Passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Béatrice Guermonprez, with whom he shared more than 40 wonderful years.
He is also survived by his sisters Debbie (Moshe), Linda (John) and Cathy (Wayne); his sons Don (Marielle), Dave (Diane), Dan and Dennis; grandchildren Amber (Charlie), Dane and Madison (Derek); and great-grandchildren Grace, Levon and Emmett.
A veteran of the RCAF, he flew F-86 Sabres in Europe, was a member of the Golden Centennaires, Canada's centennial air demonstration team, and eventually was Commanding Officer of 413 Search & Rescue Squadron in Summerside, P.E.I.
Robert loved life and enjoyed it fully: skiing, golfing, travelling, socializing with family and friends. He was a real gentleman, a loving husband and father on whom you could always count. He will be missed deeply by all who were lucky enough to know him.
A funeral service will be held on 29 April 2022 at 2 p.m., at the National Military Cemetery, Beechwood Cemetery, in Ottawa. Reception to follow. Vehicles are to assemble at the main reception building between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m.
Digital Guestbook
John Nelson
Amber Dagenais
My dear Grandpa. I've struggled to write something here- it makes the goodbye seem more real. I was heartened to read all of these lovely tributes. I have lots of great memories with grandpa and Béatrice; moments in time when they were home at their cool apartment downtown where dad and I would stay when he was visiting Ottawa. And at their cottage, or their chalet, and I was always excited when we got to snag some time with them when they happened to be home and not on one of their many amazing trips. He was always travelling, wandering - inspiring me to long for the same type of adventure in my life. Only 15 years til retirement and I hope to follow in grandpa's well-travelled footsteps. He never missed a birthday and made sure I always got a card in the mail, and my kids continue to love getting a special piece of mail from Bonne Maman et Bon Papa. I'm not sure he knew but I often talked about his very cool flying career, celebrating his time in the Golden Centennaires and the fact that my Grandpa was in a freaking comic book - coolest grandpa ever!! We certainly bragged about it more than him. He was humble about that time in his life, and I'm not sure I can remember him ever talking about flying very much. Kind of quiet, not much of a phone talker, sometimes silly, hardworking, humble, kind and generous, I think my grandpa was one of a kind. He had an easy smile but the best was when I made him laugh - what a great feeling that laugh gave us! I wish I had had more time with him. But I am very grateful that I got to know him for 40 years, and that I have some sweet memories that I will hold close to my heart. I'm so glad that Grace, at 17, got to know him and has some of her own special memories. I still can't believe that I managed to get grandpa to a few birthday parties with a dozen 4 and 5 year olds when Grace was little. Truly entertaining-This gave me great joy! I only regret that my little fellas, Levon and Emmett, didn't get more time with him. I will keep his memory alive for them - they already tell people that their grandad (my dad) and their Bon Papa flew airplanes from the airplane museum, which is pretty cute. I miss you Grandpa, and wish I could have snagged some more hugs before having to say goodbye. Love you always. -Amber
Beatrice Lanoix
Mes pensées sont avec vous et la famille en ce moment difficile. Je garde bon souvenir de Robert, c’était un homme avec un grand cœur. Je partage votre tristesse ♥️
Rene Desilets
J'ai eu l'occasion de donner un coup de main à Robert au chalet du lac Clair. J'en garde le souvenir d'un homme aimable, débrouillard, habile. C'est une grande perte pour la communauté. Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille et plus particulièrement à Béatrice. Bon courage.
Waymel Hubert
Très bons souvenirs de Robert et de toi Beatrice
en 2001 à l occasion de l installation de nos enfants à Montréal, ou vous nous avez chaleureusement accueillis
Nous t embrassons Hubert et Patricia
Lepoutre colette
Pour Robert que Jésus le prenne en Grâce.
Colette lepoutre Peucelle
Il est heureux pour toujours avec JÉSUS.....
A patient Squadron CO. He will be missed by many.