Robert Gorman

At the Hospice at May Court on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at age 53 following a 1 year battle with glioblastoma. He leaves his beloved wife Claire, sister Cheryl (Doug Collins) and brother Les (Diane Boisvert), mother-in-law Juliette Aubry, sisters-in-law Anne (the late Ken), Elaine Bancroft (John), and Louise, and brothers-in-law Jean (Heather), Pierre (Jane Dudley), Richard (Darquise), numerous nieces, nephews, and many good friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents Ernie and Lola, and brother Ken. He will also be missed by Diane Gorman and Craig Lee. Bob moved to Ottawa from Quebec City with his family when he was 5. At age 7, Bob found his love of nature and bird watching which would define him personally and professionally for the rest of his life. He was a member of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club and was involved in the annual Christmas Bird Counts all over this region for decades. Bob graduated from Carleton University with an M.A. in Geography in 1988, finding a rare niche in remote sensing with specialization in sea ice. In 1989, while working with Canarctic Shipping as a research scientist, Bob met the love of his life, Claire Aubry – from then on they were inseparable. In 1998, Canarctic became Fednav Ltd. and Bob became Manager of Enfotec Technical Services, where he was one of the world’s few glaciologists. Bob often travelled to the Arctic guiding icebreakers to safety using satellite imagery. His ice knowledge and expertise were respected worldwide. He celebrated 25 years with Fednav last December. Many thanks and gratitude go to family, friends and neighbours, the staff and volunteers at the Hospice at May Court, Comfort and Dahabo of Revera, nurse Sue from We Care, and Dr. N Fellegi. Very special thanks to the Fednav family for its never-ending and unwavering support through this heart-breaking journey. Also, special thanks to Tracy Heramchuk, RN BScN, who cared for Bob for months and who not only offered her medical expertise but also her emotional support. You are all true guardian angels. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Bob to the Hospice at May Court or The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club. Visitation at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. in the chapel. Online guest book at www.mcevoy-shields.com.