Obituary

Born November 29, 1936, died May 08, 2024 in his 88th year. Dearly loved father to Julie (Brett), Douglas (Jessica) & Stephanie. Much adored grandfather to Isaac, Cassel, Mark, Ronan, Hilary & Yenna. Predeceased by parents Thomas and Norah Robson and brother John. Survived by his sister Jean Oliver of Hexham and his many nieces and nephews in England, Scotland, and Singapore. Robbie was born at Allgood Farm in Simonburn where he spent his childhood on the family farm surrounded by the pastoral countryside of Northumberland, England. Robbie was adventurous in his youth. After his school days at Shaftoe Trust School Haydon Bridge, he was the first of his family to venture away from home to travel to Malta to complete his national service as part of the Royal Air Force (RAF). After returning, Robbie successfully completed a Bachelor of Science degree from King’s College at the University of Durham. He then moved to Canada in 1958 where he earned a Degree in Agricultural Science from the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph. During his time at UofG, Robbie played both varsity rugby and soccer. He was the goalie for the Men’s Soccer Championship Team winning the national title in 1958 and was inducted into the Guelph Gryphons Hall of Fame in 2010. After graduating and returning to Hexham, England to marry, Robbie moved back to Canada and lived in Toronto and then Rockwood, Ontario with his then wife, Ann. He worked for the Ontario Milk Marketing Board in Toronto for several years before moving to Eramosa Township. Ann and Robbie pursued his dream to own a farm. Purchasing a 180-acre farm north of Rockwood on the 5th line of Eramosa, converting the pig barn to a modern (at the time) milking parlor, building a milkhouse and milking 120 cows himself while working his crops for many years. He had many side ventures along the way including starting up the Country Estate magazine. He was a great writer of articles on agriculture-related topics. He later worked as editor of the Wellington Advertiser Newspaper, covering local events. The farm and his family were his true loves in life. In later years, Robbie’s focus was his unfaltering devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren. He would spend countless hours teaching them to fish, garden, attending every soccer and hockey game he could fit in, doing school pick-ups, and generally spoiling them silly. He was a big kid himself and the grandchildren adored him. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at the Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph on Saturday, May 18th from 11:00 – 1:00pm. Donations in memory of Robbie can be made in his name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Share online condolences and tributes at www.brombal.ca