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 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.
He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolence to you and your family
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
Julie,
I was shocked to hear this news. I am so sorry to hear. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Maria Flammia
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.
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.
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)
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!
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.
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.