Tribute

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful, kind Rob.  He passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side after a long challenging journey with Lewy Body dementia.  He faced the illness with equanimity, always knowing who he was,  never losing his sense of humour, his unique brilliance and his love of music.  He was grounded in his love of family and friends and until his passing he remembered all of us.

Rob carries with him the hearts of Cynara (nee de Goutiere), his loving wife of 34 years, children Michael (Kate) and Makyta (Ken), step-children Megan (Charles), Kirsten (Dan)  and Blake ; grandchildren Griffon (Rayanna) and his father Chuck, Delphin  and his mother Samantha, Cameron, Cassi and Jaxon and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces.`

Rob was predeceased by his parents Ivan and Doris, and his sisters Anne (Walter) Thompson and Ruth Waugh.

Rob was a native of Victoria, British Columbia,  and later moved to Duncan. Craftsman, artist, and inventor, Rob loved his career as a machinist tool and die maker and technician with Defense Research Establishment Pacific. In his work with the Arctic Acoustics Group he took pride and enjoyment in his contribution to peaceful defense, building specialized instruments for the scientists and participating in Arctic trips supporting Canadian Arctic sovereignty.

Forever an individualist, but an enduring team player, Rob’s versatility and quick wit also served him with the Oak Bay Wanderers Rugby Club and the Victoria Motorcycle Club where he shared the thrill of the game or the ride.  His life long mantra:  It’s not about winning, it’s about enjoying the game.

Quirky wordsmith and hound of all things sound, from the music of dancing candle ice in the high Arctic, to the thrill of his operatic heroines, Rob found his groove in jazz and esoteric and classical music.  He focused his retirement on building and playing obscure musical instruments: Northumbrian and Uilleann bagpipes and Hurdy Gurdies, his Lira Organizzata, and his wonderful bicycle powered Drone Machine, always sharing his knowledge and skills of the work he loved with fellow musicians and friends. Creative musical wizard, humourist and pipe builder and fettler extraordinaire, Rob was a good friend to many and he will be sadly missed.

We give heartfelt thanks to the Palliative Home Care team and Dr. Zafarulla, Dr. Abdulmajeed, and Dr. Hargrove who made our journey possible.

At Rob’s request there will be no formal service, but a small gathering of family and friends at his favourite Hornby Island haven to celebrate his life.