Robert Craig Timpson

Robert Craig Timpson

April 16, 1963 - February 7, 2023

Surrounded by the love of God, family, and friends, Rob passed away peacefully and with dignity, at the Ottawa Heart Institute. His was a life well-lived.

Rob was born in Ottawa, and lived in a variety of places, but spent his formative years in Sydenham, ON.  He was raised well by his parents, Donna and the late Al, and loved his siblings Steve (Marilou), Susan (Emmanuel, Nana Ama) and David (Brenda).

Rob was introduced to his wife, Debbie, by her brother. They were engaged 4 1/2 months later, and got married exactly one year after their first date. They were best friends who shared everything and supported one another through thick and thin without question.  Their 36 year marriage was solidly built on a strong love, a shared Christian faith, and similar core values.

Marrying into the Nayduk clan provided more family:  Bea and the late George, Derrick, Wanda (Michael Jack), and Patricia Jack. Rob loved and valued all his extended family and he had so many close friends and neighbours whom he loved as family by choice.  He enjoyed “borrowing” his nieces and nephews, both related and honorary, godchildren, and cousins, spoiling them, and then giving them back!

Rob excelled at sports, and although in high school was athlete of the year, he most treasured being awarded the Freeman Athletic Award for being a good and fair sportsman.

He went to Queen’s University to play football, but managed to also graduate with two degrees, a bachelor degree in Physical and Health Education and a B.A. in Health. He wanted to help children excel, so followed that up with a diploma in recreation leadership.  He enjoyed his work managing a fitness club, then later running recreation programmes in Renfrew. He ultimately put his career aside to support his wife as she furthered her education.  They moved to Pembroke in 1999, and he worked with her in her office there.

Rob enjoyed music, especially Def Leppard, but not ABBA, action movies, sports, technology, Canon cameras (not Nikon, Steve), Apple stuff (not android!), world politics, airplanes, and hanging out with his family, friends, and dogs. He hosted an annual boys’ Senators hockey night.

Although he was a homebody, he also enjoyed travel adventures to the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Dubai,  and Istanbul, but equally enjoyed trips all across Canada. Because Debbie wanted to eat an egg roll on the Great Wall of China, they travelled to Hong Kong and Beijing (note - there were no egg rolls there!) Because Rob wanted to see kangaroos and elephants in the wild, they visited Australia and South Africa.  Chris and Isabelle’s postings to Australia and Europe made travel more fun and he also treasured his trips to the consumer electronic show in Las Vegas with Shawn and Scott.

Rob was rarely without a camera in his hand and had a special gift for capturing moments involving friends, family, and important events. His photographs grace the walls of his home, and many enjoyed his hand made photo books and cards.

Rob’s health took a drastic turn when he developed  immune mediated kidney failure, necessitating dialysis. He will be forever grateful to his stallion of a cousin, Ian Haugh, who donated his kidney to him, and extended his life by eleven well-lived years.

During the pandemic, with restricted socialization, Rob reached out and touched many by sending out his daily Dad’s joke of the day (groan!).

He was a 6’7”, kind, fun, loving, gentle teddy bear who chose to live happily despite his challenges, and who always put others first.

His family would like to thank the physicians and staff at the Ottawa Heart Institute for their valiant battle to save him after he experienced post operative complications, the dialysis teams at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital and Pembroke Regional Hospital, the renal transplant team at The Ottawa Hospital, and his family doctors Lomie Coleman and Lori Moeck.

The support from friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues has been overwhelming, and we are grateful.

If you wish to make a charitable donation, please consider the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or better yet, sign up to be an organ donor at beadonor.ca. 

Rob had a strong Christian faith and never doubted that the end of his journey on earth would be the beginning of an eternal life with Jesus.

Rob’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien St., Pembroke, ON.  The service will start at 10:00 a.m. There will be a slideshow beginning at 9:30 a.m. so come early to watch that if you can.  As per Debbie’s request, N95 medical masks will be required for those who wish to sit in the sanctuary (will be provided at the front entrance) to allow for vulnerable family to attend.  Those who are unable to wear a mask are welcome to gather in the church hall or join the livestream, to register for the livestream, or to have access for the next 3 months, please follow this link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=c32ceca6-c2a8-401d-b58a-2e90cb3764c2.   Light refreshments will be available after the service.  Rob hated to dress up, so it is absolutely OK to dress casually.  Rob loved getting together with family and friends, so lets gather and celebrate him.   

“I have fought the good fight

 I have finished the race

 I have kept the faith”

 2 Timothy 4:7