to have a soft heart whenever creatures in distress were concerned, human or otherwise.
He made the best cup of tea ever. He had the most beautiful blue eyes that sparkled and he had a quiet but wicked sense of humour that you could miss if you weren’t paying attention. We cherished every day we had this beautiful man in our lives.
Robert loved music, sunshine, the ocean, bright colours and Hawaiian shirts. No black please.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – Noon at McCall’s Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver Street, (Johnson & Vancouver Streets) Victoria, BC on Saturday, March 26 with a Service to begin at 2:00 pm. Interment this summer at McNeil Cemetery, Priceville, ON.
In lieu of flowers, donations to CAMH Foundation in his memory would be valued. www.supportcamh.ca/givetribute.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mcallbros.com
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Theresa Victorino Dela Cruz Robert and I worked together at BMONB close to 15 years, he was my Best Friend and the best work buddy at BMO Nesbitt Burns. My heart aches so much to know that my Best Friend is no longer here with us. He had so much passion for life, we shared so much joy, pain and success at work and in life to the point that he became my extended family friend at work. I will miss you Bobbie. I will be waiting for you my friend when Julie brings you home to Toronto this summer. God gained another Angel in Heaven and HIS Kingdom will be filled with your Beautiful Music. Rest In Peace my buddy. Julie my prayers is with you and know that you can always count on me to be here as your friend.
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Evelyn Guerrero Our thoughts & prayers are with you Julie & the rest of the family of Robert. May you all be comforted knowing that he is back in the bosom of our heavenly Father. We pray for the repose of his soul & may he rest in peace. Take care & God bless you all.
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Dano & Rosa I can actually tell you the first time I met Treb.
For those of you who don’t know, “Treb” is the shortened version of Robert spelled backwards.
It was Tuesday July 4th, 1978 at approximately 3:30 AM. I had taken the last seat in a car bound for Rich Stadium in Buffalo New York to see The Rolling Stones. When I got in the car Treb was seated on the other side and when introduced, he looked at me and simply said in a style that those who knew him well will immediately recognize “Greetings”.
That was the beginning of an almost 40 year friendship.
Those who knew Treb well know that he was a very talented self taught guitarist with a style steeped in the classic Blues and power blues of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Not limited to that however he was able to assimilate any style he chose. I remember when Van Halen was all the rage in the early 80’s Treb acquired a Kramer guitar of the style favoured by Eddie Van Halen. In short order had all but mastered Eddie’s two handed tapping technique. Then later when Stevie Ray Vaughan emerged, Treb got himself a Fender Stratocaster and in no time was whipping off masterful Albert King licks just like SRV.
I only knew a couple of chords when Treb invited me to his home in the early 80’s to “Jam”. Treb ended up showing me my first Eric Clapton lick which ignited a passion for the instrument in me which continues to this very day. He always stressed the value of practice.
Treb would also never criticise, was always supportive when teaching and would never discourage me from “going for it” no matter how good or ususally bad the result.
There are two thoughts about his playing philosophy that I will always remember. When we were standing across from each other the first time we were going to play together I asked him “So, what are thes rules?” to which he replied “The rules are….there aren’t any rules.”
The second thing I learned from him was that you don’t have to be a famous rock star to play like one. It just takes dedication and practice.
Treb got me on the floor of the Toronto Stock Exchange when it was still something to see. We also attended many memorable shows and concerts together over the years. In addition to the Rolling Stones we saw Jimmy Page & The Firm in Rochester New York,The Pretenders, Buddy Guy, U2, Roy Buchanan and Jeff Healey to name a few.
Treb was always up for a round of golf and barbeque around the pool at his parents house on Toledo Road.
In later years he was a wonderful and caring Son to his parents whenever they needed him and he would do whatever they required to make them safe and comfortable. I remember a number of occasions when my wife Rosa and I would run into Treb at the Dundas Street Grill in Etobicoke as he took his parents out for dinner. You could see the love, affection and respect he had for them.
Later on I remember when Treb met Julie and I had never heard him speak more highly of anyone. I recall him saying to me once that “No one could ever compare to Julie”. There was no doubt that she was the love of his life.
I am still trying to comprehend the fact that he is no longer with us but I feel so blessed that I was allowed to share many wonderful moments with him. His friendship was a great and precious gift for which I will forever be grateful.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Love Dano & Rosa
Etobicoke, ON
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Henry Zmudka My sincere condolences Julie to you, the family, the entire BMO family, and friends who knew him.
I also had the pleasure of working with Rob, or Pops, as some of us called him, for an awesome set of years. It was the first time anyone ever called me Hank and coming from Pops there was an authentic feel to it everyday. Loved it. He was never a dull moment and I won’t forget the many awesome animated discussions during the Global Financial Debacle.
To close out with one of Pops’ favourite sayings when he left for home…Party On
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Merv Scott, Victoria Genealogical Society So very sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. I had only met him a couple of times at genealogy-related socials but was impressed by his friendly personality and helpful attitude. Our condolences to you and your family Julie. Our thoughts are with you.
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Libertine My sincere condolences to Julie and family. Robert was a good man and very funny, we had a lot of fun at work and our conversations were always quite animated. He will be missed.
God bless.
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Chris Choy He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolence to you and your family
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Mark & Liz Luckevich Our thoughts and prayers go out to Julie and Robert’s family and friends in this time of sadness and grieving. Robert was a kind brother-in-law and a gentle spirit in our extended family. His love of the Mink Lake cottage and his humourous journal notes will always be remembered.
With love & sympathy, Mark, Liz & family
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Maria Flammia Julie,
I was shocked to hear this news. I am so sorry to hear. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Maria Flammia
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Mike Tran I am deeply saddened to hear about Robert’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was my co-worker, friend, mentor, and confidant. He was an extraordinary man. He was the most kind, generous, funny, and laid back person I have ever met. I am truly blessed to have known him. Some of Robert’s mantras are “long story short” and “super fantastic” His long story has certainly been cut short but it was indeed a Super Fantastic one!
He will truly be missed.
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Nadine Marien Hello Julie,
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband. Although we are just getting acquainted (VENC), my thoughts are with you.
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Jesse Reid-Soule Julie, our heartfelt condolence to you and your family on the passing of Robert. In the short time we knew him, we recognized he was a good man and good husband to you. His life was much too short. We are so glad to have been at his last surprise birthday party and were able to enjoy this joyful time with the two of you. Please know Julie, that your VENC friends hold you dear and will be there to cry and laugh with you in the coming days and months. You are in our thoughts!
Jesse and Steve Soule
Victoria Evening Newcomers Club (VENC)
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Mira Gimon-Keeler Dear Julie, family and friends. It is with much sorrow and a heavy heart that I express my condolences in the untimely passing of Robert. In the short time I knew him, he radiated with love, compassion and a zest for life. My prayer is that you heal with comfort and peace with the many beautiful memories you hold close to your hearts. God Bless!
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Gerald Blackstock I was so sorry to read the news, and especially for his family and close friends. It’s the better part of a generation since we worked on the same floor and chatted, but I remember very well our music talks back in the NB days. A gentle and good soul, God Bless.
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Susan Nielsen What a lovely tribute to Robert. I was saddened to hear about his passing – he was one of a kind and will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences – I hope you can find peace in your wonderful memories.
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Gabriella Mancuso My Deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones.He was always a pleasure to speak always put a smile on my face especially when he had a good story to tell. May he rest in peace.
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TONI CRASTO It was my pleasure to work with Robert in the early days. We both moved to different department, but always kept in touch because of our work habits. Robert was really an awesome person. Quiet, funny and very helpful. I have been praying for his soul, eversince I heard the sad news about my friend.
Julie, pls accept my deepest sympathy – May God give you the strength in these difficult days.
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN BY HIS FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS
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Les Plastow My deepest condolences to the family of a really good guy. I considered Robert a good friend even as we weren’t friends per se but work colleagues. One of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Rest in peace Robert, you’ll be missed.
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Gregg McCharles I was very sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. I too worked with him for many years. He was a great mentor to countless people, myself included, and everyone always enjoyed his company. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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Ian Lui It has been shocking for the Credit Risk Management team to learn of Robert’s sudden passing. Robert had been an asset to the team for many years and on my part shared great discussions with him about optimal margin lending practices. He will be missed. May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord makes his face shine upon thee, and be gracious upon thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
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Bruno Falvo My sincere condolences Julie. I had the pleasure of working alongside Robert for a number of years at BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. We were both friends and colleagues and we shared many of the same joys in life. We used to chat for hours on end about a topic we both loved, music. I too am a huge fan of Led Zeppelin and we used to share lots of trivia on the group as well as many others. I am shocked to hear about his sudden passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of Roberts’ extended family. Blessings and Peace, Bruno Falvo
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Matt & Audrey Graczyk It is with such great sadness, sorrow and heavy heart, that we extend our sincerest condolence to you and, to all family members, of the passing of Robert, your so ever loving husband. We are so deeply shocked to learn of his unexpected death, and you, and all that knew him for his kindness, good humour and wholesome presence will be forever and sorrowfully missed by all. We offer our most sincerest, compassionate sympathy at this moment of his sorrowful passing.
With Love.
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Joyanne Fernandes I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Robert. I worked togeher with Robert at BMO NB and there never was a dull moment. He always found a way to make you laugh even when you did not want to do so. He was a wonderful employee, one you could always rely on. He was a great son to his parents and the joy he took in taking care of them. He truly was a wonderful person. He is in Heaven now and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
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Corinne Whelan Dear Julie,
Sending our sympathy and condolences to you and your family,
God Bless,
Corinne and Ken Whelan
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Johanne Lessard Dear Julie, my deepest condolances on the passing of our beloved husband. My friendship and prayers are with you.
Hello Jim,
Unfortunately, we can not post this on the obituary due to the personal and detailed family information in this message which will be made public on our website. I have tried to contact the family but the one number we have is out of service. I would recommend trying to contact the family another means.
Kind regards,
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