Obituary of Norman Victor VanRoboys

VanRoboys: Norman Victor. A resident of Chatham and well known member of its business community, Norman VanRoboys passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Monday, May 30, 2011 at the age of 85 following a courageous battle with cancer and the recent death of his wife. He was born in Veregin, Saskatchewan and was the son of the late Rene and Margaret (nee Allemeersch). Loving husband of 62 years to the late Helen Jean VanRoboys (nee Ayres) (April 13, 2011). Cherished father of Carol VanRoboys of London, Don (Sandy) VanRoboys of Chatham, Wayne (Sue) VanRoboys of Chatham, Barbara (Rob) McGhie of Winnipeg and Gary (Tammy) VanRoboys also of Chatham. Proud grandfather to Christine (Tim), Cherie (Chris), Kim (Trevor), Jeff (Teara), Kelly (Matt), Krystle, Jennifer (Joe), Jessie, Sarah, Megan, Tyler, Aaron, Erica (Brian) and great-grandfather to Hannah, Julia, Coulter, Brodie, Reece, William and Annelyse. Dear brother of Harry and Mary VanRoboys of Chatham, Oscar & Mary Louise VanRoboys of Thamesville, Shirley and Roy Downey of Kent Bridge. He is predeceased by his daughter Linda; granddaughter Nicole; grandson Shawn; sister Julianna Casier and her late husband Marcel. Norman enjoyed traveling with his wife Helen; he especially enjoyed hitting the open road with her in their R.V. and creating memories. Family was the foundation of Norman’s life. The members of his family and their shared relationships were priceless to him. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing each others perspective on the world. His dedication to building relationships had enabled him some success in business and is a life skill that will be passed on to future generations of his family. Family and friends will be received at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St. Chatham on Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Friday, June 3. 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Cremation to follow. As your expression of sympathy, memorial donations to honour Norm’s life can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society and would be appreciated by the family. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario (519)351-2040.