I was shocked to find out yesterday about Rob’s passing. I had always searched for him on Facebook, but could never find him. It wasn’t until I did a Google search yesterday that I learned of his passing, and it hit me hard.

I met Rob back in 1984 after I moved to the Palace Pier. I was a freshman, and Rob was a junior in high school. He was so kind to offer me a ride to Mimico High School every morning during grades 9 and 10. I recall his love of sports cars, as he owned an immaculate Honda Prelude, and later a white Toyota MR2, which inspired me to own three throughout my life. Being young and impressionable, I developed a love for nice cars myself, and I always mentioned to my wife and kids that it was because of Rob.

Rob was more than a friend; he was someone who helped me grow. He got me my first job at PJ’s Pet Center, where we worked side by side for a few years. Later, I recall him starting an auto wash and wax business for fine sports cars in the building at age 19 showing me the entrepreneurial spirit that he always carried with him. I recall one summer in 1985, when I casually mentioned that we should visit my brother in New Jersey, and Rob immediately asked, “When do you want to leave?” That spontaneous 12-hour trip to NJ and NYC turned out to be a fantastic time, filled with memories I’ll always treasure.

Though we drifted apart after he graduated and I moved to North Etobicoke, we kept in touch, even if less often, as many teens do. The last time I saw him was at my mother’s funeral in 2013. It meant so much that he attended, even on short notice.

From the moment I met Rob as a young, impressionable 16-year-old, his hard work and dedication, whether in school or at work, inspired me. Peer pressure wasn’t a problem for me at that time as it is for so many teens, as Rob instilled in me a love for so many positive things that I continue to practice to this day and try to instill in my own boys. He taught me the value of working hard, being polite, and appreciating everything beautiful in the world.

I regret not reconnecting with him before his passing. I always thought we would catch up again. Rob’s passing leaves a great void, and I know I’m not alone in feeling the deep loss. He will be missed by many, and I will remember him fondly.

I hope his family is finding comfort and strength during this difficult time. My thoughts are with them, and I wish them peace as they navigate through the pain of this loss.

Rest in peace, Rob.

Your friend,

Ivan Melnikov

Deepest sympathy. I just heard this tragic news.

I worked with Rob at Trane and we had some fun days together. He was always very respectful to me.

Peter Saunders

Our deepest condolences from Marguerite and I. Rob and I taught many years together at the JTAC, Rob was the one who convinced me to come work for Trane 18 years ago, you will be greatly missed.

Nancy, Hannah and Meredith,

No words, thoughts or prayers can begin to provide you with what you need and ache for at this time. One more moment with your husband and dad. One more hug, piece of advice, dad joke, or even a fight. To lose a loved one feels like losing a piece of yourself and truly, you are. Rob was a piece of each of you. But he will remain a piece of you always, watching out for you and experiencing life with you from a great distance. You are not expected to move on or really to do anything as grieving is your own journey. Just remember that he would want you to continue living your life in honour of him and pursuing happiness despite him not being here physically to cheer you on.

I had the pleasure of working with Rob for three years at the Trane Calgary office and he was known for reminding everyone that it was important to him that everyone made it home safe at the end of the day. He was so comforting when anyone needed it and so silly when we needed that too. He suggested I bring in some hot candies to refill my candy bowl and, to my surprise, he actually ate them. He was thoughtful with the office staff and patient with the technicians and just wanted to make it a better place to work.

Rob will be missed by many.

So sorry to hear this news about Rob.I knew him best from the time he was a baby until he moved out west.He was a great entrepreneur from the. time he was 6 years old and he was collecting nails at a construction site near his home then selling them back to the building staff. He was always kind and caring and he became good friends with my children,Karen and Rob and especially close with Sharon. who was the same age as Rob. "two peas in a pod" we called them.

We are all grieving his loss. Nancy our thoughts are with you and your girls. Please take care of you, grieving is a very long and arduous journey. Rob you and your girls will remain in my prayers.

Sending all our thoughts and love to Rob's family, especially his wife Nancy and his daughters. We are so sorry for your loss and keeping you all in our thoughts.

Our thoughts are with Nancy, Hannah and Meredith on this difficult day. We met Rob because he was our laneway neighbor in Calgary. We would chat with him when he was working on his projects in his garage. I’m so glad that we got to know him and his family. We will always think fondly of our time spent with Rob. He was such a kind and warm person. Our memories of brewery hopping shenanigans, great meals, fun board games, strolling neighborhood festivals together and back yard fires that were shared with Rob will always be cherished. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Monica and Michael

My sincere condolences for Rob’s family. I worked with rob the last 5+ years, He was one of the first safety leaders that promoted the safety program for the technicians to go home safely to our family every day(This was what was most important to him) and it not just be based on what the company requires us to do. I will carry his values with me wherever I go or work. He truly cared about his coworkers. Rest In Peace Rob.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Rob's wife and daughters as well as the rest of his family. Rob was a very amazing man. He was one of the nicest, kindest, sincere people that I have ever met. When I broke my arm, he always checked in on me, asking if I was ok, asking if I needed anything. He went far and above what his job definition was. Rob sincerely cared about people and how they were doing and how they were making out. Rob also had a quiet sense of humour that will be greatly missed. My sympathies lie with all of you. Rob will be truely missed and his soul has touched us all.

Our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Nancy, Meredith, Hannah and to the Mello and Adie family. Rob, you were such a beautiful soul, and now you will fly on the wings of your angels and become a guardian for your family.

Rob was a good man. He will be missed by many—my deepest condolences to the entire family.

A Trane colleague.

My deepest condolences to the family for the passing of Rob. My prayers are with you.

My condolences to Rob's family. He was such a positive and wonderful person to work with. He will be missed.

Where does one begin? This news has been so devastating to our family. To our niece Nancy and great nieces Meredith and Hannah, our love and huge hugs across the miles. Rob was an amazing husband and father. We truly are so heartbroken for you. To the Adie and Melo families, we also send our sincerest condolences. No words could fully express our sorrow at the loss of a son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle.

Robert was kind, respectful and always had a wonderful smile. His sudden passing has been deeply moving for us.

Nancy, although there have been many Canadian kilometres between us, we have always loved your family and forever will.

I received such a warm welcome from Rob when I joined Trane. I enjoyed working with him on projects, he was always so kind and willing to help a team member out. He always shared stories of his girls and spoke very highly of his family. Sending my sincere condolences to the family during such a difficult time. Rob was really a treasure!

It’s still hard for me to believe. My thoughts have been with the family, Nancy and Justin, since I heard the news. Rob will be missed so very much. He was always so friendly, helpful, and had passion in everything that he did. I vividly remember sitting down for dinner with Rob and Nancy as they discussed the move out to Calgary to support their daughter’s dream of dancing.

Sending our love to the entire family at this time.

Rob was an amazing person, kind, caring, a true people's person. I am grateful to have had the privilege to meet him and be his teammate as members of the OP P1 Team. Rob will be missed by all of us.

My deepest sympathy to Rob’s family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences to Nancy, Hannah, Meredith, and to all of Rob’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working along side Rob on many occasions and can say he was true friend to me, but also to everyone he met. Rob was so well respected with is his positive demeanor, bright smile and vast knowledge in so many areas. We have lost a true gem. May you rest in peace my friend.

Rob was one of the most caring, generous, positive, uplifting, funny, helpful colleagues I have had the pleasure to work with. Always smiling and wanting what was best for everyone around him. He would come into my office (which would feel like a sauna due to my heater blasting all day) and would just hang out there to warm up because he was always freezing!

He would take the time to ask about my girls and would give great advice on raising babies. He always said, 'enjoy every minute because next thing you know they will be all grown up.'

Rob you are going to be greatly missed by your Trane family. Thank you for all the memories.

My sincerest condolences to Nancy, Hannah, Meredith and the whole family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rob was one of those incredible individuals seldom encountered in life. I will miss his cheerful, positive attitude. I can only begin to imagine the sorrow and loss the Family is feeling right now. We can only hope Rob is smiling down at all of us right now. Rest in peace Rob.

My heartfelt condolence to Nancy, Hannah, Meredith and Rob's entire family. He was such an amazing leader and colleague. Always willing to share his wealth of knowledge and experience. He will be sorely missed. May your soul rest in peace.

I have so much gratitude for Rob's presence in mine and my family’s life. He was so much more than my boss and colleague, he cared deeply for those around him. He was an incredible mentor, and his legacy will live on through those who had the fortune of connecting with him and learning from him.

Always jumping in to help others, when I mentioned that we wanted to do some work around our house, but didn't know where to start, he asked what day would work for him to come teach us. The next week he came by tools in hand, and at the end of the evening the projects were done, and David had a new friend plus some invaluable skills.

For my daughter’s birthday Rob and Nancy gifted her a wooden pushcart, hand crafted by Rob, it's used constantly by my kids. It is something we will have in our family forever, and a reminder of the wonderful person who had an immense impact on this world and our lives.

We were able to spend time with Rob and his family a few times and I feel truly blessed that we connected with such a beautiful and loving family. Nancy, Hannah, Meredith, and family we are keeping you in our prayers and are heartbroken for your loss.

Nancy, my wife Andrea and I are sending our deepest condolences to you, your daughters and your family. Rob was a great colleague over my time at Trane in Toronto and Calgary. He was always looking out for us the techs but also me personally when I first moved to Toronto and then Calgary. He was a great listener and always willing to improve things for us which shows how Rob always had the well-being of others in mind.

My deepest condolences to Nancy and family for your loss.

Rob was a great colleague and Friend with a BIG smile all the time. Always providing support, help and willing to share his knowledge and experience at different levels.

Rob, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and may your soul rest in peace.

To Nancy, Hannah & Meredith, and the Adie family, we send our deepest condolences from England, and we are thinking of you all at this saddest of times.

Rob always greeted me with a smile and a 'Hey Buddyyy' when i came to the office in Calgary, asking how my day was and asking after Mandie. He made it his mission to ensure the Calgary techs were always safe at work, regarding us all has his family. Rob will be sorely missed, both at work and on a personal level. The world has lost a caring, generous, kind, loving human being. Safe journey Rob, see you on the other side one day mate ❤️ Lee Lee & Mandie (England).

My deepest condolences to Nancy and family for your loss.

Rob had a significant impact on those who worked with him.

Always greeting you with a BIG smile followed by how you doing buddy!

He was well suited for the trade he chose and was always willing and able to share his knowledge. He was inquisitive and always looking for a better way to do things. Soon after becoming a journeyman, he started teaching night classes at the Union Training Ctr and that contribution helped many apprentices realize their dream of also becoming journeyman.

Always wanting to do more, help anyone in need and excelling at everything he did Rob was able to move into roles that would afford him the opportunity to make change. Rob would say that he just wanted to make things better and easier for everyone.

And that he did

Rob made a difference to those around him, and he will be sadly missed.

My sincere condolences to Rob's family during this difficult time. I was fortunate to have Rob as a mentor when I recently joined his team and when we first met, I knew that I found someone who cared about my success and the success of the people he worked with. Over time, I was struck most by his generosity to everyone; always sharing, easy to talk with, and genuinely concerned for the well-being of others. I was fortunate enough to recently meet him in person and I will never forget the time we were able to spend together. He will be dearly missed.

Sincerely, Mike and Katrina Popham

My condolences to the Adie family on Rob's passing. While I didn't know you all personally, I wanted to let you know how Rob touched my life. He was one of those really special employees and more so teammate who brought kindness, respect and compassion to everyone he touched at Trane. When he moved to Calgary and took on the role of EHS leader for Western Canada it was like that department quickly moved up to a higher level. It was his passion for his work and the overall safety of our employees that shone through. I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to know and work with Rob. You will be solely missed by me and our team, but you will never be forgotten. We will always have the memories. Take care my friend!!!

We were inseparable as children, hanging out at Nana and Poppa's, skateboarding, running amock in the woods, walking to Barttles or sharing secrets. Into our teens and twenties, I would ride the train into Toronto to visit, and we would cruise around the city in a spotless car, driving way too fast with the tunes blaring. Life, jobs and distance separated us as we aged, but Robbie has always held a significant place in my heart and always will.

My heart breaks for Nancy, Hannah and Meredith. My love to all of you, Sharon Adie

My deepest sympathies to Rob’s Family. I worked with Rob at the Trane office in Toronto. He was a delight to worked with and always had a smile on his face. Rob your saying will live on in your Trane Family. “Happy Happy”.

Rob was an incredible man who always wanted the best for those around him. He did all he could to help develop and encourage his coworkers including me. He made us all better. I cherish the times I had with Rob, very much. My condolences to Nancy, Hannah, Meredith, Justin and the whole family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Wishing your family peace and courage during this difficult time. Working with Rob was a blessing. He always took the time to say hello, or come and give the hand gesture of do you need a coffee. Rob will be forever in our hearts. May you look to the heavens with a smile and know that you have an angel watching over you.

Connie

It took a while today for this to truly sink in. In life we are fortunate to meet great people and Rob was one of those people. Over the years I have enjoyed working with Rob and considered him not only a customer but a friend. My wife was also very fortunate to meet Rob, Nancy and their daughters on a trip into Calgary. We shared a wonderful and memorable evening out for dinner. Rob always talked about his family and was very proud of his daughters. At times like this, it is never easy to find the right things to say but I will say that I was very fortunate to have known him and will very much miss our emails and conversations. My wife and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Sincerely Deb and Richard Roberts

My deepest condolences to Nancy, Hannah, Meredith and the entire family. I was fortunate to have the honor of working with Rob at Trane. Rob was a true team player, always thinking of others and putting others ahead of himself. All presentations were followed up with a message from Rob, giving praise and encouragement for how well everyone performed. Rob helped our team get through the pandemic, physically and mentally. I will forever be grateful for Rob's partnership and friendship. I hope that the family, friends and co-workers all find peace in the many smiling memories of Rob. For me, I will cherish the beautiful hand carved cutting board Rob crafted for me. A talented and caring soul, gone too soon. - Ray Gallimore

My condolences to Rob’s family. I worked with Rob at Trane in Calgary and I wish to say that he was a kind person who cared for the people that he worked with, and always had a smile and took the time to say hello and have a chat in the office. Rob will be missed.

- Will De Sutter

Our condolences to Rob's family and co-workers at Trane. Our company had the privilege to work with Rob for several years, whether he was proudly speaking of his girls, Nancy or his Trane team, Rob was always upbeat and a joy to talk to. Our thoughts are with all of those who loved Rob - what a painful time this is for all of you. We will very much miss Rob - his kindness and humor.

The Heritage Safety Team