Robin Joseph Bellavance

It is with deep sadness that we announce the recent passing of our father Robin Joseph Bellavance.

Dad, at age 71, passed away peacefully with family by his side at St. Joseph's Hospital in Thunder Bay Ontario, where he has resided for this past year following an accident that left him with a severe spinal cord injury.

He will be forever loved and missed by his children; Angela, Josh, and Daughter in Law Erin. Grandchildren; Brady (Stephanie), Jesse, Madison, Jadyn, Raija, Kai, and great-grandchildren; Lucas and Emma-Mae. Siblings; Guy (Cheryl), Gail (Pat), Gina (Greg). Nieces and nephews; Shauna (Chris), Michelle (Colin), Jared (Daiana), Andre (Glenna), Jeremy (Jessica), Chantelle (Mitch), Luc (Crystal), great-nieces, nephews, friends and his best buddy Teddy Brough.

Dad was predeceased by his father Art Bellavance, mother Claudette Brouillard, stepfather Robert Brouillard, as well as, grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dad was born in Hearst Ontario in 1951. He grew up surrounded by his siblings and parents until he attended a private boys' school in Winnipeg Manitoba. At the tender age of 15, he moved back home and went to work as a forester where he worked with his family. Over the years he became a heavy machine operator. He worked and traveled to several locations throughout his profession and spent the rest of his working years in this line of work until he retired at the age of 65.

At a very young age, Dad took an interest in playing guitar. He was well known for his talent and singing abilities. He loved music and playing guitar, especially with his brother Guy and cousin Phillip. It was not often that you saw Dad without some type of string instrument in hand. Dad always had a good joke to tell to make you laugh. He loved to joke and tease, and in his younger years, get into mischief with his cousin and blood brother Ghus Lupien (Lash Larue)! No matter what the circumstances were, you could always rely on dad for a joke, even in the darkest of times. He proved this often to the Nurses who cared for him after his accident. Dad was always well dressed, appreciated simplicity and solitude but was well known for his kind-hearted nature, and his absolute love of hockey and his family. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

We would like to thank the amazing staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their dedication and care over this past year. Our family appreciates each and every one of you. We would also like to thank Spiritual Care at St. Joe’s. Our family will be forever grateful for all of the care, guidance, visits, and talks that you were able to provide for dad when our family could not be there. Your kind hearts will never be forgotten.

No funeral services will be held at this time due to COVID-19. As per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place. An intimate Celebration of Life will take place at a future date with family and close friends in Kenora ON. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Foundation 35 Algoma St N, Thunder Bay ON P7B 5G7 in dad's name.