I have so many great memories of my brother, aka Robbie, Robert, Rob, Tookey Bird, that I don't even know where to begin.  Robbie was larger than life! There was never a dull moment, or a shortage of words or conversation when we hung out. He was always the life of the party! His witt and sense of humour was extremely funny and  incredibly brilliant. Robbie also had a such a kind heart and gentle side to him. Not only was he the best big brother a sister could have, he became the most incredible husband to his wife Kate, and father to their three children, Georgia, Jacob and Owen.  
Robbie, I can’t say RIP because that’s not your style. Live large up above. I know that your spirit will always be surrounding us. I love you forever!❤️🕊️♾️❤️

So long, Tookey Bird.  Two Banff kids couldn't have asked for a better place to grow up.  Lots of mischievous fun - no one got arrested. Lots of adventures in the bush and backcountry - no one got hurt.

Dear Kate and family, I send you my sincere condolences.  Everyone wishes for another 20+  years of Rob's companionship, escapades and wry wit. However, without a doubt,  Rob certainly made the best of what he was given.

My favourite Rob memory is a trip we took to Grand Targhee ski resort with Jacob and Owen and my son Jackson. The boys were competing in the North American Free Ski Championships, so we all piled in Rob’s vehicle for the 16 hour drive. 16 hours can be a long time in a vehicle with the same company, but Rob’s storytelling and humour made the hours fly by. Every stop along the way involved picking out the greasiest spoon for food, and even the flat tire  in Montana had some laughs and a lot of junk food to ease the pain. Rob was the loudest proudest dad cheering for Jacob at the event. Makes me smile remembering that trip with Rob.

Dear Kate and family, I am so,so sorry to read about Rob’s passing. I only knew him briefly from the times he came to your  yoga classes at Paradigm but I remember his sense of humour and the laughs. I send so much love to you as you navigate this most difficult time. ❤️Maureen Mol

I am so sorry for your loss.  I remember Rob at Rude Boys when I, then a 40+ woman, went in to inquire about foodbeds.  I was a little tentative, not being an agressive skier.  Rob treated me with respect and helped me improve my skiing.  I remember his children from my days at Banff Elementary School.  Rob will live on in our hearts.
Mary Buckingham, Banff

The Tookie Bird can soar to great heights.  
When he’s under the lights that come on at night…make EVERYBODY gonna’ feel alright!
When he Soars 
And we Roar…
Know he’s opened the Door!
Then we’ll miss him no more.
As we jump on his wings 
And he sings:
“Well,I just got into town about an hour ago!  Tooke a look around me which way the wind blow!”

He’s my special, favorite Bird.
A rare bird, rest assured.
Never Good-by
Together We Fly, Tookie and I!

If you ruffle his feathers, they stick up on his head all over the place in a randomly endearing pattern. This ‘sick flow’ is vital to his mating ritual and is surprisingly disarming and effective. Chicks dig it.

The Tookie Bird is very loyal and mates for life.  He typically likes to practice reproducing often and with great vigour!  His mating dance is greatly respected by all in his massive flock which can number in the thousands.  He can squawk like a raven and twitter like a nightingale, for his vast appreciation of music is innate and prevalent in his species. He seems to prefer to dance The Funky Chicken. Interesting.

Though he seldom settles, when he does, you can tuck into his shiny feathers and the downy under layer feels nice and warm. 
Foraging through the fields and forests (And the occasional garden -naughty bird!), he returns to his nest with endless bounty to sustain his chicks. Nan’s butter tarts are a specialty. 
Offspring are generally well spaced in groups of three, born with soft, downy heads and sturdy wings of their own! They learn to fly at an early age and are agile and acrobatic. Naturally, they receive their best survival traits from the female Tookie Bird, as it is widely believed that she is the funny one.

The Tookie Bird has an enormous wing span. Like the condor-only bigger. As soon as he spreads his wings open, you laugh. You can’t help yourself. When he Flaps, you cringe, and then you laugh harder.
Big beak.

To Kate, Georgia, Jacob, Owen and the whole Tooke clan. Robbie, a larger than life character was the first friend I ever had. I will always cherish the countless adventures, abundant laughs, and great times we had together, from little kids until now. We went through all the growing years together and never missed an opportunity get out and have fun, or prank each other. He had a very unique charm bookended by a sharp wit and infectious sense of humor. You always knew when Rob was in the room! We shared a love for the outdoors and trudged up many peaks together over the years. with that, I will never forget him, he's everywhere I turn in the Bow Valley. The Jansens all feel a huge sense of loss as he was ever present in our lives. I will miss my long time, and loyal friend! Go in peace buddy, and know you were loved by so many!

OBITUARY

Robert Bruce Tooke

2 June, 1961 – 19 November, 2025

Pleasant Valley Funeral Home

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