September 26, 1952 - February 12, 2019
After many years of ill health, Robert died peacefully at a time and place of his choosing with his family by his side. He is survived by: his wife Gerene Albrecht; his sons Spencer and Fraser (Linda) and his grandson Elon; his mother Jennie Short; his siblings Jennifer, Jacquie (Grant), Hazel (Rod), David (Kathy), Kenneth (Denise), Allison (Jef), Margaret (Mike); niece Jennifer-Mary (Peter);his sister-in-law Dayle and brother-in-law Craig; numerous nieces and nephews and two great nephews.
Robert was born near Sunderland, England and immigrated to Canada as a teenager. He loved his adopted country and embraced the wide open spaces and great outdoors of the west country. He was a lover of all things nature. He studied botany and mushrooms. He enjoyed spending time out at the family cabin near Prairie Creek where he fly-fished with his sons and brother, hunted with his sons and friends, foraged for mushrooms and planted his garlic and shallots.
Robert was intelligent and well read. He had sublime diction and grammar. No one could beat him at Scrabble. He was a skilled duplicate bridge player and astute stock market trader.
Robert was a very skilled advocate; he could out argue most people. He was a very well respected lawyer for almost 28 years before retiring approximately 9 years ago.
While not much of an athlete himself, he was a great armchair athlete. A passionate Manchester United fan, he enjoyed watching every game together with televised golf.
Robert loved his family. He was especially delighted to meet his grandson before his passing.
There are countless people to thank: Robert's family; the former staff and lawyers at Lee & Short; the members of the Red Deer Bridge Club for their kindness and friendship over the years ( special thanks to Lorna and Charlie L. and Ian); his hunting buddies Otto ( sons Jordan and Blaine), George, Gilles and Gerry ; Dr. Maciejko; the nurses of the day room at the Red Deer Regional Hospital and finally the physicians and employees affiliated with MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) and the terrific staff at the Ponoka General Hospital.
Donations to Dying with Dignity Canada or The Lending Cupboard are gratefully accepted.
A private family funeral will be held.