“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
Dear Carol and Maureen,
So very sorry for your loss – I have vivid, fond memories of your Dad, from the few times I met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. We hope the happy memories bring comfort.
Take care,
Neil, Janette, Liam and Sean McGivney
Dear Carole Anne, Morgan, Kathleen and Martin
We are very saddenened for your loss. Doug and I enjoyed many wide-ranging and interesting discussions with Bob at your home. I know Michaela always felt welcomed and enjoyed being teased by her friend’s Grandpa. You are in our hearts.
Gavin (et al)
I have been diligently searching through the Toronto Obituaries to find out where your father’s Memorial was to be held. It was only when I discovered you had landed in Vancouver that I also found out your father would be memorialized on the West Coast rather than in Southern Ontario. I wish I could be with you to give you and Kari a big hug. Know that one is waiting for you when you arrive back in Toronto.
Carol Anne and Maureen, know that we are thinking about your loss of a father as well. You are all in our prayers.
God Bless
David Fisher
(Gavin’s University roommate and Best Man)
Dear Jane and family,
Our hearts are with you all. Maire and John
Dear Carol Anne, Morgan, Kathleen and Martin,
What a blessing to your family to have had Granddad with you as the children were young. I know there will be a gapping hole in your hearts with his loss. My prayers and condolences. Gail Baxter
Dear Aunt Jane, Gavin, Carol Anne, and Maureen
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing and wish to extend my sincere condolences to all of you.
Uncle Bob was very special to me. I am thankful for all of the time I was able to spend with him.
I truly cherish all of the lessons he taught me and wisdom he imparted. I was extremely lucky to have him as a godfather and a friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Kevin
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time.
John and Sandy
Dear Carol Anne, Morgan and family,
It was a privilege to have known Bob. We enjoyed his company, his humour and the love he had for everyone in his life. He will be missed but always remembered. We decided today, over a glass of red wine, that he has taught us all to be a little more patient, a little more loving and to take a moment each day to appreciate what we have in life.
Richard & Cheri Maas and Alyson Doty
We are very sorry to hear of Robert’s passing.
He was a lovely man and we feel privileged to have known him .
You have all been Kelly’s family since her move to Victoria and we are most grateful.
Prayers and love to all.
Betty and Myles, Kelly and Katherine and Sister Benedicta (Robin)
Dear Jane Gavin Carol Anne and Maureen
I am so sorry for your loss.
I have so many happy memories of our times at Roycrest.
–Wonderful dinners–perhaps with Bob’s Montmerency duck-
–Fireside chats–
–Cottage stays Bob talking us into an October dip–brrr
Good times long ago and still vivid.
You will all miss him!
Love
Mary Anne