Born in Wamphray Scotland, he joined the Army at 15. He was stationed at the war office in London and then Farid Egypt. Upon returning to Scotland he became the first weaver at the Moffat Handloom Weavers. Dad met his soulmate Elspeth on New Year’s 1949, they were engaged the following summer and married February 3rd 1951. Six weeks later they sailed to Canada, eventually settling in Alberni to start their new life. Dad found work at the Plywood Plant and was able to buy two acres on Chapman Road where they raised their 3 daughters.
Dad loved playing soccer for the Port 54's and his runs with the A.V Runners Club, also completing several marathons. Elspeth also kept him busy wedging her clay, building kilns and packing her pottery to all her shows. Retirement brought world travels and cheering on all the grandkids from the sidelines. One of my dad’s proudest achievements was his big bike trip across Canada, with Elspeth driving the old Astro van making sure he got his tea and cookies. They were such an inspiring team, showing their family what love, respect, passion, support and forgiveness looks like. Robin was one of the longest serving members of the local Legion, where he volunteered and enjoyed the camaraderie of other Veterans.
Sadly Elspeth passed away in 2020 after 69 years of marriage, he was predeceased by his youngest daughter Rhona in 2008. Survived by daughters Sheena Charnell (Laurie) Moira Schmidt (John) Grandchildren, Bryden Rigets (Danice) Jeremiah Woppenkamp, Nathan Woppenkamp (Tahnee) Robyn Schmidt (Anthony) Alexander Schmidt, Everett Watson, Maija Watson.
The family would like to thank all the exceptional staff at Echo Village who have taken such good care of dad these last several years. We will all miss his cheeky sense of humor and those twinkly blue eyes.
A Graveside service will be held on November 8th 2024 at 12:30pm at the Greenwood Cemetery in the Field of Honor.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
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