Roy Eric Robertson

Roy Eric Robertson was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Roy always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Roy was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Roy was born on June 15, 1952 at The only Hospital in Gaspe,Quebec. His parents were Gerrard Robertson and Greta Mullins. Roy was raised in Gaspe, Quebec. Always able to express himself well, Roy possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Roy was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Roy was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Roy was raised with two siblings. He had two younger sisters, Deanie and Chrissie. Roy had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Roy showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Roy enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in hockey.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Roy was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. His favourite class in high school was mathematics.

      Friends and acquaintances found Roy an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Roy was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, his best friend was Reid Burgaise. Later in life, he became friends with Gary Cowan, Sylvia Lyle, Jimmy Rose, John Gilsimen, Johnny Moelartie and Bill Sitler.

      On December 14, 1993 Roy exchanged wedding vows with Carol Anne MacKenzie at the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church of Pickering, Ontario. Roy was attentive to Carol's feelings, and he charmed Carol and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Roy was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humour to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Roy identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Roy was blessed with three children, two sons Marcel and Jerry and one daughter Shauna. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Daniel, Samantha, Emma, Cole, Kaitlyn, Branden and Aaron.

      Roy was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Roy’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Roy was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Roy could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. He was a business owner. He was the owner of Aboutown Brokeridge for more than 30 years.

      Roy enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favourite pursuits were Casino, fishing, horse racing, watching hockey, long drives and snowmobiling. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Roy was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included snowmobiling and hockey. Roy was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was hockey.

      Roy was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Roy was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the St. Isaac Jogues Parish.

      Roy held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church for 25 years.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Roy truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favourite vacations included Gaspe Quebec, Las Vegas and his drives to Florida.

      Roy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Roy’s favourites was Shamon, a chow chow dog. They were best friends for 12 years.

      Roy passed away on December 8, 2015 at At his beautiful home in Newcastle, Ontario. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children Marcel, Jerry and Shauna; his grandchildren Samantha, Daniel, Cole, Emma, Kaitlyn, Aaron and Branden; his sisters Deanie and Chrisse. Services were held at St. Issac Jouie Catholic Church and at Courtice Funeral Chapel.

      Roy was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Roy had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Roy Eric Robertson.

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Passed away peacefully with family by his side after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Dearly beloved husband of Carol. Loving father of Shauna, Jerry (Amber) and Marcel. Cherished papa of Aaron, Brandon, Daniel, Emma, Kaitlyn, Samantha and Cole. Dear brother of Deanie Markvoort and Christine Robertson. Brother-in-law of Sandra Ludgate (Ed) and Susan Cowan. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will take place at Courtice Funeral Chapel 1587 Highway 2, Courtice (905-432-8484) on Wednesday, December 16th from 1:00 pm until time of memorial service in the chapel at 2:00 pm. Donations may be made in memory of Roy to the Sick kids Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.courticefuneralchapel.com