“In a world where there is so much talk about “being yourself”, I reserve to myself the right to forget about being myself, since in any case there is very little chance of my being anybody else.” Thomas Merton
Peacefully in the early morning of February 12, 2015 after a sudden stroke. Beloved husband of Jane. Brother of David, Gerald, Richard, Stephen and Barbara (MacEachern); Father of Gavin, Carol Anne, and Maureen. Grandfather of Riley, Sarah, Kathleen, and Martin. He was variously known as husband, Dad, Granddad, Uncle Bob, Papa Rob, Teacher, and Elder. He will be missed by many people.
After leaving Montreal, he spent his working life in Toronto as a teacher, a consultant, a College Instructor and working with refugees. It was while working as a teacher with the North York Board of Education, that he met and married Jane, his wife, and had his three children.
Teaching was not just a profession for Robert – it was his being. The greatest lessons he taught were born from his authenticity, his creativity and his great love of people. From him we learned about caring, hospitality and embracing suffering. The world was his classroom, from the Bruce Trail, to the alpine meadows in the shadow of Mount Assiniboine, to his final classroom, his beloved solarium.
In his varied career, he gathered an equally varied collection of friends, all of whom mourn his passing. He is loved and missed.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Monday February 16, 2015 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street, on Tuesday February 17, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Cremation entrusted to Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Anawim House. http://www.anawimhouse.com/donations
22 Responses
Now that time has passed and grieving may be less
I am submitting this request to you who knew him near his end.
Jane and Bob were my stalwarts when I was a teenager. Had I not
had Bob as a high school English teacher I would never have had
a chance to attend University, write books and design films.
My request is for anyone who knows how I can contact Jane in order
for me to let her know how important a man her husband was and what
I have managed to do professionally.
I was saddened to find Bob’s obituary this morning. My life has been enriched by having Bob as a teacher and a friend. Condolences to Jane, Gavin, Carol Anne and Maureen.
Merrill