Saturday, May 4, 2024
Dear Uncle Robert, one of my earliest memories of you was when I was about 4 when we lived in Thompson, MB. As most kids that age, we didn't really pay attention to the adults because we were too busy being kids. But something happened in Nannie's house that made me understand who you were. I'm not sure what led up to this but the voices in the kitchen started to get louder and it turned out to be an argument over coffee. From what I can recall, Nannie was trying to give you a cup of coffee and you were adamant that you were not going to drink any and said if you were going to have coffee it would be right out of the jar. Of course, I was sitting there quietly assessing the dynamics in the room (as much as a 4 year old could) and found myself eager to see you eat the coffee right from the jar. Sure enough, you did! Everyone tried to get you to stop but 3 or 4 spoonfuls you decided for yourself that you had enough. I have to say that that was the moment I understood what being serious was. I knew from then on that you have to stand your ground and I never got the chance to thank you for that inadvertent lesson in life.
Serious! That's how I would describe you. When it came to your family, you were serious....seriously in love with your family. Your work was taken seriously and I don't think anyone who worked with you would disagree. Your sense of humour, well, I never knew if you were joking or your were serious so there's that too. You brought a force with you through life that will leave an indelible mark on everyone that you touched through your life. When your name is mentioned, the automatic response is "Oh, I remember when Robert...." and the stories go on and on.
You were/are loved by so many and you will be missed by many. You are irreplaceable on so many levels.
Tanya, Jeff, I am deeply saddened by your loss but I know Robert will live forever in one way or another through you and around you. He was a lucky man to have you two there for him.
xoxo
Linda D
