Black Watch & RCR friends:

Regret to report that Robbie passed away last night, some six weeks after his beloved Irene.

Robbie was a soldier, adventurer and entertainer. His military experience began with the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Canadian Army (Reserve)) while Robbie was still in high school. When he came of age, he joined the Regular Army with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada and served with the Regiment in Aldershot, NS, Gagetown, NB and Fort St. Louis, West Germany. Along the way, he did a brief stint in the British Army (circa 1956/57) with the Scots Guards.

After returning to Canada from West Germany with Second Battalion, The Black Watch RHC in 1965, Robbie was posted to Royal Military College where he served as a Drill Instructor until he returned to 2RHC in 1969. He accompanied the unit to Cyprus that winter. The following year, he was re-badged 2RCR, and in late 1971 he was commissioned. By 1974, he had become Adjutant of 2RCR and was subsequently posted to the Combat Arms School, Gagetown, as Adjutant. In 1975, he was posted to NDHQ as Career Manager for Infantry non-commissioned members. He remained in NDHQ in various capacities, except for a UN tour in Syria in 1981, until he retired from the CAF in 1992.

In his retirement, Robbie was an enthusiastic volunteer at the Canadian War Museum, The Royal Canadian Regiment Association, and with The Black Watch Association and its boards and committees. His energetic renditions of Rabbie Burns’ Address to a Haggis have been enjoyed in many parts of this world.

Details for his memorial service will be notified when known.


R. I. P.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Pro Patria

RIP. Robbie it was a fun ride.

Definitely will be missed by all who knew Robbie.

I remember Robbie very well... and good memories of him in Fort St.Louie