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
Pam and family:
My wholehearted sympathy to all of you for having to say goodbye to a man you all clearly loved so much. Sending you our love and wishes for strength.
Alice, John and Will
So sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. I only met him a handful of times but he was clearly devoted to his lovely Pam – who gushed about him like they were kids in love. Sending all my love to Pam during this sad time.
Remembering the many special times we shared with Rob and Pam over the years. Our condolences and love to Pam and to their family. You will be missed Rob. Rest in Peace. With love from Doug and I.
I had limited interactions with Rob through weightlifting. One thing that always stuck with me about in my numerous but brief interactions with him was how he could make you feel like he was your best friend despite how little of time you actually spent with him.
Grief is the price we pay for love.
Great guy. Taken before his time. We will all miss him and offer condolences to Pam and Rob’s entire family.
Sending love to you Pam. In timely you find strength and comfort in your wonderful memories.
Denise xo
Sending many hugs and condolences to dear Pam. It is so challenging to lose your partner and love. Thinking of you. ❤️❤️
Extending sincere condolences from Australia. Rob and I crossed paths in weightlifting over many years but it’s only been the past few years that I got to know him better through online conversations and appreciate the man he was. Rest in Peace my friend.
Robert Kabbas
May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal. We lifted on the same platforms many times. He took photos and videos of the greatest lifts of my lifetime.
He was a great photographer and friend of weightlifting.
Pam, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. May your cherished memories comfort you. Sending you my love and strength.