Friday, February 21, 2014
Rob joined the Canadian Army Reserve (Militia) at 23 (Hamilton) Service Battalion as a Weapon’s Technician (Land) in Maintenence Company of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch on 16 Jan 1986. He progressed through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Sgt on 1 Nov 1993. He was extensively employed in training of both Recruits, Apprentices, Journeymen ans Trade Specialist Supervisors over the years. Rob had many employments at Borden, Meaford, Petawawa, Chilliwack, and Gagetown in positions of increasing importance and responsibility. He was awarded his First Clasp for his Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) on 16 Jan 2008 and retired from the Canadian Forces on 19 Apr 2013 with 25 years of accumulated pensionable service. Rob was able to meld his love for history and culture with his passion for his chosen profession over the years and enjoyed a number of hobbies and activities including World War 2 Re-enacting, Black Powder and Cowboy style pistol range shooting, and not to forget his love of Star Trek conventions. A proud highpoint was his participation in the European battlefield tours. His RCEME Period Dress participation in numerous commemorative events and acts of remembrance made him a recognizable and welcome feature within the Simcoe County veteran's community. He really opened up when talking to the older veterans after our events, taking special care of those former RCEME veterans residing in rertirement homes. Words to the Last Post: Come home! Come home! The Last Post is sounding for you to hear. All good soldiers know very well there is nothing to fear, While they do what is right, and forget All the worries they have met, In their duties through the year. A soldier cannot always be great. But he can be a gentleman, And he can be a right good friend, To his comrades in his squad. So all you soldiers listen to this – Deal fair by all and you’ll not be amiss. Be Brave! Be Just! Be Honest and True - Men! Rob was a quiet, well read, gentle giant and a loyal friend and brother-in-arms and will be sadly and genuinely missed. Arte et Marte!
