ROBBERT HARTOG

ROBBERT HARTOG CM, MA, OC Robbert Hartog passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2008, 1 day shy of his 89th birthday; he will be sorely missed by his close family and many dear friends and colleagues who benefited from his warmth, hospitality and caring heart. Robbert truly believed that family and friends were to be treasured. Robbert, pater familias par excellence, is survived by his sister Rose Marjan Hartog and his ten nieces and nephews, he was predeceased by his sister Ellen and his brother Dolf. Robbert was born in the Netherlands, the eldest son and second child of Arthur Hartog and Jenny Hartog -Catz. He came to Canada in the beginning of 1941, received his MA in political science at the University of Toronto and worked for Massey Harris. In the last years of the war he served in the Netherlands Forces as an economist, who helped bring the financial situation back in balance. Robbert asked to be demobilized in Canada after his tour of duty. He had chosen Canada as his future home. Robbert is best described as a "Canadian Treasure", a man honoured by his country for distinguished service with the Order of Canada, an outstanding member of the business community, an able director of a number of Corporations, a philanthropist who supported many worthy causes, who never shied away from getting into the trenches and serving the needs of others through organizations such as CESO, Boy Scouts of Canada, The Wye Marsh, YMCA, World Wildlife Federation, Canadian Crossroads International, Georgian College and University of Waterloo, just to name a few. Yes, he was a brilliant business man and a passionate fighter for social issues. "To give back to society" is what he taught his nephews and nieces and the many other young people who he mentored. Robbert, ever the gallant Captain, will be fondly remembered by all those who sailed with him aboard the Sea Flight, Clyte and d'Eendracht, lo' those many years on voyages of discovery on the Great Lakes and beyond to Newfoundland. Robbert you will be sadly missed by your extended family and friends from many countries around the world over. A final toast - "To an absent friend." A community celebration of Robbert's life will be held on Thursday, January 31st, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. at the Cathedral Room of the Brooklea Golf and Country Club, located South of Midland on Highway 93. A funeral service will take place on Friday, February 1st at St. Paul's United Church, 308 King Street, Midland, at 11 a.m. Following the service, guests are invited for refreshments at the Burgundy Ballroom of the Midland Best Western Highland Inn and Conference Centre, located at the intersection of King Street and Highway 12. If desired, memorial donations to The Huronia Hospitals Foundation would be apprciated, and may be made at the Nicholls Funeral Home, 330 Midland Ave., Midland, ON L4R 3K7, (705)526-5449).