Robert Albert Lewis Dollin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Albert Lewis Dollin – known to all of us as “Rob” or “Bob Jr”—at the age of 74 in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Predeceased by his parents Robert Sr and Ann, sisters Sandra and Brenda.

Left with decades of fond and colourful memories are his brothers Russell and John, sister-in-law Sandi, cousins Gerry and Nancy, brother-in-law Sandy, and his three adult children (Rona): daughter Tamsin, daughter Corey (Randy), son Jasin (Michelle).

Robert was Grandpa to 5 grandchildren: Eric, Kennedy, Edhan (Corey) and Ruby, George (Jasin)--- as well as 3 great grandchildren: Jace, Jaxon, Jayden (Kennedy) and paternal uncle to Nathan, Olivia, Victoria (Brenda) and Brayden, Nicole (Russell).

Rob shared many holidays and celebrations (big and small) with his dear friend and partner-in-crime, Ria, who captured many of their shenanigans on camera. He was always smiling, looking giddy.

He was roommate to his cat, Sabre – who’s healthy and happily living his best life with his new family, thanks to foster mum Susan.

Rob lived in many places across southern Ontario, as well as a few years in Truro, Nova Scotia with his family in the early 80s. As a sales executive, Robert traveled extensively across North America for a major distributor of electronic and cable components in the very early days of the cable TV industry in Canada.

It’s no secret that Rob appreciated nice things. He loved attending the Annual Boat Show. Back in the 70s, he drove a massive dark green Chrysler Cordoba ‘like a boss’ (plenty of room for 3 kids in the back!). One time, he went out for lunch in the early 80s and returned home with a brand-new 2-door Camaro (a little squished in the back seat but, again, pretty boss).

An avid collector, Robert enjoyed wearing hats (Tilley!). But more than anything, he loved a well-cut suit and even splurged  on custom bespoke a few times (Lou Myles). He always cleaned up real nice for work---he was in sales, after all. Always going off to work smelling good and looking good in his suits.

While Robert was known for always dressing his best—let’s be clear, he was never known for his handyman skills (he once attempted to “seal a winter draft” with a can of that expanding sticky foam around the front door and unintentionally glued us in the house).

A consummate Trekkie, his children remember him fondly for his love of Star Trek and the remote control. We declared him Master of the Remote long ago (He had five!). He loved watching movies (Indiana Jones, James Bond, Planet of the Apes), public television (PBS!) and the Home Shopping Channel – usually at top volume.

Robert never (ever!) met an “all-you can eat” buffet he didn't like. He was a good sport for putting up with incessant teasing from his adult daughters who did their best to make him laugh hysterically—especially when he had food in his mouth.

He was fiercely independent (sometimes quite stubborn!) and he voiced his preferences, especially when it came to sliced bread (definitely Dempsters–Not Wonder!).

Rob was a hoarder of pens and coasters, who once spurned the advances of a Bond Girl (yeah, the last part was in his dreams!). He had a bizarre soft spot for Italian sausages and hot dogs (for which he was teased incessantly and often received hilariously vulgar “wiener” memes from his eldest).

Robert’s hobbies included Euchre, Cribbage, and Backgammon. In the past, he played ice hockey and baseball. He loved fishing, nature, and being outdoors (many hikes as a family).

Known for his courage and tenacity, Rob helped people and stood up for what he believed was right. Once, he was commended by York Region Police Services Board and received an award for rescuing someone and saving their life! He was even featured in the local newspaper.

For many years, Robert participated in programs and social outings arranged by the Brain Injury Association of York Region (BIAYR) and the March Of Dimes. These folks were his tribe! Rob was very proud of his crew in York Region. He will be fondly remembered by his many wonderful friends in the community, especially during nail-biting Euchre tournaments!

No flowers, please.  Seriously, what would have made him the happiest is for you to go have a cup of coffee with a friend and enjoy a good laugh, maybe trade some toilet humour or corny jokes. He’d like that. And remember: Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’M POSSIBLE.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held in July (possibly around his birthday 22/23rd) when everyone can safely gather together—his favorite foods will be served. If you’d like to be notified, just let the family know (tamsinjoy@gmail.com). Thank you.

Thank you to individuals, groups, or institutions:

• Susan and Sandy, cat foster parents extra-ordinaire!
• Mary Dilallo from Brain Injury Association of York Region (BIAYR)
• Daniel and Nancy from Ontario March of Dimes

Donation suggestions:

• Brain Injury Association of York Region (BIAYR) https://www.biayr.org/
• March of Dimes Ontario https://marchofdimes.akaraisin.com/ui/MODCDonationEN/donations/start