Speech —
Kelly Tete
Robbie 💙
When I think of Robbie, the first thing that comes to mind is our brother-and-sister trio. Growing up, I was always so proud to talk about the big brother and sister I had, and the unshakable bond we shared. Even though we didn’t grow up in the same household, that never stopped us from creating beautiful memories together. If anything, it made them even more meaningful. Throughout my life that bond gave me a deep sense of belonging, knowing I was genuinely loved, and protected. I truly am the luckiest little sister.
It also meant I was spoiled beyond imagine. Robbie thought, sure have as much soda and chocolate as you like, then I’ll send you home. Until he realized, giving me all the sugar while at the blue jays game meant he had to walk home with me wrapped around his ankle yelling go jays go down front street.
Blue jay games were a staple for us as a family, but we were also about making any excuse for a family gathering. The Blue jays play? It’s sunny out? Why not... Read more make a weekend each year and name it Corona party. Rob had a way of turning every moment into something worth celebrating. He showed us that life was meant to be lived fully, loudly, and with as many cheers, and as much laughter as possible. Those memories often stretched long into the night, and we wouldn’t trade a single one.
Robbie, our last few memories together couldn’t have been more symbolic. We shared a pizza, you and Frankie’s favourite, and you gave him a firetruck for his birthday, not knowing how meaningful that moment would become. That very night, real firetrucks arrived for a fire next door. You got us all out safely, all while wearing your favourite Cookie Monster shirt—because you knew Frankie would love it. You are a true hero in every sense, always and forever.
Shortly after that in the hospital I showed you a picture of your unborn niece, and you said “let’s get her here”. And she came right on time not only to celebrate you today but to carry on your name.
It’s impossible to fully express, in words or in time, just how deeply special Rob was. His presence was a gift far beyond description, and one that’s impossible to forget.
The impact Rob made into the lives of others was seen even in the messages I received following his passing. To quote a few:
Robbie was such a shining light and beautiful human. One of the most contagious and attractive souls I have ever had the pleasure of encountering.
His love for his family and friends was immense. I honestly can’t say I remember a day seeing Rob where he didn’t have a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes when he sees you.
When we lost dad I was thankful to have my brother and sister to lean on and share in our grief. This grief is going to need a village. Luckily as we look out at all of you today, we see the village. Peggy, Rebecca and Olivia, we love you and are here to support you in every way.
Without Robbie, we may not be a trio anymore, but our bond will outlive time. Your protection will now come in a different form, felt in both quiet and loud moments, the signs, and the strength you left behind. With the immense love of our family and the quiet strength we share in Rob’s name, we will carry each other until we feel whole again.
Thank you all for coming to celebrate our big brother and the extraordinary person that he was. Read less
Robbie 💙
When I think of Robbie, the first thing that comes to mind is our brother-and-sister trio. Growing up, I was always so proud to talk about the big brother and sister I had, and the unshakable bond we shared. Even though we didn’t grow up in the same household, that never stopped us from creating beautiful memories together. If anything, it made them even more meaningful. Throughout my life that bond gave me a deep sense of belonging, knowing I was genuinely loved, and protected. I truly... Read more am the luckiest little sister.
It also meant I was spoiled beyond imagine. Robbie thought, sure have as much soda and chocolate as you like, then I’ll send you home. Until he realized, giving me all the sugar while at the blue jays game meant he had to walk home with me wrapped around his ankle yelling go jays go down front street.
Blue jay games were a staple for us as a family, but we were also about making any excuse for a family gathering. The Blue jays play? It’s sunny out? Why not make a weekend each year and name it Corona party. Rob had a way of turning every moment into something worth celebrating. He showed us that life was meant to be lived fully, loudly, and with as many cheers, and as much laughter as possible. Those memories often stretched long into the night, and we wouldn’t trade a single one.
Robbie, our last few memories together couldn’t have been more symbolic. We shared a pizza, you and Frankie’s favourite, and you gave him a firetruck for his birthday, not knowing how meaningful that moment would become. That very night, real firetrucks arrived for a fire next door. You got us all out safely, all while wearing your favourite Cookie Monster shirt—because you knew Frankie would love it. You are a true hero in every sense, always and forever.
Shortly after that in the hospital I showed you a picture of your unborn niece, and you said “let’s get her here”. And she came right on time not only to celebrate you today but to carry on your name.
It’s impossible to fully express, in words or in time, just how deeply special Rob was. His presence was a gift far beyond description, and one that’s impossible to forget.
The impact Rob made into the lives of others was seen even in the messages I received following his passing. To quote a few:
Robbie was such a shining light and beautiful human. One of the most contagious and attractive souls I have ever had the pleasure of encountering.
His love for his family and friends was immense. I honestly can’t say I remember a day seeing Rob where he didn’t have a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes when he sees you.
When we lost dad I was thankful to have my brother and sister to lean on and share in our grief. This grief is going to need a village. Luckily as we look out at all of you today, we see the village. Peggy, Rebecca and Olivia, we love you and are here to support you in every way.
Without Robbie, we may not be a trio anymore, but our bond will outlive time. Your protection will now come in a different form, felt in both quiet and loud moments, the signs, and the strength you left behind. With the immense love of our family and the quiet strength we share in Rob’s name, we will carry each other until we feel whole again.
Thank you all for coming to celebrate our big brother and the extraordinary person that he was. Read less
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