James ROBB

On May 30, Jim Robb left this world peacefully at age 94 in his usual quiet and unassuming way. Beloved husband of Katherine Robb (nee Teare) for 64 years, wonderful father to Laura (André Lavoie), John (Mary Hill), and Andrew (Jasmin Uhthoff), and adored grandpa to his 7 grandchildren, Christophe, Sandrine, Alexandra (Sean Lumley), Matthew, David, Stefan and Michael. Dear brother to William (Gwyneth Beckerton), both deceased, and George (Thelma Sutton), and a well-loved brother-in-law, uncle and friend. The son of Alex Robb and Irma Martin, Jim grew up on the family farm in Huntingdon, Quebec. He was the first in the family to go off to university to undertake his BA at McGill but never forgot his Huntingdon roots. He immersed himself in university life, becoming Managing Editor of the McGill Daily and President of the Student Union and Student Society. He obtained his Bachelor of Civil Law in 1954, passing the Bar in 1955. It was at McGill that he met the love of his life, Kay Teare, whom he married in 1960. Upon graduating, he joined Stikeman Elliot in its corporate and litigation department and established his lifelong career as a partner with the firm. Practicing International Trade Law exposed him to alliances with Japan, and he represented Stikeman Elliot in many business deals between the two countries. He became a member of the 1974 Quebec Trade Delegation to Japan, and, in 1993-95, President of the Quebec-Japan Business Forum. His extracurricular activities at McGill paved the way for a lifetime of community involvement, behind-the-scenes politics and board directorships. He was generous with his time, shared his vast expertise freely, and never sought recognition. He held multiple presidencies including the University Club, Canadian Club, McGill Alumni Association and Royal Montreal Curling Club, and sat on numerous corporate boards well into his retirement. As Vice-President and President of local and provincial Liberal associations, he was active in both provincial and federal politics and relished being at the University Club discussing campaigns, tactics and policies. Jim believed in the value of education, keenly working with numerous primary, secondary and post-secondary school boards and associations to foster their efforts. As President of the Roslyn Home & School Association, he was instrumental in introducing French immersion to the curriculum. A current affairs and news junkie to the end, Jim was a strong proponent of continuous learning. An enthusiastic sportsman, Jim loved being active, whether skiing at Jay Peak, curling at the Royal Montreal, playing tennis on the Hillside courts or golfing at Kanawaki. A true patron of the arts, he supported many museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets and operas. Most of all, he treasured downtime in the country with his friends and family. A man devoted to his career and to giving back, Jim was a family man first. He was proud of the accomplishments and careers of his children and took great interest in the lives of his grandchildren. He rejoiced in the university graduations of all his grandchildren and celebrated two the week he passed away. Friends and family are invited to raise a glass of wine at the celebration of life to be held at the Mont-Royal funeral complex (1297 chem. de la Forêt, Outremont), on Thursday, August 8, at 4 p.m. The family will accept condolences from 3:30 p.m. Reception to follow from 5 to 7 p.m. Memories may be shared with the family at www.mountroyalcem.com. Donations in honour of Jim can be made to McGill University at www.alumni.mcgill.ca/give or calling 514.398.2787 (gift code 09278).