Finally found you, not where I expected to find you.  I hope you are at peace.  We may have gone our own ways, but I did and always loved you.  I hope you had a happy life.  We tried to connect a new times, but the trust was gone, and some wounds just can't heal.   Today would have been our wedding anniversary had we survived, have a toast to us in heaven my friend, I will have one here.

Sorry Rob, I would have pushed this memorial a little sooner, but Mom broke her wrist and I was distracted with helping her.  I will be talking to you, and I will be talking to the readers and switching contexts which may be considered improper English, but I want to include you in my monologue of your specialness.



 My story concerns threads of some of your experiences on the farm, and with horses, but I will begin by digressing.



 Rob was a giver, he gave his love, his advice, his emotions, his all or nothing no nonsense attitude, his time.  He spoiled his animals (he loved that Panda dog,although she was a pain), and he loved his Teebs (T.B.) the hot Arab gelding he took on to learn to ride and explore the area, and every animal I have had, or we shared.  We once brought home a 3 day old calf in an old stationwagon, with 5 gallons of moms milk.  Rob thought we should call him Cindy after a girlfriend who became a nasty memory.  Robs reasoning was that it would be easier to feel detached and slaughter the poor bullcalf (if it had a name with bad associations) when the day came.  Well, in this instant Rob was wrong.  Cindy was a favourite, Rob would hang around that cows stall for hours brushing and petting and talking to him.  I remember once turning arouind to see the Cow balanced on Robs shoulders doing his baby boy best to cozy up to him, with Rob not even noticing as he talked to me leaning against the rails.  Rob was kind of pickled that night, and we both had a great laugh at the experience.  There were a few times Rob had to chase that cow down the road, and herd him in to the farmyard.  Rob didnt mind, as both of them loved each other.  Needless to say, Rob could not be there on the day Cindy went to slaughter.  Rob also got used to kicking my attack duck a few times, and being butted by Birch our Heidi Goat.  He handled it all with good humour.



 Another good story was in Rob's equine abilities.  When I initially knew him, he was not very familiar with horses.  In fact they kind of scared him.  The size , the indepence and the quickness.  But he came to love my little guy Robin, and quickly wanted one of his own.  We found him Teebs.  Teebs would take him all over Harvey Township, in the bush, over hills, into water, crown land and all, and Rob became pretty good at staying on and telling Teebs where to go in a relatively fast way.  He kept getting his ball cap knocked off, so it taught him to mount up and down very fast. Sometimes Teebs would take him on a short journey without me, but that made it a little more exciting and challenging.



 Early on before Rob had much experience with horses, let alone, knowing how to put halters on, I left him in charge of the farm to look after the animals while I went to the cottage (he graciously offered).  He was gung ho until I got the call that they had all got out, and ran a couple kilometres down the road toward the local Golf Course, and thank goodness they veered to the right, into the last farm before the greens, only a couple hundred feet away,  Rob went up to drag them back, with his beer, and low and behold, he got halters on, managed to keep calm and humourous, and led them all the way back to the farm through traffic and a long hike.  Now I call that a man with chitzpa, and a great sense of responsibility, and friendship.



 He was one of my favourite riding partners as well.  Rob had no compunction about trespassing and going where no man or woman has ridden before (except maybe 100 years ago).  We had such great fun.



 I can also say that I have to express great thanks to you Rob, that I own the farm that I own now.  You came with me when I first went to check it out.  You encouraged me to put an offer in and even suggested the number.  You have always supported me one hundred percent in any decision I have made, and helped me think of all of the rational reasons why I should do it.  I could not ask for a better friend than the one I had in you Rob.  You helped me on every farm I had in a variety of ways.  Rob and I even went on a store venture.  It was called Loganbrans Serendipity Shoppe.  We served homemade sandwiches with select meats and buns, and condiments, it was an antique curio shop as well as an arts coop.  We both decided a couple of months in that we had better things to do with our summer on the farm, but we had fun setting it up.



 You/He was a great uncle to all of my kids, and he expressed his laugh, and love, and disapointment without reservations. He spent a good amount of time with them encouraging and helping them follow theirs interests, or problem solve any troubles. Such loyalty was a strong suit in my friend. Rob was part of my  family. He knew he was welcome anytime, as I know he was in many peoples hearts and homes.  My Mother and My aunt absolutely adored him.



