Rob passed away peacefully on August 27, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his devoted family - wife Susan and daughters Rachel (Yang) and Devon. He will be missed by so many and remembered for his generous and open nature, his sharp and unique wit, his wisdom, his true friendship and his genuine goodness.
Rob was the only child of Earl and Wilma Robertson of Gananoque, Ontario. As a boy, he liked to play all sports and enjoyed summers at his grandparents' cottage on Charleston Lake. After graduating from McGill University and Western law school, he moved to Ottawa and worked for 31 years at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), principally as General Counsel.
Rob believed in service and tried to honour that belief. He served as the president of Amnesty International Canada, the chairman of the HealthBridge Foundation of Canada, and the chairman of the South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre. While attending St. Timothy's Presbyterian Church, he was an elder, the chairman of the Board of Managers, and the chairman of the Refugee Sponsorship Committee. At St. Andrew's Church, he was an elder, the administrative clerk of session, the chairman of the Mission and Outreach Committee and of the Communications Committee, and the congregation's liaison with the Centretown Emergency Food Centre. For four years, he was the national convenor of Presbyterian World Service & Development. He was made an honorary life member of the Marco Depestre Foundation (Ottawa). He was also the chairman of the IDRC Alumni Association.
Rob was very grateful for the love and attention of his church family, the doctors and nurses of the Ottawa General Hospital and the Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital's palliative care unit, his many friends and, most of all, his family.
A funeral will be held at St. Andrew's Church, at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew's Church or the Marco Depestre Foundation (Ottawa).
Digital Guestbook
Huda Kandalaft
Shaun Bona
On more than one occasion, Rob’s legal wizardry was cosmic, particularly during the winding-up of our Johannesburg office. More importantly and since then, a friendship matured at which time I treasured his decorum, his jollity, and his sweeping proficiency.
A few years back, Rob “inducted” me into IDRC’s Alumni Executive, an honour that connected me with cherished colleagues and friends. For this, I will always be obliged.
Alongside Rob’s warm and genuine personage, he is someone who has used his life to touch so many. I feel incredibly privileged to be one of them.
Melanie Abeysundera
My deepest condolences to Rob's family. He was a kind, steady and reassuring presence at St. Andrews and will be greatly missed.
Yvette Depestre
Dear Susan, Devon, Rachel (Yang),
It is with a heavy heart that I received news from you of Rob’s passing into Eternal Life. Such a caring, gentle child of the Living God he was, that when sharing his diagnosis he wanted to comfort me by telling me that the Peace of Christ surrounded him when he learnt of his diagnosis. I knew his deep faith would carry him through his health challenges.
The Marco Depestre Foundation has lost a very dear friend. Rob supported all our projects and programs, particularly the tuition and the nutrition supplement elements of our Child sponsorship project, the home repairs, the construction of the Maro Verger School (I am so happy there is a plaque in his honour there), the agroforestry project and the Christmas meals.
Rob was always a source of great encouragement. He worked tirelessly to make the Foundation more visible at St. Andrew’s, through presentations, interviews, and lunch and learn sessions. He was always ready to help, responding spontaneously to needs. The Foundation is a better organization because of his generous spirit. In May 2020, he was made an Honorary Member for life in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the work of the Foundation.
On a personal note, Rob was always the first to enquire of the safety of my family and those of the Foundation each time there were troubles in Haiti.
Rob leaves a legacy of contributing to the betterment of the lives of the less fortunate and this will forever be remembered.
On behalf of the Marco Depestre Foundations of Ottawa and of Haiti, please accept our heartfelt condolences. His memory will ever be etched in our hearts.
The following verse is one dearest to Rob that will be associated with the way he lived.
"Let us stir up others to love and good works." Hebrews 10:24-25
PAUL MZANDU
Thank you Rob for your guidance on the Communications Committee. It was great working with you. Also for your work in Malawi through PWS&D. Rest in Peace Rob.
Kaye Meikle
I feel very lucky to have worked with Rob for many years at IDRC. He was not only a valued colleague for his legal wisdom, but a warm, caring man with an amazing sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by many and will never be forgotten at IDRC. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Vanessa Brydges
Our deepest condolences. We will miss him very much. May the Holy Spirit comfort you all. May Rob rest in peace. (Colton and Vanessa)
Pam and Greg
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Devon and Rachel (and Yang), on Rob's passing. He has made a contribution to the world, Sue, and we will miss his candor, wit, friendship and humility.
This is really from Ed and Pamskie, in case you don't recognize the official names we have used...
Colleen Duggan
My deepest condolences to Rob's family. I had the pleasure of working with Rob in different capacities over the years at IDRC. I remember his commitment and passion for law, and the lighter, playful tone he brought to our workplace everyday with his wonderful sense of humor.
Mélanie Boulanger
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends. He is certainly an inspiration and must have had a very positive impact on his community and many others. May he never be forgotten and above all honored.
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Rob was a great leader and an inspiration to so many. His dedicated ministry and compassion especially for mission and for refugees will be remembered. May his memory be eternal. Our thoughts are with dear Susan, Rachel and Devon. May you have the peace that surpasses understanding at this time of grief. Christ is Risen!
Saad and Huda