Obituary of Robert Henry Rorabeck

(Nov 30, 1929 - March 8, 2021) It is with profound sadness that the Rorabeck family announce the death of Robert (Bob) “Old Smoothy’’ Rorabeck at the age of 91 after a grand life shared with beloved family and numerous friends. Dad passed away in the arms of his best friend, his son Jim , at his daughter Cathie  and son -in -law Ken Hillock’s home in Port Perry after a short illness with CHF and kidney disease. Bob was the cherished husband of the late Margaret Marie Sheridan Rorabeck (January 2020) for 72 years, she was the love of his life. He was the beloved and best father, and golf partner of John (Linda) of Grafton ON, Catherine ( Ken Hillock ) of Port Perry ON, Margaret (Larry Dart) of Haliburton, James Rorabeck of Oshawa,  Mike (Anne) Newcastle ON , Ann Marie ( Stan Szmyr)  Courtice ON and William “Bill” Rorabeck of Oshawa ON   Proud and loving grandfather of James(Jim), Kathleen (Katie) , Jamie, Jennifer, Michael, Stephanie , Sheryl, Myles,Robert, Bryan, Mathew, Sarah, Kevin, Carolyn, Alisa , Katelyn and Robyn 

Dad  was also blessed with  13 great-grandchildren whom he loved and  It saddened him that he was unable to get to spend time with the new babies in our family  Madalyn and Logan (due to Covid 19 )

Dad was born  on Oxford St. in south Oshawa , or as he would say “ College Hill “ and grew up never leaving that part of Oshawa where he met mom at 15  married her at 18 yr of age and moved to Taylor Ave. in 1957 to raise his growing family.

He was predeceased by his parents William Earl and Maude (Reyner) Rorabeck  and his siblings Morley, William and Don Rorabeck 

For 45 years, Dad worked for the A&P Grocery Company  starting at 15 years of age during the 2nd world war , as a grocery clerk, stocking shelves at a small downtown Oshawa store and culminating in managing his own store in Whitby ON. Mom and Dad raised 7 kids in that Taylor Ave. Oshawa home  until we all finally left and they retired to happiness for 20 years of golfing, dancing, travelling and  friendship @ Wilmot Creek, Newcastle. They travelled extensively from coast to coast in Canada, countries of Europe  and every island in the Caribbean. He will also be remembered for love of our RORABECK Golf Tournament yearly , spanning 40 plus years 

Family and friends who associated with Bob (and Marg) were fortunate to be loved by such a generous, wise and kind-hearted soul. He was truly a unique human.’’A Good Decent Man’’

He will continue to be loved, respected and deeply missed by all who knew him. He focused on family always 

Dad was a 43 year member of St Gertrude's Parish Oshawa, a 20 year parishioner of St Therese Parish, Courtice and life time member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Dad would also like us to thank Dr. Kate Newton in Newcastle for her overwhelming support of his emotional and physical health needs after mom's passing in January 2020.

A special thank you to the staff of the LHIN, Partners In Community Care , SE Health , Paramed ,Doug Brown and the staff at Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry.  The wonderful support of Port Perry Palliative Care team with Dr. M Brown made it possible for dad’s wishes to be fulfilled to end his time here with us at his daughter Cathies home. 

Due to CoVid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa (south side of Taunton Road, east of Thornton Road by the Oshawa Airport) 905-440-3595.   Robert will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Margaret at St Gregory's Catholic Cemetery, Oshawa. 

If desired, memorial donations may be made by cheque to   oakridgeshospice.com

Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.destefanofuneralhomes.ca

 

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