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
26 Responses
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Dear Julie,
Sending our sympathy and condolences to you and your family,
God Bless,
Corinne and Ken Whelan
Dear Julie, my deepest condolances on the passing of our beloved husband. My friendship and prayers are with you.