Obituary of Robert James ROBERTSON

July 23, 1944 - April 9, 2021 Bob Robertson’s family is saddened to share that there will be no more theories shared, no more oversized glasses of wine poured, and no more endless blooms from the forest of plants that he nurtured with the care and attention to detail that defined his entire life. Bob passed away in Orangeville on April 9, 2021, with his beloved wife Linda by his side, after a spirited and courageous argument with cancer – the only argument in his 76 years he wouldn’t easily win. It’s still hard to imagine that time has stopped for Bob, given that his entire life revolved around growth. His proficiency in the garden (cemented with his role as President of the Orangeville Horticultural Society) was just one example. He devoted his career to education, where he planted seeds of knowledge, confidence, and curiosity in the thousands of students that were fortunate to cross his path. His list of hobbies grew with every passing year, as his fascination with new ideas led him to expert-level status in woodworking, technology, the art and science of knives, the best TV dramas from a dozen countries, gourmet cooking, and so many more. Bob found his own most influential growth came from people. He was intensely curious, eager to learn all he could from whoever he talked to, even if their views at first clashed with his own. His obvious empathy and awareness for the less fortunate among us allowed him to understand realities very different than his own. In fact, the highlight of his time with the Orangeville Optimist’s Club was the help he and the group were able to bring to the community. Of course, Bob understood balance, so was very happy to get together with his lifelong friends for golf and poker and a few hours of regression to his younger days, rather than progression! (These games were often played by “Bob’s Rules”, which are still unclear to the group, even after they played by them for 50 years.) Of all the things that Bob grew, nothing was more important than his brilliant, cherished, independent daughters Kathleen (Andres Munozcano) and Julie (Dan Pye), and his treasured grandchildren Gavin, Owen, and Hannah. He was a present, active, dedicated dad and granddad who delighted in every detail of their lives. He often remarked that he learned more from them in one day than he had taught them in a lifetime. They miss him greatly, but are comforted by knowing that his influence will live forever. Bob grew seamlessly into the role of stepfather to Claire (Paul), Christy (Rich), and Christopher, and delighted in being part of Christy and Rich's daughter Valerie’s life. He embraced that same role with Linda’s children Sue (Frank Brundle) and Gary. Even though they called him “Bob”, to Sue and Frank’s children (Taylor, Camille, and Briar), he was their grandfather in every sense of the word. His departure leaves a hole in their lives that can be only partially filled by the magical memories of the time they shared. Linda and Bob shared 18 wonderful years together, the memories of which will live in Linda’s heart forever. Bob will also be sadly missed by sister Elaine Bertrand (Rene), and many more who knew and loved him. Many people helped make Bob’s last year much more comfortable, and the family will always appreciate your kindness and support. They would like to say a special “thank you” to Dr. Candusso and nurses and PSW's from CarePartners for their considerable help and dedication.  A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date. If you would like to honour Bob’s memory in the meantime, he suggested there were three things you could do. First, you could learn something new today. Second, you could show compassion to someone that needs it. Third, you could make a donation to the charity of your choice. Or in Bob’s words, “preferably all three!” “It is not length of life, but depth of life that matters.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Robertson Family.