Robert J. Ouellette
November 23, 1919 - July 27, 2012
- Share:
Robert J. Ouellette
November 23, 1919 - July 27, 2012
Obituary
Robert Joseph Ouellette
It is with great sadness the Ouellette family announces that on July 27th 2012, Robert “Roe” Ouellette of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada and a resident of San Clemente, CA passed away at the age of 92. Roe, a member of the “Greatest Generation,” was a WW II Veteran, having served honorably in the Royal Canadian Army & Air Force. During the war, he was stationed in the U.K. where he met his future wife Lorna, who was serving in England’s Royal Air Force. At war’s end, he returned to Canada where he was later joined by his wife and first child Lorna Joan who both made the voyage from England on the Queen Mary. He was a man that dearly loved his family, most especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known to them as Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Poppy. Always having time for children and loving all variety of pets, he was at his best when surrounded by kids and dogs from the neighborhood and was always a source for treats and great stories.
In 1952 Roe moved his young, growing family from Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Southern California where he continued his successful professional life in the Automobile Industry, and in 1956, while living in Long Beach, Roe and Lorna completed their family with the birth of their third child Kim.
He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing and is survived by Lorna his wife of nearly seventy years; his three children Lorna, Bob & Kim; and his six grandchildren, Wendy, Justin, Brady, Erin, Heather & Brittany. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Bryndan, Evan, Guillermo & Madison Lynn. He also leaves daughter-in-law Judi & son-in-law John Sorich.
We extend our sincere, enduring gratitude to the Doctors and Nursing Staff of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente for the incredible care and kindness extended to our loved one & family.
To honor Roe, in lieu of flowers, kindly contribute generously to the Robert Ouellette Memorial Fund that has been established in support of ongoing End-of-Life training for hospital staff. Tax deductible donations can be made by phone: 949/452-3724 or mail:
Robert Ouellette Memorial Fund
Saddleback Memorial Foundation
24451 Health Center Dr.
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Last Rites were administered. No services are planned at this time.
Please visit www.oconnormortuary.com for photo & complete details.
35 responses to Robert J. Ouellette
Anonymous says:
August 3, 2012
Poppy was the neighborhood Grandfather he is one of the most interesting people I have met in all my years. He has treated me as his own grandchild and the last time I saw him we shared wonderful stories of our lives and travels. He will be missed dearly but never separated from us since he lives on forever in our hearts and memories. I hope that in my older age I still will be able to have a great sense of humor and be full of smiles like he always was. I l<3ve you Poppy!!!!!
Anonymous says:
August 3, 2012
Poppy was one of the most important people of my childhood. Him and Grammy always had Tootsie Pops to hand out and their house always smelled nice and welcoming. One time, Petra (or was it Colleen?) got sick, so I remember running over to Poppy’s house to get some icee pops and cola. I never remember why that helps but I know that Poppy and Grammy were always there for my family and the Tanglewood neighborhood. I will miss Poppy so much but he will always be in my heart.
Judi Ouellette says:
August 4, 2012
My first memory of you Roe is when I was seventeen and looking for a job. I knew you were a special man when you immediately took me to the office and introduced me to the office manager: this was at the auto dealership where you were the Service Manager. She hired me and I became the service cashier.
Roe you were an incredible man, you always managed to make every customer feel that they were special. When the customer was upset about their bill I would page you and you would promptly come to the cashier’s office and explain the bill, tell the customer how much time had been spent on their auto and then with a smile write off a portion of the bill to make them happy. I know you were admired by your mechanics and service writers as a man of character, they could always count on you to do the right thing.
While I was employed by Roe I met his son Bob and we later married. Roe became more than my father-in-law, he was my second father.
While newly married we would do all kinds of things with Roe and Lorna almost every weekend. I learned to cook and they were my “victims” but they were always encouraging me. Bob and I bought our first home in Cypress and Roe and Lorna bought a home across the street.
When Bob and I had our daughter Erin,Roe and Lorna were so excited they almost beat us to the hospital. Babies made Roe so happy. He was by far the best grandfather in the world. He would play, always take time to listen and act goofy to make her laugh. Work stopped for him when Erin was around and she would have his total attention.
Roe you always made everyone feel so special, what a gift you had.
I remember your coffee, toast with peanut butter breakfasts. You tried to come home for lunch everyday when you were working, you would always take off your shoes and relax for the brief time. Your shoes, you were a man that loved shoes.
We had great times sailing, either to Catalina or chartering in the BVI’s. You were always up for an adventure.
We had wonderful trips to Canada to see your family. You loved the family getting together at Uncle Pat’s home telling stories and so much laughing. The Canadian beer wasn’t too bad either.
I am comforted that you are in heaven with all your family, your Mom and Dad, all your brothers and your sister, and with so many of your old friends to greet you. This will help ease the sorrow for those of us left here without you.
I will miss you terribly and will continue to love you all of my life, your loving daughter-in-law Judi
kim sorich says:
August 4, 2012
how beautiful, Judi.
Sandra Escandon says:
August 6, 2012
Dear Bob,
I am very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My father too was a WWII Veteran, a Marine serving in Guadaclanal and Iwo Jima. Both my parents have passed on and I miss them dearly. My faith tells me that one day our families will be reunited together in heaven. What a glorious reunion that will be!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Be still, my soul: The hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Families are Forever!
Sandra Escandon