 I think that despite your copious love of beer, we became fast and close friends because of the incredible candid way we had about communicating with each other.  We had an interesting insight with each other, and you made me laugh a lot.  You were never beyond accepting suggestions, nor I yours.  And you were so very patient with me when I didnt (often with regret) take your advice.  You let me be me.  I never in the close to 25 years of knowing you, ever heard an abusive hint of any thing bad coming out of your mouth and directed to me.  Not one hurtful nasty word.  I felt safe with you as a friend. I know there were lots of times you were frustrated though.You were a fellow that definitly did not mind speaking your mind.  In writing you were an exeptional talent, especially when your ire was up on an important issue, and the newspapers had the blessing of receiving one of your sharp witted letters.  You were publshed quite often.  That was something to be proud of.  You did have a streak of social activist in you.  You were incredibly quick witted and  intelligent and that proof was in how you constantly reinvented yourself, and this was in despite of your love of hops! As I raise a glass to you now.  You enjoyed life, and you knew how to make the most of it.  Especially when you realized how you had first dodged the bullet.  It was amazing how you just kept reinventing yourself.  And you did it despite a distractional love of beer, and you still manage to accomplish things that only some of use think about in what if's and dreams.  How many people go back to school in their 40's and take on a whole new line of education, and was at the cutting edge of a whole new technological area of employment?  You were in one of the first in those Heavy Equipment Tech courses.  And you landed a bonus type job.  You did very well for yourself, and in this way pride could only be expected from you.  



 Then you got into photography, and travel every where, and travelling the race circuits.  You helped find stuff that was hard to find, and you did a lot of research for me.  And when I was cranky or giving you heck for something a little too colourful, you were always respectful of what I was saying.



 I can also say that your time with your family was of good quality, your last days were miraculous despite how you suffered.  I think it is so incredible that you finally got to meet your son, and spend some precious time with him.  All of your important chapters had been worked on and finished.I never really heard you complain in a serious way.  You were so stoic Rob.  You were an energizer bunny at times.  You became a hero Rob, and I only wish I was there to say goodbye in your final moments.  I regret that we did not talk about the memories I mentioned above before you were gone.  I think I was still in denial, that I would see you again despite my texts, and visits. And I do know as that in the exit time people begin to withdraw and internalize.  You had a great family by your side however.  They love so dearly, and will grieve your loss forever.  You are so loved by so many.



 I know that you Rob were really appreciative of  family and the plethora of friends you had.  You were an interesting, intelligent and multilayered good guy who evolved over time into something magnifcent.  We can only hope we can come to the end of our days with half the dignity that you, Rob portrayed.



 Going to forever miss you my friend.  It still feels weird thinking your not here on earth with us, and not going to be coming for a visit. I still have your texts to read, not enough near the end however, and up until a week ago I coiuld hear your voice on your answering machine.  I wish I could record it. I know that if what ever can be done up there in regards to watching down on us, helping  and putting in a good word you would do it Rob,



 Peace my friend, and thankyou for everything your were and did as my friend, and a friend to others. xox God Loves You xox

My heart breaks still for the loss of Rob. I still think of him everyday, and have a hard time believing is passed from this earth and will not be hanging out with him again. He was a best friend, and a great son and brother, and with further time Father. My latest and ongoing condolences to you, the whole family, you were all so incredibly important in the quality of life he had in his last few days, weeks and months. You were all fortunate to have each other. He knew how much you loved him. I feel your pain, but I know yours cuts much deeper as you are his blood, and his overall history. Take care, and take comfort that there are people such as my self thinking of you. If there is something I can do for Bob, Randy, Richard and Ross in the future, please let me know. And don't forget to invite me to the memorial beer. Otherwise I am crashing your cottage/or house with my own case of?

Our heartfelt sympathy to you Uncle Bob and your family.

My Love and Respect go out to Bob, Randy, Ross & Robs Son Richard, in this Time of Sorrow, & My Thoughts & Prayers are with you Always as Well. Please Call Me anytime If there is Anything I can Do To Help you in this Time of Loss Sincerely Your Friend Always, Tom.

John and Dorothy made a donation to CAMPBELLFORD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

I'm glad that Rob and I where able to have long goofy and serious email conversations. I loved to see his pictures that he was so proud of and willing to share. I have lots and will cherish them all. It was nice to get to know him again after all these years. From myself and family our condolences to Uncle Bob, Randy, Ross and his family. Try to keep your faith and know that Robby is now without pain and cancer and that is the comfort to hold onto. Love Vivian

OBITUARY

Robert Langlois

Passed away on 22 DECEMBER, 2015

Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre

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