Robert MacPhail known affectionately as “Robbo” passed away on June 27, 2024 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, at the age of 68, with his family by his side. Born on August 24, 1955, in Geraldton, Ontario, Robbo grew up to be a cherished member of his community and loving figure in the lives of his family and friends.
Robbo spent many of his working years as an owner/operator of Rob MacPhail Trucking, as well as working in the mainline pipeline construction industry. His work ethic was admired by all who knew him.
Outside of his professional life, Robbo was deeply passionate about sports. As a young adolescent, he was a talented goalie for the Geraldton Goldminers and a competitive fastball pitcher for the Silver Nugget Saints. His love for golf was evident as he was a frequent member at the Kenogamisis and Chapples Golf courses with multiple hole in one’s under his belt. Robbo’s enthusiasm for the outdoors extended beyond sports. He enjoyed many hunting and fishing expeditions and cherished sharing this passion with his grandchildren. Most of all, he loved spending time at the family camp on Wild Goose lake.
Robbo’s life was marked by his devotion to his family and his joy in their company – whether sharing a quiet moment in his chair smiling in the gazebo at camp or enjoying some frosty beers in the sauna. He never missed the opportunity to support his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and was often seen quietly cheering them on. You would have been hard pressed not to catch Robbo out for a drive without his sidekick Molson, back in the day.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Ginette of 48 years, sons Andre (O.J.) and Robert (Bobbo), daughters-in-law Lauri and Lindsay, grandchildren Taylor, Ashton, Hudson and Harper, and siblings Neil MacPhail (Elaine), Debbie Turner (Les), Doug MacPhail, and Mark MacPhail (Rae). And cherished brothers-in-law Roly Poulin (Pat), Andre Poulin (Linda), Gilles Poulin (Pam), Serge Poulin (Tammy) and sisters-in-law Isabelle Karpa, and Sylvie Goulet (Gates); as well as multiple cousins, nephews, and nieces. Robbo was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Theresa and his siblings Donny MacPhail (Paulanne) and Patricia Shewchuk (Jerry).
As per Robbie’s wishes, a casual Celebration of Life will be held at the MacPhail family camp on Wild Goose Lake (62 Creelman Creek Road, Geraldton, Ontario) on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 3:00PM, where family and friends will gather to honour his memory.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
