Robin Harry Stewart
April 10th, 1956 - Monday, July 17th, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robin Stewart.

Robin was born in Iroquois Falls, Ontario in 1956 and began school there before moving to North Bay. He graduated from West Ferris Secondary and went on to Agriculture College in New Liskeard, Ontario with his sister Cindy and girlfriend Leslie.

Following the tragic loss of his older brother Terry while still a teen, Robin was a great support to his family. His loyalty and gift of humour brought comfort to those around him throughout his life.

Robin’s kindness made him easy to like and he truly valued his friendships. He had a great love of music and played banjo in a band with his brother Scot. He could do a perfect rendition of Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection”, a cherished memory for those who knew him as a child. A country boy at heart, his record collection was mainly bluegrass and Merle Haggard, and he was known at college for always wearing a cowboy hat.

Robin loved animals and had a few special ones throughout his life. His cat “Runt”, who travelled across the country with him, and “Charlotte”, his pot-bellied pig. He leaves behind his two current cats; “Runt 2” and “Trouble”. These were orphaned kittens whose lives were saved by Robin syringe-feeding, and nurturing them back to health.

Robin was an artist and collector, and held various jobs throughout his life. He did auto-body work, and even had a catering business in North Bay called “Robin’s Nest”. Eventually, Robin moved west, to Alberta, where he discovered his next great love – The Calgary Stampede. This was his favorite time of the year. His enthusiasm over the concerts, parade, food, beer, people and energy was infectious. He made it to the grounds one last time recently, and in our hearts, this annual celebration will always be “Robin’s Stampede”.

Robin returned to Ontario and worked drilling and blasting rock, a difficult and often stressful job. He eventually purchased both a house on the lake, and the local convenience store in Astorville, Ontario, and settled there with his girlfriend Jenny for a new adventure. It was a happy time and he ran the store for several years before Jenny became ill with cancer. He was at her side throughout those years of treatment and uncertainty, until they sold their business and home and moved back to Alberta. Robin eventually had to weather the loss of Jenny, which was very difficult for him.

Over the following years, Robin worked at challenging jobs. He was aging and had health issues of his own, but he continued to do whatever he needed to make a living. He was hard-working, dependable and quick to help anyone in need. After driving a tow truck through a very cold winter, he went back to school to become a professional long-haul truck driver. This career path suited Robin, and allowed him to travel and see North America for a few years, until he suffered a stroke while on a trip. His sister Cindy brought him back home to Canada, so he could travel a new road, recovery from this set-back.

Robin settled in Okotoks and began driving taxi for a while before finding a position with the Town of Okotoks’ Parks Department. He genuinely enjoyed the people there and appreciated the variety of tasks and ability to be outdoors in the summer. It was minutes from his apartment and he was content.

Although Robin was once a member of a model airplane club and enjoyed building and flying model aircraft, there was one thing he did not enjoy – real planes. He did not want to fly himself, but he did so – twice. Once to attend his niece’s wedding in Las Vegas and once to spend a week in Mexico. Although it took a lot of courage for him to get on those planes, he was so glad he did. He had wonderful experiences, made new friends and was forever proud of the giant fish he caught off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

Robin just had a way of making everything more fun, and was a truly genuine person. He didn’t change for anyone. He always had the same humour, smile, listening ear, and helping hand.

Tragically, he was lost suddenly to a second stroke last week. He leaves behind those who will honour his memory, care for his cats, and love him always. His beloved Mom, Peggy Stewart, with whom he shared a special bond, many laughs, a few tears, and a love of “The Hag’s” music and Cornish pasties. His siblings: Cindy (Jim), Heather, Serene, and nieces and nephews: Tara (Daryn), Dallas (Michele), Dylan (Andrea), Carley (Peter) and great nieces and nephews: Devyn, Brooke, Kyle, Chloey, Olivia and Holden.

He was pre-deceased by his father; James Maxwell Stewart and his siblings; Terry, Willie and Scot.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Robin please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.