Robert Knight McKenna

      Many things can be said about Robert Knight McKenna. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Robert was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

       His parents were Michael and Jessie McKenna. Robert was raised in Oshawa, Ontario. When he was young, Robert's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Robert demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

      As a young boy, Robert was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Robert could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in baseball and hockey. He was a Boy Scout. However, to Robert, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

      During his high school years, Robert had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Robert had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Robert was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Robert as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

      On January 31, 1948 Robert married Dorothy May Blight at the Northminster United Church of Oshawa, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Robert worked hard to make his new family happy. By trusting his emotions, Robert did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Robert was truly a person of empathy.

      Robert's quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Robert shared these values with his two sons, Michael and Donald. Robert was also blessed with two grandchildren, Teresa and Laura. Robert related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

      Robert experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He was employed with De Haviland Aircraft of Canada. Robert always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Robert took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Robert was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Robert continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

      Robert was a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Robert saw action during World War II. His fellow soldiers knew him as being very resourceful and kind. Robert demonstrated personal initiative and valued these same principles in those with whom he served.

      Because he was organized and methodical, Robert took great pleasure in his various hobbies. One of his favorite pursuits was Model Railroading. Robert enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      Robert derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Robert delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Robert played baseball, track and field, hockey and was in the Boy Scouts. Recreational sports included hockey and softball. Robert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were curling and football.

      Throughout his life, Robert was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Robert was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Robert was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Robert's involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Robert's ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Robert was an active member of the Pine Ridge Model Railroaders.

      Robert was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. Serving on committees for the Minor Hockey Associations and Minor Ball Associations.

      Robert's faith was important to him. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

      Robert enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Robert were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Colorado and the Maritimes.

      When Robert's retirement finally came in 1977, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Robert had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Robert knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved relocating to Oshawa from Richmond Hill. In retirement, he continued to find pleasure in model railroading. Even in retirement, Robert continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Robert passed away on May 20, 2009 at Lakeridge Health,Oshawa of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his sons Mike and Don, and his granddaughters Teresa and Laura. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Robert was laid to rest in Groveside Cemetery, Brooklin, Ontario.

      Throughout his life, Robert was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Robert leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Robert Knight McKenna.