Obituary for Robert James Root
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert James Root announces that the world has lost one of its kindest souls. Robert was born in Stratford, Ontario, to George and Vivian Root, in 1932, and raised in Niagara Falls. He passed away in Burlington, Ontario, on May 17, 2022, in his 90th year.
Robert graduated from McMaster University, with honours in Latin and French, after he paid for his education by working as a waiter.
He and his camera traveled the world before landing a job teaching Latin, French and English at Delta Secondary School, in Hamilton, where he was held in high regard by his students. He later taught at Glendale Secondary School. On a “Booze-Tuesday” group outing with colleagues, he met the lovely Katherine (Kathy) Howard. The two were married in 1963 and happily spent the rest of their lives in Burlington, where they enjoyed the company of close friends, cousins and their numerous cats. If a cross word was ever said between them, it was never heard by another living being.
Robert continued to explore photography, and occasionally took over the laundry room of his home to develop his own black-and-white pictures. He took immense pleasure in his collection of jazz and classical records. He also took great pride in restoring his 1958 Jaguar and his Sunbeam Alpine, a car which thrilled his young niece while riding with him, imploring him to “Go faster Uncle Bob, go faster!, which he did. While their health permitted, Robert and Kathy indulged in cruising in various parts of the world.
As his wife’s health declined Robert took meticulous care of her, making sure the love of his life was happy and comfortable. There was nothing he wouldn't have done for her. Once his own waining health impeded his ability to look after her they moved into the Village of Tansley Woods where the superlative and ever smiling staff brought great joy and a new lust for life to them both in their twilight years.
Robert was predeceased by his beloved Kathy, who left this world right before the pandemic hit, and Kathy’s sister Elizabeth (Robert Ferguson). He is survived by his nieces in Montreal, who cherished him like a second dad, Elizabeth Ferguson, Kathy Ferguson (Gerry Murphy), Susan Ferguson (Alex Stappas), and by his great-nephews Sean and Oliver Stappas who enjoyed being spoiled from afar by their “Theo” and “Thea”.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Joseph Brant Hospital for taking great care of Robert in his final days.
Visitation at Smith’s Funeral Home, 485 Brant Street, Burlington, Ont., L7R 2G5, on Monday, May 23 from noon to 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Burlington Humane Society or the Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated.
Robert graduated from McMaster University, with honours in Latin and French, after he paid for his education by working as a waiter.
He and his camera traveled the world before landing a job teaching Latin, French and English at Delta Secondary School, in Hamilton, where he was held in high regard by his students. He later taught at Glendale Secondary School. On a “Booze-Tuesday” group outing with colleagues, he met the lovely Katherine (Kathy) Howard. The two were married in 1963 and happily spent the rest of their lives in Burlington, where they enjoyed the company of close friends, cousins and their numerous cats. If a cross word was ever said between them, it was never heard by another living being.
Robert continued to explore photography, and occasionally took over the laundry room of his home to develop his own black-and-white pictures. He took immense pleasure in his collection of jazz and classical records. He also took great pride in restoring his 1958 Jaguar and his Sunbeam Alpine, a car which thrilled his young niece while riding with him, imploring him to “Go faster Uncle Bob, go faster!, which he did. While their health permitted, Robert and Kathy indulged in cruising in various parts of the world.
As his wife’s health declined Robert took meticulous care of her, making sure the love of his life was happy and comfortable. There was nothing he wouldn't have done for her. Once his own waining health impeded his ability to look after her they moved into the Village of Tansley Woods where the superlative and ever smiling staff brought great joy and a new lust for life to them both in their twilight years.
Robert was predeceased by his beloved Kathy, who left this world right before the pandemic hit, and Kathy’s sister Elizabeth (Robert Ferguson). He is survived by his nieces in Montreal, who cherished him like a second dad, Elizabeth Ferguson, Kathy Ferguson (Gerry Murphy), Susan Ferguson (Alex Stappas), and by his great-nephews Sean and Oliver Stappas who enjoyed being spoiled from afar by their “Theo” and “Thea”.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Joseph Brant Hospital for taking great care of Robert in his final days.
Visitation at Smith’s Funeral Home, 485 Brant Street, Burlington, Ont., L7R 2G5, on Monday, May 23 from noon to 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Burlington Humane Society or the Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated.