Obituary of Gordon Louis Robson

Gordon passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side after what he would describe as 71 "absolutely smashing" years of good living.

Gord loved his life and showed the rest of us how to enjoy the everyday: brag about your family, laugh at work, lunch with friends, play sports even if you’re not good at them, savour good food, delight in a restful dog and read a book in your favourite chair (with a wee drink in hand).

Born in Toronto to Steve (d. 2001) and Anna Robson, Gord was the middle child between his beloved siblings, Steve (Frances Scovil) and Kathy (Robin Granger). The Robsons later moved to St. Catharines where their home was full of easy affection, laughter, and friends of all ages. Gord and his siblings cherished those golden years.

Bright, hardworking and endlessly curious, Gord pursued a successful career in civil litigation after graduating from Queen’s University Faculty of Law in 1978. He began his legal career and became a partner at the Sims firm in Waterloo (eventually Sims Clement Eastman), which later merged with the national firm Miller Thomson. Gord held many roles in the firm, including managing partner for Southwestern Ontario. He loved nothing more than celebrating the strengths of his colleagues and mentoring young lawyers. He was known for his expertise in insurance law. He was also known for whistling through the office, his uncanny impressions and his genuine appreciation for his colleagues’ dogs, children and hobbies.

Gord’s greatest love was for his family. He and his high school sweetheart, Debbie (née Mitchinson), shared nearly 46 years of marriage and 55 years of partnership. The Mitchinson family, Harry, Gloria, and Debbie's sister Sandy (Fred Meyers), enthusiastically welcomed Gord to their family. Together, Gord and Deb lovingly raised their daughters, Emily and Laura, and warmly welcomed sons-in-law Brock Hart and Ian Young into their lives. Gord cherished being “Gramps” to Agnes, Margot, Callum, and Marianne. He delighted in all their ages and interests, and (generously) measured their growth on the cottage wall. His nieces, nephews and many of his friends’ children held a special place in his heart. He celebrated their triumphs, shared in their joys and stood proudly beside them through life’s biggest moments.

Gord told the best bedtime stories, made legendary Sunday feasts, planned adventures with Debbie, catered loyally to a succession of border collies (Nan, then Kit, then Skye), dominated at trivia and gathered friends and family around him at their Waterloo home and their Haliburton cottage. 

Gord's kindness, humour and interest in others drew in an eclectic circle of long-time friends who have generously shared their memories and well wishes over the past few weeks. One could hardly throw a curling stone, take a bike ride or sit at a pub in Waterloo without bumping into someone who shared a laugh with our dear Gord.

He faced his cancer diagnosis with courage, grace, and optimism, even claiming that he had some of his best naps in the chemo chair. Over the past year and a half, he continued to enjoy life fully, spending precious time with family and friends.

Memorial Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 2 - 4 p.m. and Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 2–4 and 6–8 p.m.  At Gord’s request, a private family celebration of life will take place.

The family wishes to thank the exceptional team at Grand River Cancer Centre, especially Dr. Stacey Hubay, along with the incredible specialists and palliative care team whose support and compassion meant so much.

Donations in Gord's memory can be made to the Waterloo Region Health Network Foundation, Breakthrough TD1 (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or the Food Bank of Waterloo Region may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com

“The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much”

- Robert Louis Stevenson