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 grew up across the back alley from me. I suppose from the time I could walk we were best friends; “bosom buddies” we called ourselves. We were forever at each other’s house or playing in the field across the road. I recall with sadness the day, when I was about 12, he said they were moving away to a more upscale district in Edmonton. We still saw each other occasionally, however a great part of my young life was lost. The last time I saw him was in Victoria about 10 years ago. The years apart disappeared and we were bosom buddies once more. Rest in peace, Rob.
Dear Pam, family and friends:
I’m very sorry about Rob’s passing. I understand & feel the grief that comes with losing him. I owe him a lot for teaching me almost everything that I know about Olympic weightlifting and introducing me to the sport. He took me on in my 30’s, which is not the optimal age to start receiving coaching. We trained, took courses & coached together for about 10 years, and remained friends for the following 25 years. We trained a lot at his garage in Langford, where I got to know his family. We were also were involved in the years leading up to the 94 Commonwealth Games, as well as running the training facility at Claremont during the Games and a club there for a number of years afterward. It was always good to speak at length with him in the subsequent years as he branched out in weightlifting & other sports photography at a world class level, and coached Rachel who has competed at the World Weightlifting Championships.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Joe Baxter
It is with great sadness and sorrow to hear about Robs passing. We trained and competed back in the 70s 80s.He was an amazing athlete and friend. What a terrific photographer. I will sure miss him.My sincere condolences go out to Robs wife and his Loving family.My Prayers and thoughts go out to each and everyone.
Pam
Having met you at the condo here in Mexico was a great addition to our life. Once we got to know the quiet Rob we learned to love him and our time together with both of you.
One of my favorite memories was him poking his GoPro camera at the monkey in the tree and when the monkey got on the power line you started singing the circus song. Still makes smile. My heart hurts for you. But always remember some people never share the love you had for each other. Which makes it harder when they are gone. Take care of yourself. You know Rob and you are loved and he will be missed. Loved the beach picture!! Love and hugs. Paul and Linda
Pam – we are so very sorry to hear of Rob’s passing and the suffering he experienced. And you suffered along with him. So young ! We keep you in our thoughts and prayers for peace and remembering all the great times you had together.
Heidi, Chris and family
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Such a loss in your life
Condolences
Nancy and Gerry Trueman
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Pamela and all the family.
I worked with Rob at McGill & Orme Prescriptions (and Rexall) for 36 years. Rob was great to work with and we enjoyed his dry sense of humour. He will be missed.