Robert Fred STORTINI

1935 - 2023

1935 - 2023

After a very full and happy life, Robert passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 87. Predeceased by his beloved wife Gisele of 62 years; dear father of Michael (Sharon) and David (Colleen); uncle to Tim (Ruth), Denise (Dean) and Mark (Heather). Predeceased by his brother Donald.

Robert was born the youngest child to Fred and Emma Stortini in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. He gained his lifelong love for fishing at an early age from his father. Many fun days were spent with his father and friends fishing around the Soo. He met his wife-to-be, Gisele, while at university in Windsor, ON in 1957. After getting married in 1959, Mom and Dad moved to the Soo to start their family.

Born with a natural charisma, Robert was well suited for his chosen profession of pharmaceutical sales representative. He started with Parke-Davis and never looked back. By the time of his retirement from Pfizer after 38 years, he had spent a few years "at the office" in marketing but the bulk of his career was "in the field" where he thrived meeting new doctors and pharmacists and forging lifelong relationships.

Robert enjoyed life to the fullest and was happy to meet people and make new friends during every phase of his life. A favorite discussion topic was fishing which he continued to do until very late in life. He also loved travelling and went to many destinations around the world with Mom - always making new friends and espousing the excellence of fishing in Northern Ontario.

Fiercely independent, Robert soldiered on after the loss of his wife 14 months ago, determined to continue his positive outlook on life, always with a friendly greeting to all. He would regularly do a brisk five-lap walk at Mapleview Mall every weekday, making more new friendships along the way. Whether you only met Robert recently or you are one of his oldest friends from the Soo, Dad will be fondly remembered as a hardworking man of honour, grace, and diplomacy who could make you laugh while carrying on a great debate about World War II history, the pharmaceutical industry or, of course, fishing. Or any subject that mattered to you - he had an uncanny ability to facilitate a discussion and make people feel at ease.

His easy-going approach to life, captured by his saying "we'll just go forward from here", served him well both in his career, or when he dealt with any of life's challenges. He was never afraid of the task at hand and believed only hard work could achieve successful results. Dad, you've earned your time of rest with Mom in Heaven.

The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Joseph Brant Hospital and Carpenter Hospice for helping to make Robert's final days comfortable. Cremation has already taken place and a funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Gabriel's Church, 2261 Parkway Drive, Burlington, on Friday, March 17th at 9:00 a.m. with private interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to the Carpenter Hospice, the Joseph Brant Hospital or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences, memories and photos may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com