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
Janet Kirby and Phil Bova
Daniel Forget
I had the privilege of working with Rob at 412 Sqn in Ottawa in the early 90s. He will be missed by all. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Lara Kaplan
Dave and Kendra were very kind to me in Otfawa. I never knew the late Rob but I lost my brother unexpectedly late last year to heart failure at age 65 so my family and I relate to the sudden passing of a wonderful man. Deepest condolences to the entire family
Trevor Duff
I worked with Rob for many years in the CC130J WSM. His quick wit and great sense of humour made everyday talking to Rob always a good memory with a lot of laughs. I always respected his calm demeanor and his genuine empathy for people. Ironically we had both forgotten that we had gone through basic training together in 1985, and would reminisce our time in 8 Platoon. Condolences to family and friends he had a big presence in people's lives to all that new him.
Mike Steffin
Rob, was a great person who often spoke in a jovial manner. Always willing to help and pass on his knowledge. He is greatly missed.
Ken Hall
I had the pleasure of working with Rob in the CAF at CFSATE in Borden, ON. It is an honor to have known Rob and I will miss him. Rob had a sense of humor and a magnetic personality. Charismatic is how I saw him as he had a way of warming up to anybody and most people warmed up to him easily. I had the pleasure of fellowship with Rob after retirement but haven't seen him in awhile. He was in my thoughts just a week ago as I was driving toward Arnprior. Kathryn and I share in your grief and we offer condolences to Sue and his huge loving family.
Zubin Mehta (Capt. AERE retired)
I'm deeply saddened to learn about Rob Taylor's sad demise. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time of grief and mourning. May God bless the noble soul to rest in peace. I worked with Rob at CC130J WSM here in Ottawa. He was the person in my team whom I trusted a lot, depended upon and the one who made work easy and feel like more human. Rob had a great sense of humor and was a gem of a person -always kind, polite, and so helpful. My dear friend you will be remembered fondly.
Erik Frederiksen
Rob and I stayed in touch after I left the Forces in December of 2023. He taught me a lot about how to be a better, more patient, and understanding father. Whenever I moaned and complained about how unreasonable my teenager was acting, he'd just smile and follow up with wise advice. Our last communication was on November 11, 2025, where we planned meeting for lunch at some point. As a testiment to who he was as a family man, and how he never stopped thinking about trying to help and offer support those like me on make better decisions as a single parent, I'll share his last communication with me.
"Hey Erik, watching game 5, BJ v LA Dogers. Hard to say this, but fror myself, I made the lunge into the forces in 1985. Never regretted it. I was not the best recruit! Different times now for kids. I had many little jobs that had "promise"! My experience, Ava should join up, CAF. In her prefered trade. Bottom line. Not much of a committment considering paid education, inclusion, direction and what she might find as bonding? Came on strong there, sorry. But what a deal. Dont let your experince taint her's! If Ava was interrsted, I would be honourd to help her with any recruiting, like the walk in thing, I think its still Slater something..? I'm just there buddy for what ever."
I wasn't there for the cerimony but here is my prayer for him.
Jesus, son of God; God of spirits and of all flesh, who has trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to the world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of your departed in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which has been committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For you are a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only are without sin, your righteousness is to all eternity, and your word is truth.
For you are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of he who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto you we ascribe glory, together with The Father and the holey sprit, who is from everlasting, your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen.
Jeff and Pattee - and Benjamin and Alexander ~
We are so sorry for your loss of your wonderful Brother and Uncle
In time you will remember and celebrate his fantastic smile and big warm laughter
Our deepest condolences