Robert Jackson Duke

Duke, Robert Jackson

A kind and gentle man has died. Our dearly loved Robert, Dad and Grampy, passed away on May 16th, 2018, after a lengthy illness.

Robert was born in Ottawa on July 27th, 1945, to the late Margaret (Cowan) and Victor Duke. Along with big brother Brian, this Air Force family spent time in Edmonton, Washington State, Montreal, Ohio, and Bois Le Roi, France, before returning to Ottawa where Robert attended Rideau High School. It was there that he met his future wife Alayne Staniforth. In Grade 13, she was Head Girl, and he was Head Boyfriend. Robert and Alayne married in 1966, while Robert completed Medical school at UBC in 1969. In short succession, his 3 children were born – Stephen, Kathryn, and Kevin. After 2 years study at McGill, they returned to Vancouver where Robert completed his residency training in Neurology. Dad served the Hamilton area for over 30 years as a Neurologist, enjoying his clinical practice, as well as research, and teaching students.

Robert was devoted to and loved his family. He was a hockey coach, Cub Scout leader, and dance recital assistant all rolled into one. He taught us kids many life lessons about honesty, integrity, the difference between a Phillips and a Robertson screwdriver, how to light a campfire, and the Golden Rule (Do unto others ….!). Thanks, Dad. It is with fondness that we recall spending our formative years in the old Springer farmhouse on Dundas Street in Burlington. Always a work in progress, Dad was a skilled handyman, and could always be found tinkering or up to his elbows in a new project. Involved in the local Anglican church, Dad published a book about the history of St John’s parish in North Burlington. An outdoorsman at heart, Dad enjoyed his summers spent on Crotch Lake, and later at the cottage on Lake Kipawa (Sans Souci). He was especially fond of his canoe trips with Alayne, Brian and Lynne. An amateur artist, wanna-be magician, an occasional baker of UBC buns, we will miss his sharp intellect, wise council, and fine sense of humour. Even during his difficult illness, Dad’s positive nature ‘sloping toward the sunny side’ was always present, and he could always make us laugh; a gift we shall always cherish.

Robert is survived by his wife, Alayne; his children, Stephen (Mary) in Halifax; Kathryn (Kim) in Abilene, Texas; and Kevin in Sturgeon Falls; along with his brother, Brian (Lynne) in Waterdown; sister-in-law Carolyn (Jack) in Carleton Place; and sister-in-law Pamela (Bill) in Waba Creek. Also survived by his grandchildren, Jackson, Matthew, Ethan, Allie, Andrew and Avery, and 10 nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. Friends may visit the family at the Alan .R. Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Ave., Carleton Place, on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, from 12 noon until time of the service in the chapel at 1:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to [email protected] In lieu of flowers, a donation in Robert’s memory can be made to: Hospice Unit, West Nipissing General Hospital Foundation, 725 Coursol Rd., Sturgeon Falls, ON P2B 2Y6.

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