With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude for his life, Rob's family would like to announce his peaceful death in the early hours of Oct. 30 in Kingston, Ont. He was surrounded by the love of his family, who held him and sang his favourite Beatles songs to him as he left us.
Rob was born in the middle of snowstorm in London, Ont. His mother, Edna, drove herself to the hospital on Feb. 2, 1951 to deliver her youngest child, a fair-haired little boy. Like herself, she raised Rob to be kind, fair, and have a razor-sharp wit. Rob grew up in London with his mother, father John, and loving big siblings Jack and Anne. After the sudden death of his father, also a physician, Rob was accepted into medical school at Western University in 1971. He went on to become a much beloved rural family physician in Arkona, Ont. where he faithfully served the community, making countless lives better during his over 30-year-long career. Rob was a brilliant doctor who always saw the person behind the disease. He led with compassion and curiosity, and his patients loved him for it.
A chance encounter with a beautiful red-haired nurse in 1975 was the start of an almost 47-year marriage. Rob loved his "Jannie" and was a constant support to her throughout their marriage. They weathered many storms together, and his hand on her back was a continual comfort. Together they were loving, encouraging and fun parents to Ben and Erin. Rob loved his children and was, simply put, a superb father. In recent years, Jan was a devoted caregiver to her husband, tirelessly and lovingly looking after Rob as his health declined. We are forever grateful to you for this, Mom. You and Dad have taught us what true love in marriage looks like - never easy, always leading with love and showing up for each other over and over. Thank you.
In 2007, Rob had a life-saving heart transplant. We are forever grateful for the bonus 16 years this gave us, at the same time recognizing that forever wouldn't be enough. The ensuing years held their share of health challenges, which he faced with courage and determination. They also held beautiful milestones he was able to be present for because of this gift - the marriage of his children (Ben to Kelly, Erin to Steve), the births of four grandchildren (Cameron, Brock, Ruby and Beckett), and every day spent with Jan, the love of his life. In 2012, they retired to Jan's family farm outside of Belleville, where they enjoyed quiet days together.
Rob was an easygoing and laid-back fellow, who would probably say his favourite thing to do was read a book on the deck of his beloved cottage Pinehaven while his family milled around (often having to shout his name several times before he came out of his book reading reverie). Rob had an incredible sense of humour and an unbelievable work ethic, especially with household duties. It would not be uncommon to see him running from task to task in the garden, bleeding from some unknown injury as he went! He was an animal lover and shared a special relationship with Pearl, who was no doubt waiting for him as he started his next journey. Rob accomplished so many things in his life and inspired so many people, but what's most important is that he loved his family so so well. In the end that is all that matters.
Rob had a large medical team who supported and cared for him over the years, and we are grateful for their knowledge and compassion. Thank you to the Kidd 2 ICU team who provided such loving care to Rob in his final days. As a physician, Rob had a great respect for nurses and all they do. He was cared for by two wonderful ones (Meghan and Adrian) on his final day.
We will miss Rob forever, but the lessons he taught us and the love he gave us are with us eternally. His children and grandchildren are the continuation of his story, and we will walk this road now without him beside us, but forever surrounding us. In memory of Rob and honour of his love for animals and their well-being, donations to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.