It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn Rob’s passing at the age of 69 years in Victoria, B.C. on October 18, 2022 in the loving arms of his wife of 24 years Pamela Miller.
Rob was born December 30, 1952 in Edmonton, Alberta to parents Bob and Hilda Macklem. The memory and legacy of this amazing and caring man will be held by all who knew him and especially by his family. Daughter Heidi (Chris) Reiter, grandchildren Zachary and Zoey; his son Russell, granddaughter Georgia; sister Karen (Tom) Nicholson and brother Kelly (Sandy).
As a graduate of the University of Alberta, Rob’s career as a pharmacist spanned 36 years starting with McGill and Orme in 1974.
He had many hobbies that became passions. He was an accomplished action sports photographer, avid gardener, dog lover, hummingbird caretaker, a snowbird to Mexico for 10 winters and an adventurous world traveler. His lifelong passion and body of work was in the sport of Olympic weightlifting as a competitor and as an esteemed and respected coach. At his passing the motto on his t-shirt read “LIFT HEAVY FEAR NOTHING.” (Google Rob Macklem weightlifting).
Rob will be missed by all whose lives he touched and changed. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2023.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Sharon Ham for assisting Rob and all frontline health care workers in the community and hospitals for their care, especially the doctors and nurses of Palliative Care.
Donations in his name can be made to any organization that promotes his passions.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
38 Responses
Rob was a gentle and kind soul who was clearly devoted to Pam. I always enjoyed talking with him on those occasions when he was attending any of Pam’s shows.
He will be missed.
All my interactions with Rob were memorable.Both athletes competing at the 1975 Canada Games…then meeting him at Various National or International Championships.Our last Interaction (winter if 2022) was about photography.Rob took time to call me to educate me on what types of cameras would suite me best.
He was a kind thoughtful man.
Condolences to family and friends.
Sending much love to dear Pam …
So Sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. A deep hole in the hearts that loved him will someday fill with years of loving memories.
Dearest Pam and family, Heather and I are so sorry to read of Rob’s passing. Although we haven’t seen you in a long time, Pam, we think of you often, remembering the time we spent with you and Rob fondly. Prayers and condolences to you all.
I’ll never forget all the battles, emotions laughs and times we shared in the sport we grew to love.
Rob phoned me once to ask about my plans for a competition I did in Gold Coast, Australia while congratulating the qualification. I complained about how busy my life was and how expensive it was going to be.
He replied and said, “ Mike, you won’t regret spending all that time training and money traveling to lift weights for fun years down the road. Life is too short to worry about trivial things such as money and wasted time worrying”.
He is right. It was one of those pushes I needed at a tough time in my lift back in 2017.
There is so much more I can say even though we never saw each other much. I guess sports can bring people together in a way not much else can
I’ll miss you coach, be seeing you sometime.
Dear Pam & family……sincere condolences…..Rob was special in his caring , energy and thoughtful support of others , including the puppies…..and his life.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dad “Bob “, several times and Rob was his “son” in looks and quiet , considered approach to all.
Rob’s retirement , following his passions,…..coaching,travel, biking, photography , healthy food & wine……hopefully made the illness part of his life journey bearable…..
You are admired and appreciated, Pam , for your tenacious vigilance and loving care & support during Rob’s final journey.
Sincerely, Bonnie & Bob
Rob coached me during the 2015 Canadian Nationals and we kept in contact ever since. He’s a great guy that’s meant a lot to many people. Sad to hear of his passing. Thank you Rob!
Rob’s daughter Heidi Reiter and son in law Chris , parents of Rob’s grandchildren Zachary and Zoey.
Thank you Rob for our 27 years of life together? I met you at 15! I introduced you to Victoria and we made a life together. My friend Donna Maier got you a job at McGill&Orme. We married on September24,1977. Nov.20, 1978 our beautiful daughter, Heidi Patricia was born, then our beautiful son Russell Clayton Robert was born on January 27, 1982. Our beautiful children then blessed us with our first grandchild Georgia February 17,2010. Child of Russell and Carly. Our first born grandson Zachary Wayne Reiter February2,2012. Our youngest grandaughter Zoey Patricia Reiter born in Edmonton June 11,2015. Thank you for blessing me with such a beautiful, caring, compassionate family. Our special times learning about our garden of life together I will be forever grateful! You earned your wings dear Rob. Your life will live on through your children and grandchildren that you blessed the world with! We will continue to do our earth works and make you proud! We love you! Till we meet again. Blessings, Janice Macklem.