“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
I wanted to send a note to say how saddened we were to hear that Granddad had passed away last week. In the time that Morgan and I have worked together, I have such fond memories of hearing all numerous stories of Granddad and your family. I certainly could tell how much you all loved him. He will be missed I am sure. My sincere condolences to you all! Respectfully. . .Wendy
Dear Carol Anne, Morgan and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Robert’s sudden passing. Although I had only met him a few times, he made a lasting impression on me. I will always be grateful for his generosity of spirit and his wonderful sense of humour. May your memories of his wonder-filled life console you at this difficult time.
Much love
Rhonda
We are stunned…Next Fall we were planning to come to Vancouver Island (to visit my daughter, Breffni, who lives in Campbell River) and hoped to see Bob again. As his cousin, we had been fairly close, even been roommates for several years at Lake Louise, where Sue and I first met. It is with great disappointment and loss that I have waited too long to renew our friendship.
How could I ever forget Bob, leaning over at 7:00 am, groping for a cigarette, and sighing deeply after the first puff of smoke for the day before rising!
May he rest in peace, let light perpetual shine upon him, and rise again in glory with Christ.
Miles and Sue
Carol Ann and Morgan
I am very sorry to hear of Robert’s passing and wish to extend my sincere condolences. Robert and your family have been a source of great friendship and guidance for my sister Pat over the last 4 years.
Robert was a very loving person who was always willing to help anyone in what ever way he could. May your memories of his life console you through the days ahead.
Joanne
An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth,
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d
Few heads with knowledge so informed,
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss
If there is none, he made the best of this.
– Robert Burns
Bob will be sadly missed by his loving family and many good friends. We are so sorry for your sudden loss and send our love and prayers to Jane, Gavin, Carol Anne and Maureen that you will know God’s special consolation at this time.
God bless and we send you each a hug,
Richard and Vicki.
The first time I met Rob, I asked him how did he like people call him, he smiled and said any would be fine but not “Bobi”, somehow when he talked about it, he looked like Bobi to me…
Only had a few times to have dinner or watched Hockey games together, but he had a natural attraction for me wanted to be closer to him and chatted with him and shared my life. Last summer I was invited to go for dinner with the family. It was a beautiful typical summer Victoria evening. Rob and the other family all causally sit outside the door, at the time I was parking my car, I was feeling so homey and welcomed,
I miss his own humorious style with older generation generosity. I know I need to be good so I could see you again in the future. I really miss you Rob.
Dear Carol-Ann and the Sargent Family
How I will miss Robert and am so thankful of his presence in my life over the past four years. He was a father figure that I never had. I will miss his sage advice, his remarks over my obvious lack of a green thumb. I remember fondly his warm hug in my carport the day that I put my dog to sleep, his appreciation for a good glass of red wine, his humour and our discussions about books but above all — I will sorely miss his humanity in a less than perfect world. I am so thankful that I shared one last conversation with him on Tuesday evening when he came over to give me a clipping from a Jade plant and advice to nurture it well and bring it to a fruitful life. Go gently my dear Robert. You will be treasured and remembered fondly by all of the friends you have touched and who have had the fortune to get to know you and enter into your life. With much love… Pat and Bruce.
We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you, take care, Gayle and Kevin
Carol Anne and Morgan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I met your father only once, when I was invited to your beautiful home with Pat and Bruce – your neighbours.
Your Dad’s vitality, sense of humour, and love for all of you were evident that night over dinner.
I am glad I got to meet this sweet man, and I know you will miss him terribly.
My condolences to you and your family.
Carol