Robert died at 88, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, on May 26 2023. He was peaceful and comfortable at the end, surrounded by his loving wife Maureen and two daughters, Konia (Dawn and son Jordi) and Lycia. He was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1970 with his young family. As an architect, he held a long position at Public Works Canada, but also designed and completed many home renovations. He and Maureen were life-long swimmers, and married in 1963. In his retirement, he pursued his love of the arts, the outdoors and exercise. He sang in various choirs and produced daily sketches of life around him. He and Maureen travelled the world extensively and settled in Sooke in 2011, joining the walking group and re-discovering his love of cycling. He is predeceased by his parents, Wakefield and Dora Jane. He is survived in the UK by his brother Thomas (Zillah) and their 3 children; Tom Jr (Dorothy and children), David (Sally and daughters) and Samantha (Andy) among other dear relatives. A joyful and easy disposition, he connected well with others from all walks of life and will be sorely missed, particularly at their home at Minton House, Cook Street Village, Victoria. His life’s richly intellectual, cultural and artistic musings were developed into a book entitled A View from Here which was submitted to the publisher on the day of his death. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 2:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre, McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Condolences to the family may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
59 Responses
Dear Lycia and Family,
I recall meeting your father in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. I met him in your studio and at the opening of the exhibition: “Natural Causes” in Ellensburg, WA. I found your father to be a gracious, thoughtful, and creative man. He emitted an aura of wisdom and a contemplation. You look so much like him and have embraced the creative life just like him. I can’t imagine the challenges he and your mother faced when they decided to leave Ireland in 1970. What courage it took to make that move and to adapt to an entirely new life in Canada. Paul’s Father also passed away at 88; and although we know this is part of life’s journey, it is always hard to let go and say goodbye. But alas he lives on in you and he will always be there spiritually for you. I send you and your family my deepest sympathies.
Your Father was a Prince among Men!
Sally Kaplan, Birmingham, MI, USA (B. Bennett, Belfast)
Hello Lycia
I hope your dad’s interment went off successfully. Although I met him only on several occasions [Christmas time/New Years: 2002,3,4] I thought it worthwhile for someone down under as we never say, to enhance what people who knew him well think of him. Condolences to your mum. I hope you feel quite positive about the general direction of life. Just wish you kind regards and hope you can derive positive things from your dad’s passing. Julia xx ♂️ Sydney, Australia
Hello Lycia,
Sorry to hear about your father. I am glad that I was able to meet him even for once.
I’m here in Montreal conducting a theatre workshop.
Best,
Dennis
“Beauty, no doubt, does not make revolutions. But a time will come when revolutions have need of beauty.” -Albert Camus
“Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air. It is the heritage of all.” -Jose Rizal
—
DENNIS D. GUPA
PhD Applied Theatre, UVic
MFA Theatre Directing, UBC; MA Theatre Arts, UP Diliman
Artistic Associate, Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage (SEACHS)
Dear Lycia,
So sorry to hear about your dad. I have warm memories of being at the old, Point Grey house [in Vancouver] and him bashing out Wesleyan hymns on the piano in [a passionate manner]. Hope you are keeping strong and coping with all the subsequent (re)arrangements.
All the very best,
Paul
Dr Paul Sharrad,
University Fellow English Literatures,University of Wollongong,
Northfields Avenue,
Wollongong, NSW 2522,Australia
Dear Lycia
I’m very sorry to hear of the death of your father, Bob. I remember him when he and Maureen visited Wollongong – probably 20 years ago, showing us his lively drawings. It is always a great shock to lose a dear parent. Your mother will be devastated, but it will be an enormous comfort having you around.
I hope all your many projects are going well and that you have a good and interesting life in that fascinating city, Victoria, Vancouver Island.
With love and warm sympathy
Diana Emeritus Prof. Diana Wood-Conroy, NSW, Australia
Dear Maureen and Lycia and The Trouton Family,
Raising a glass of Irish Single Malt (Bushmills)!
It was my pleasure to meet you all – yet, especially Robert. What a man. Such a kind and gentle Soul; with a unique sense of humour and SO creative. This sudden loss was a shock; I really wish I could have had more time conversing and making art with that man! The Afterlife is very fortunate to have you! Leroy (b. London, migrated 1967 to Montreal — an auspicious time for Robert, as well) PS. I remember going into that Bucky Ball as a kid and now I see it differently: – Thanks Robert!)
Dear Maureen, Konia and Lycia.
So sad to learn of the passing of my friend Bob.
“Robert W” (as he often introduced himself).
I smile when I reflect on the times
when we worked together,his unique
sense of humour, his stories….
My heartfelt feelings with the loss of your husband and father.
In my prayers,
John Garenkooper.
Maureen, Konia & Lycia. We were surprised to learn, after getting the phone call, about Bob’s passing.
What an amazing life he had. It was a pleasure for us to meet Bob & Maureen – through Maureen teaching at DTS in Vancouver where Bob E taught as well. Over the years many get togethers with them & and the Wiedrick’s, as well as others. His greeting cards were amazing. We did not see them after they moved to the Island, but kept in touch via email & phone. Our deepest sympathy to you.
Thinking of you. Love Bob & Ivene Ellis, PItt Meadows, BC.
May 27th email from Uncle Ritchie (maternal)
Hi Lycia,
We just wanted to let you know that we’re thinking of you as well as your Mum.
Konia has filled in Ritchie on some of the detail of the last few days including the ceremony at the hospital and some of your Mum’s reactions.
We hope that there’s much grace for you in the shifts and adjustments underway for the family.
Lots of love,
Brenda and Ritchie 2:30 pm PST