Stanley, Robert
Stanley, Robert James
April 19, 1943 - April 10, 2026With heavy hearts, we share that our dad passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, in Burlington. True to who he was, he asked for privacy rather than fuss, and in the end, he got exactly what he wanted — including hotdogs for lunch and ice cream for dinner.
Robert James Stanley was born on April 19, 1943, in his grandmother Burgess’s home in Campden, Ontario. Remarkably, his childhood home, first home, and post-retirement home were all within the same one acre area in Campden. He was the fifth child of eight, growing up with a love of cars and hockey that stayed with him throughout his life.
Rob became a licensed plumber and was a proud member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, Local 67. In July 1969, he married the love of his life, Linda Romanowitch, and together they shared nearly 57 years of marriage. They raised two daughters, Elizabeth (Rick, d. 2023) Johansson and Carrie (Eric) Hopkins, and were blessed with four grandchildren: Austin, Curtis, Rachael, and Kevin.
In addition to his career, Rob served as a volunteer firefighter and found joy in many pursuits. He enjoyed fishing, tennis in his younger years, and golfing as he got older. A self‑taught guitarist, he had a strong baritone voice and a love of music. He was happiest working outdoors — tending his gardens, mowing the lawn, or shovelling snow.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2025, he was resolute in how he wanted to spend his final months. After a brief period of palliative care at home, he moved over to Carpenter Hospice for his last days. He was surrounded by compassionate and caring staff (whom we can’t thank enough) and felt no pain as he peacefully drifted to sleep with his daughters by his side. In keeping with his wishes there will be no funeral; cremation has taken place. If you would like to honour dad, please raise a glass of rum and coke, and take care of your garden edges with your kitchen shears this spring.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to Carpenter Hospice in his memory.
