Robert Glenn Rose

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Robert Glenn Rose who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Robert was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Robert knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Robert was born on June 21, 1944 at Hotel Dieu in Kingston, Ontario. His parents were Sadie Emma and William Glenn Rose. Robert was raised in Kingston, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Robert learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Robert was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Robert was raised with two younger brothers, Larry Dennis (born 1950) and Terry Brian (born 1948). Robert had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Robert, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Robert's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Robert enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Robert took part in hockey, baseball and basketball. He was a member of the Kingston Tigers. In his spare time he liked fishing and skating. Robert's memorable achievements were as a hockey player. He played center, with the most goals and assists and no penalties.

      In school, Robert was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Robert was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Robert’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He attended high school in Brighton and enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. His favourite classes in high school were Math, English and Business.

      Robert’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Robert’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Robert saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. His favourite courses were Business Management and Sign Making. Robert was a very intelligent man. His love of books made him an active member of the public library. His was a self made, self taught man. Through reading - business, politics, financial, etc. made him achieve his highest accomplishments both in family and business.

      Robert was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Robert was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Robert came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, his best friend was Tommy Heats - Tommy (the turtle). Later in life, he became friends with Silvia and John Morris.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Robert reveled in the security of his family. On June 10, 2000 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Virginia Olga Craine at the Kingsview United Church of Oshawa, Ontario. One of Robert’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Robert was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Robert would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Robert was blessed with five daughters, Terry Lynne, Christine, Robin, Susan and Kathleen. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren Jackie, Kaytlin, Erika, Ashley, Allan, Hunter, Troy, Shaylin and Tyrone, seven great grandchildren Brooklyn, Jordynn, Jett, Paisley, Sophia Rose, James and Shawna, and three great great grandchildren Kayden, Leona and Isabella.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Robert was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Robert was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Robert upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a National Sales Manager. He was employed for 45 years with Fenco Automotive. Robert was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Robert was an Army Private. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women.

      Robert approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were stamp and coin collecting, reading, watching the News - CNN and home reno's.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Robert to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Robert played hockey. Recreational sports included golf and skating. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey and basketball.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Robert liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Robert was an active member of the CPSA (Canadian Professional Sales Association). He achieved Royal Order of Screechers. He was also a member of Legends Recreational Center and the Public Library.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Robert used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Robert had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favourite vacations included travelling to the west coast - Winnipeg, Manitoba.

      Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Robert’s favorites were his dog Teddy and Tippy his cat. They were best friends for about 13 years. His family was rounded out by his three cats, Bandit, Willow and Perry.

      When Robert’s retirement finally arrived in 2009, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in reading, shopping, keeping busy around the house and a little travelling. In many ways, Robert loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Robert passed away on October 29, 2019 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario. He was a very strong man whose body grew weaker over time. While facing so many obstacles in the end his heart was to weak to pull him through those last days. He is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and his brother Larry and his wife Barb. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Robert was laid to rest in Mount Lawn Memorial Gardens.

      All who knew him would agree that Robert was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Robert Glenn Rose did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

* * * * * * * * * *

ROSE, Robert (Bob)

Passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 at the age of 75, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Bob was born June 21st, 1944 in Kingston, Ontario. Eldest of three brothers, he is reunited with brother Terry and will be greatly missed by brother Larry (Barb). Dear friend of Florence and her family. Predeceased by his mother Sadie Emma Rose, his wife Gertrude Shaw (2003) and loving wife Virginia (2005). Devoted father of Terry Lynne Phipps (Wayne), Christine Garner, Robin Glanville (Al), Susan Rose and Kathy Dumais (Denis).Grandfather of Jackie, Kaytlin, Erika, Ashley, Allan, Hunter, Troy, Shaylin, Tyrone, Kendra, Kayla, Kara, Paige, Benjamin and Abigail. Great grandfather of Brooklyn, Jordynn, Jett, Paisley, Sophia Rose, James, Shawna, Charlie, Oliver, Sophia and Logan. Great great grandfather of Kayden, Leona and Isabella. Successful in his endeavours, he travelled frequently making life-long friends along the way. He will be deeply missed by all. As a man who has shown love and been loved by so many, the family invites all his friends to a celebration of his life at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Saturday, November 9th from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com