With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our beloved Steven (Sonny) Peter Robak, who passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2022. Born February 25, 1970 in Edmonton, Alberta to Willma and Steve Robak, Sonny grew up in Yellowknife, NWT. Along with his sisters Gwen and Jen, he was raised by their mother and learned the value of sacrifice and loyalty to family. In his later years, Sonny fondly recounted stories of his childhood in the North, where he made lifelong friends, excelled at hockey, and stirred up some trouble along the way.
In 1991, Steve joined the Royal Canadian Navy and proudly served our country for 21 years as a Marine Engineer. He sailed the world, made his home in Victoria, B.C., and later settled in Ottawa, Ontario. Petty Officer First Class Robak retired from the RCN, and continued his career in a civilian capacity for the Department of National Defence.
Sonny’s true passion was a life centered around family, friends, and tradition. Happiest when spending time on family adventures, he exemplified the best in a father: loving, present, generous, dependable, involved. Larger than life, his warm laughter would often be the loudest in a room – everyone felt at ease in Sonny’s welcoming presence. Hockey, cycling, craft beer, garlic and barbecuing year-round all brought Sonny extreme joy. Coach Steve devoted many years to minor hockey in Kanata, and was an impeccable manager of multiple Fantasy Hockey teams.
Sonny leaves behind his deeply loved wife of 20 years, Angela, and their two sons Alexander (21) and Spencer (17), who made him proud every day. He also fiercely loved his mother, Willma; sisters Gwen Robak, Jennifer Babits (Christopher) and nephews Jozsef, Laszlo and Oscar. He was devoted to his extended Robak family in Edmonton, Alberta.
Gone far too soon, never to be forgotten. Fair winds and following seas….
Please come celebrate how lucky we were to have known him, on May 22, 2022 at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 8A6. Visitation 11:00 am-1:30 pm. Service at 1:30 pm. Reception to follow. For livestream attendance and condolences, please visit www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
Donations gratefully accepted by Jumpstart (jumpstart.canadiantire.ca) in lieu of flowers.
Digital Guestbook
Scott Baker
Sylvia Andrejek
Went to High School and worked a Super A Foods with Steve. I’m so shocked and sadden. Rest In Peace Steve, One of the good ones taken to soon.
Richard Hyde
I knew Steve in his year growing up in Yellowknife and we were good friends. We first met in the Northland trailer park and we played street hockey together for the sourcraut cup . Steve was always a good guy and later in our lives I had the honour of meeting his wife and sons in Ottawa and was proud to reconnect with him.
I’m saddened to hear how he was taken from us to soon.
David Parke
Please accept my condolences on Steve’s passing. He was one of the most helpful people I met working in DGMEPM and a true gentleman. He cared about his work and he cared about helping others.
Yvon Brunet
To “AKA” The Commish, you will be missed by all the Fantasy Hockey friends. More importantly you were a great friend! I will remember forever how me met over lunch to discuss Hockey etc. You were a very proud man, husband and father always spoke sa happily of your family! In our minds and hearts you will always be a class act! RIP Steve AKA the Commish!
Darcy Ross
Steve was the light of the room as soon as he walked in, he was a great man that left us way too early. I’ll always remember the laughs we had, the stories, and the good times we shared. Alex and Spencer always know that your father was a standup man with character and integrity that others respected and loved. My condolences to the family and friends. We have the watch.
Bill Clarke
Such a great gentleman and shipmate. I served with Steve on Calgary & Malahat. You couldn't ask for a better friend and shipmate. My deepest condolences. An RCN toast. "To absent friends. We have the watch."
Colleen and Dave McDaniel
There are simply no words that can express the gravity of the loss we feel.
Steven was so loved.
Last summer He, Gwen and Jenn made the trip to Edmonton where we celebrated just being together. We had the privilege of having you stay at our place while you ...under time constraints succeeded in seeing every aunt and uncle you could.
The Master of itinerary, Steven had every detail covered.
It was such fun and the laughter, oh, the laughter was all consuming. Steven was a true story teller, when he spoke, the room became larger because of his genuine ability to draw us in. Everything was larger, bigger, better with him here. His infectious smile, humility and gentleness was second to none. We miss him so.
We will go on ...however not ever the same.
To Angela, Alex and Spencer, So very sorry. Auntie Wilma, Gwen, Jenn, Chris and your boys, we grieve with you all.
Hugs and love
Dave and Colleen McDaniel
Ray and Adele Hallman
Our hearts are broken for your loss. We remember Steve with such fondness, always laughing and smiling. Sending all our love to Angela and the boys. Xo
Dee Mcquay
So very sorry to hear of my nephew sonny passing. Many wonderful memories of spending time with him and Angela on Vancouver sland. Rest in peace beautiful nephew. My love to his family.The Robak family will not forget him.
Went to Cornwall on the METTP course with Steve. He will be missed. Condolences to the family. RIP Steve