Unexpectedly, at his favourite place—the cottage. Devoted partner to Sue Clerk and beloved Father of Katie (Shaun) Corbett and Samantha (Ryan) Taylor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Proud ‘Grandpa’ to Cohen and ‘Grandpy’ to Avery. He will be deeply missed by his Brothers Jeff (Pattee) of Ottawa and Dave (Kendra) of Aurora, and by his nieces and nephews—Ben, Alex, and Evalyn. Rob was predeceased by his parents, George and Betty Taylor, and is survived by his sister-in-law Cheryl (Rick) Henderson, brother-in-law David Harvey, father-in-law John Harvey (Fran), step-son Alex Clerk, and step-grandson Benjamin Clerk of Calgary.
Rob’s greatest joy in life was being a loving Father to Katie and Sam and a devoted Grandfather to Cohen and Avery. Their happiness, achievements, and well-being were always his highest priority, and he never hesitated to offer his time, support, and encouragement.
Rob cherished his time with Sue at their cottage on Dan’s Lake near Maniwaki. Whether walking the bush, hunting, riding his side-by-side, cruising in his pontoon boat, or working tirelessly on the property, Rob was always in motion. A true “doer,” he never waited for someone else to tackle a task—he simply got it done, both at home and whenever family needed a hand. You could always rely on Rob.
As a Master Warrant Officer, Rob proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 35 years. Enlisting in 1985, he completed basic training and went on to serve across Canada and abroad, including CFB Baden–Soellingen in Germany supporting Canada’s F-18s; Ottawa, supporting Canada’s Challenger jets; Honduras as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission; Halifax supporting Sea King helicopters; and Borden managing training resources for Air Force Aviation Systems. Known for his integrity, commitment and sense of humour he earned the respect and friendship of colleagues and subordinates alike. After retiring in 2021, Rob continued to support the military in a civilian role and remained deeply proud of his service.
Rob’s final days were spent exactly as he would have wished—at the lake, hunting, and surrounded by cousins and family. The pain of his loss will be felt by all who knew and loved him, but most deeply by his partner Sue, his daughters, and his grandchildren.
The family will be present to receive condolences in the Hall of Colours at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa) on December 1st at 9 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 10 a.m and an interment with military presence at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in honour of Rob’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Karen Antle
Claude Marcoux
So sorry hear! My condolences to the family. First met Rob when I came to Shearwater in 2000 while working in ARO. Had many laughs, he was always telling me stories , and always had a hard to finish them because he was laughing so hard. Hard to opportunity to work with him at his house. and having a great. You’ll be missed by all. RIP buddy….,
Doug Grover
Rob was a terrific person to work for and with, a great mentor and friend gone way too soon.
John Hawley, MWO, CF/RCAF Retired
Sad news indeed. Rob was a great and kind person. He was also a dedicated and excellent technician and supervisor. Sincere sympathy and condolences to all Rob’s family and friends. 🇨🇦🙏🏻✈️
Flo Wilson
Rob, you have and always will be one of my favorite people, on this earth and beyond. You were an amazing boss, mentor and friend. My time in Borden would have not been the same, nor as enjoyable as it weren't for you. Your compassion, support and sense of humor is what I will always remember most. Your smiling eyes and infectious laugh made the tough days, you gave the best hugs, and championed everyone in your fold. My condolences to Sue, Katie and Sam, you were the light of his life. Hugs Flo
Andrew and June Smyth
We only met Rob and Sue in recent years at the cottage but we were always were greeted with a warm welcome and a beer. June and I are shocked and saddened by Rob’s sudden passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to Sue and family.
The banter and friendship were only bettered by his laughter.
You will be missed.
Sam Michaud
A great guy to serve and sail with. I can't even picture him without a big grin on his face. I am grateful to have served with Rob and deeply saddened by his untimely death. Sincere condolences to all of Rob's family and close friends.
Janis Ford
My heartfelt condolences to Sue and the family. I had great respect for Rob during our time working together at CFSATE. His kindness, humour, and professionalism will always be remembered.
Mark Thibedeau
This really came as a shock to hear this, Rob was one of the greats. He was always there to lend a helping hand added with his particular sense of humour made working with him very interesting. We worked together at Shearwater and Borden, always a fun time. You will be missed my friend.
Leslie Hayes (WO retired)
My deepest condolences to his family. I worked with Rob in CFSATE Borden. He was a good friend and role model while I was there. I will miss him. RIP Rob.
I am broken hearted for you Katie. He was way too young. Condolences to your sister and children and extended family.