Finlayson, Robert , P. Eng.
Surrounded by his family, Robert passed away peacefully at Soldiers Memorial Hospital Orillia, on Monday, April 17, 2023, in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Isobel (nee Tannahill, predeceased). Proud father of Tom and wife Andrea of Mississauga and Stuart and wife Paula of Severn. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Samantha (Gary), Tessa (Dave), Ian (Juliet) and Jack.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Anna Finlayson, and brother Douglas.
Robert (Bob) was born on April 26th, 1939 in Hamilton Scotland and was a member of the first graduating class of professional engineers from the University of Glasgow, Strathclyde. He married the love of his life, Isobel (Izzy) in 1960 and by 1962 the young couple were the proud parents of Tom and Stuart. In June of 1967, Bob accepted a job with De Havilland Aircraft industries in Toronto and made the difficult, but life-changing decision to move with his wife and young family to Canada in search of new opportunities. In 1970, Bob relocated the family to Orillia and began a career with Dresser-Boyles as Production Manager. It was not long before he was promoted to International Sales Manager, a position that gave him the opportunity to travel throughout the world. In 1984, Bob was instrumental in establishing King Fifth Wheel as a new company in Orillia. He was the company's first General Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.
Throughout his life in Orillia, Bob was an active member and director of the Couchiching Golf Club where he shared camaraderie and competition with his two boys and many life-long friends. The Ontario Golf Association’s annual Father and Son tournament was perhaps his favorite event, competing in alternate years alongside Tom and Stuart meant the world to Bob. Bob and the boys achieved several top 3 finishes and in 1993 Bob and Stuart won the Provincial Championship at the Port Colborne Golf Club. Along with his time spent on the links, Bob took great pride in watching his grandchildren compete in a wide variety of sports. Whether it was his granddaughters diving, dancing or shooting hoops or his grandsons flying down the slopes or racing across the open fields, Bob was always up for a road trip to cheer them on. Family meant everything to Bob, his wife Isobel meant the most. The two of them enjoyed entertaining friends, dining out and traveling the world together.
The family would like to thank the physicians, surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals from Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion over the past few months.
As per Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Following a private family gathering,Bob will travel home to his final resting place in Glasgow, Scotland.