Obituary of Robert Louis Stephenson

December 28, 1942 – Myit Kyina, Burma

December 5, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Louis Stephenson of Calgary, AB, on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the age of 79. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Robert was born on December 28, 1942, in Myit Kyina, Burma to Mary and Reginald. He attended Bishop Cotton’s Boys’ School in Bangalore, India, and an art college in England before immigrating to Canada, where he met the love of his life, Ursula, and started the family that would become his number one priority.

Robert was a loyal and hard-working individual. He was passionate about music and dedicated his life to the arts where he gave over forty years of his life to Hook Outdoor Advertising (Pattison Outdoor) as a graphic artist, retiring in 2010. Robert embraced the culture and adventure of his new home, especially being in the hockey arena watching his sons. He loved camping, being in the mountains, and traveling, and felt the freest riding his motorcycle. He had an eye for detail, a playful heart, and was extremely proud of his family, and loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. Robert was a voracious reader inspiring his little sister Marilyn to become an English teacher and providing himself with a general knowledge base that was all-encompassing. We will forever miss the constant and incessant “I love you’s” which was his favourite thing to say over the past few years.

He is survived by his wife Ursula, his children, Christine (Brent), Ron, Tania, and Troy (Lily); his grandchildren, Tracey (Brandon), Lily (mother Kristina), Josie and Xavier (mother Allison), Galen, and Mackenzie (Mason); his sisters, Delyse, and Marilyn (Bob); sister-in-law Kate, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. Robert was predeceased by his mother and father, his brother Barry, and his brother-in-law Horst.

He left us with an abundance of love-filled memories and a giant hole that can never be filled. He lived a life well-lived and as he would say “It was good enough for the girls I go with.”

A Memorial Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free;

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

If my parting has left a void;

Then fill it with remembered joy.

My life’s been full, I savoured much;

Good friends, good times,

A loved one’s touch.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Perhaps my time seem all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me;

God wanted me now, He set me free.

In living memory of Robert Stephenson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.