Robert J. Tweedie

1944 - 2021

Robert lived a rich and varied life which began on a farm in Nakuru, in the Kenya Highlands where he grew up nurtured by the enduring love of his mother Marjorie Tweedie. After attending St. Andrews as a boarder from the age of 7 and later the Prince of Wales School, he left Kenya to make his home with the Tweedie clan in South Africa and became a much-loved "brother" to his cousins – the five Tweedie girls. He attended Pietermaritzburg University where he studied Law, completed his military service and most importantly – met the love of his life, the beautiful Joanie Whyte. During these university days, they forged many life-long friendships and a deep and loving connection to the Whyte/Ratcliffe family, who remain a bedrock of their lives to this day. Robert built a successful law practice in Pietermaritzburg and he and Joan married in 1971, soon to become the proud parents of Katherine, David and Clare. In 1987 the family moved to Canada, Robert completing his second law degree at the University of Victoria. Joan joined St. Michaels University School in 1989 and later she and Robert became Senior Boarding Houseparents of Winslow, with Robert joining this community that has nurtured our family over the course of 30 years. Robert built a second successful law practice and in later years also taught International Law at Royal Rhodes University. Robert had an unmatched zest for life. He was multi-talented, gregarious and entertaining, always cheerful. He was loved for his joie de vivre, his generous spirit and mischievous twinkling eyes, his great stories and his enjoyment of a good game of golf. He adored his wife Joan and together they built the most loving, true partnership spanning 50 years. Family was of utmost importance to Robert and he was devoted to his children and grandchildren (Alex, Sam, Sofia, Toby and Max) who will remember him and will miss him - for his kindness, gentleness, constant encouragement and captivating "Lion stories from Africa". Robert dealt with his 7-year long illness with unfailing optimism. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and doctors who looked after him with such dedication and to our devoted friends who showed up valiantly time and time again. Robert's impact on the people he encountered has been reflected in the incredible outpouring of love, appreciation, and stories from all over the world. Robert was a wonderful human being. He was a generous, caring, considerate, loving husband, father and friend. He was a gentleman - a good man - and will remain in the hearts of many.