Robert Lahey was a man of wit, joy and good humour. He was patient and kind, compassionate and funny and he loved a good long laugh at a terrible joke! Watching sports with Robert while he was in loud disagreements with umpires and commentators on TV was the comical highlight of many days and yet he was such a good listener. He would hold space with you and for you when and if you needed it, he was wise and soothing, without knowing it. Robert also had the uncanny ability to recall countless historical and political facts which made for incredible conversations and enlightened debate. He was one of the smartest people we knew. To know Robert was to admire his quiet character and uncomplicated honesty.
As a youngster, he moved from the coastal town of Port Morien, Nova Scotia to the big city lights of Toronto, Ontario. It was in Toronto that he found the love of his life, the late Julie Lahey, and made a home out of a house in the east end of Toronto with their three boys. This was what he was most proud of.
Robert was direct, generous and discerning. He was also a man of mystery made all the more mystifying by his many names: Umpa and Pa to his grandkids; Autumn, Brook, Eden, Leonie and Evren, Pops or Dad to his sons and daughters-in-law; Jason (Racquel), Ryan (Norma), Matthew (Naomi) or Robert Augustus as he was known to his many siblings in disguise; Maitch, the late Maudina, Tittles, MJ, Pinky, Ankle Pockets, J Crab, Bun and Tipper. To his family in Toronto, he was also affectionately known as simply Bob.
On most days one could find Bob drinking a cup of coffee at his favourite local pub, or making plans to visit his sisters Nola, Laura and Clara to share a cup of strongly steeped tea, Nova Scotian style. On Fridays, you could usually find him enjoying a meal of fish and chips with his beloved brothers and sisters-in-law; Jeanette (Ian), Andre (Andrea), Rod (Maureen) and Boris. On most evenings one could find Bob at home with his dog Murphy, catching up with family and friends on the phone while watching countless episodes of Coronation Street. Other fond memories include year-round trips to the cottage surrounded by nieces, nephews and the late Viktor and Nina, parents-in-law whom he was very close to.
Robert passed away peacefully at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, Ontario and entered into God's loving embrace on Saturday November 16, 2024, in his 80th year of life. Robert was the son of the late Mary Kennedy and he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
Visitation will be held at the Jerrett Funeral Home-Scarborough, 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON, M1K 2B5 on Friday November 22nd, 2024 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, 300 Wolverleigh Blvd., Toronto, ON, M4C 1S6 on Saturday November 23rd 2024 at 9:30am. Burial to follow at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road, North York, Ontario, N2N 5Z5.
Please note; if you are unable to attend the mass or burial in person, the services will be webcasted and recorded. You will be able to join below at the prompt day and time.
Reception to follow: details to be announced.
Visitation will be closed casket and parking is available on site, at all of the above locations.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Robert Augustus Lahey may be made to St. Michaels Hospital Foundation.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.13.0