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Robert James Irvine

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

Robert James Irvine

September 13, 1933 - January 17, 2023

Peacefully at Ed’s House, Cobourg on Tuesday January 17th, 2023 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Carol Irvine (nee Pitman). Loving father of Michelle Robinson (Kevin). Grandfather (aka Bob-Bob) of Tyler and Tanner. Pre-deceased by his brothers Jack and Bill. Bob had a passion for music and was a central part of the arts community in Cobourg for over 70 years. He was a member of the Cobourg Kiltie Band, the Trinity Men’s Orchestra, the Cobourg Clown Band and the Concert Band of Cobourg. Bob wrote a book on the history of the Concert Band of Cobourg. Bob’s love of music inspired his daughter Michelle to become a music teacher. Bob loved number crunching and to this end, supported David Cable during tax season. Up until his final year, Bob could be seen on his daily long walks through town, most likely engaging any passerby with conversation, and always finding a connection with them. Whether an actor, a singer, a clarinetist, or a concerned member of the community, Bob has tirelessly given his best to the Town of Cobourg. At Bob’s request there will be no visiting or service. If desired donations may be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice.

Message Of Condolence

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MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Beth and Chris Brown - February 17, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

C. Jones - February 15, 2023

Our condolences to Bob’s family. It turns out that Bob is a cousin of my father (Bob’s mother Gladys Taylor was the sister of my father’s mother Gertrude Taylor). I had the pleasure of speaking with Bob after my father died suddenly, as I was contacting relatives, and working through the trove of family photos and stories that my father had left behind. It was a special experience to hear Bob’s stories of the years gone by; I was struck by his sensitivity and passion. He and you, are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brian Scholfield - February 14, 2023

Very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I have many fond memories of Bob in the Concert Band of Cobourg and singing in the Trinity Church choir. There isn't a Christmas that goes by without remembering O Holy Night from the Christmas Eve service. Condolences to Bob's family as he will be missed.

Jean van Leeuwen(Scott) - February 14, 2023

I appreciated Bob’s encouragement when I played clarinet in the Concert Band of Cobourg. As band members we enjoyed many parades,concerts, and Warrior Day Parades at the CNE and the annual get together at Roly White’s home.Rest in peace Bob

Arthur and Nancy Dalgarno - February 7, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Lynne Taylor - February 3, 2023

Dear Carol and family, It was with sadness that I read Bob's obituary in the paper. He was a lovely guy . He always had a smile and a quip when I met him out walking. I hope your memories and your family and friends will help you through this difficult time.

Dave and Kelli Narine - February 2, 2023

Our heartfelt condolences for such a great loss! Thinking of you Carol, Michelle and family:)

Richard McEntee - January 30, 2023

Carol so sorry to read about Bob. You take care A work friend at the CDGH. Rick............

Keri Campbell - January 30, 2023

Members of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary wish to extend their condolences in the passing of Mr. Robert Irvine. Mr. Irvine is remembered as being a dedicated volunteer, generously offering his time and abilities to Northumberland Hills Hospital as a Volunteer from 1994 until 2007. His support and kindness will be fondly remembered.

Wendy Elinsky - January 29, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Wendy Tomaz - January 23, 2023

So sorry for your loss Carol...take good care of yourself through these days of grief

Joan and Don Diminie and family - January 22, 2023

Carol, Michelle, Kevin and family: Sorry to learn of Bob passing on, a friend for many years, always enjoyed our chats downtown. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Beverley Hergott-Harp - January 21, 2023

My condolences Carol and Michelle on the passing of Bob. May you be comforted by the many happy memories. Bob was a delightful, warm, friendly man. Cobourg was richer for his presence and involvement.

Karen Atkins - January 21, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Ronald Cowin - January 21, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Jeff & Rhonda Bisset - January 21, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Laura Pineau - January 20, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Cathy and Mike Rostetter - January 20, 2023

Dear Michelle, Carol and Family. We were saddened to learn of Bob's passing. It was a pleasure to have known him. May your many memories bring you comfort now and in the days to come. Our deepest condolences.

Brian and Dodi Pitman - January 20, 2023

Dodi and I were very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We can't remember a time when he wasn't laughing, smiling, or helping somebody do something. He was a good man and will be missed. Our deepest condolences.

Anne and Paul Burnham - January 20, 2023

Paul and I were talking about our favourite memories of Bob. There were nice impromptu chats, clarinet playing memories from the concert band, but most of all the glorious harmonies of Bob with Art and others singing O Holy Night on Christmas Eve for years and years. It was magical. We wish Carol and Michelle all the best at this difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of Bob with his warmth and enthusiasm.

Mary Harnden - January 20, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Geoffrey Honey - January 20, 2023

It's always sad when the final curtain comes down...but we continue with hearts filled to the brim with the efforts of actors/musicians caring dedicated engaged souls. What a life well lived! Thanks for teaching us and touching our hearts cheerfully Bob! Rest now. Geoffrey Honey (former Concert Band of Cobourg member, formerly of Cobourg for 35 years, now residing in Hamilton)

Geoffrey Honey - January 20, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Sara Woods (LaBrash) - January 20, 2023

Bob was a wonderful person and a great friend to our family over the years. I still remember him singing "O Holy Night" with George Cameron and Art Jones at our annual Xmas concert at Trinity Church. Many memories! Sara Woods

Sheryl Grills and John Davey - January 20, 2023

So sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure knowing Bob. He will be missed.

Carol Robinson - January 20, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

John Stillwell - January 19, 2023

Carol and Michelle and family sorry for your loss. Bob always had time for a chat whenever our paths crossed. Rest in peace.

Marian Davidson - January 19, 2023

I have fond memories of this "old highschool classmate". Bob, John, Loreen and I made up a vocal quartette, which originated in Miss Quinlan's French class, if I remember correctly. Great fun. My condolances to his family.

David and Sheila Cable - January 19, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Sheila and David Cable - January 19, 2023

Dear Carol, Michelle, Kevin and family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a beloved husband, father and grandfather. It was my pleasure to have worked with Bob for 25 years. He had a quick smile, a kind word and he was passionate about the work. He was interested in the people he worked with, his friends and always talked about his family. Sheila's brother Floyd was a friend as they attended public school and Boy Scouts together way back when and Bob never failed to ask about him whenever our paths crossed. Bob will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.

Angela Scholte - January 19, 2023

Michelle and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Stacey Cohen - January 19, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Allan and Coralie Kirby - January 19, 2023

So sorry to learn of Bob's passing. he was a good friend and a gentle caring being. His musical talent, vocally and instrumentally, was superb. I met Bob in 1969 and enjoyed many hours walking and talking with him and on occasion playing music with him. He and his brother-in-law Arnold, supported me in so many ways as I furthered my music education as a mature student at Queens University. I lost touch with Bob when I left Cobourg in 2004, but he was always in my thoughts as was his lovely wife Carol. Bob was special. My wife, Coralie, and I extend sincere condolences to Carol and the family in this sad time. Thinking of you all and remembering my friend, Dr. Allan (Al) Kirby

Tom and Teresa Behan - January 19, 2023

Michelle, Kevin and families. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad. We are sorry for your loss.

Rick and Barb Johns - January 19, 2023

So sorry about Bob's passing. He was such a wonderful man, loved all the conversations we had with him, always was so positive. He did so much for the community and others. Our sincere condolences.

Diana Storem - January 19, 2023

I have known Bob for more than fifty years through our mutual association with the Concert Band of Cobourg. He was a member of the clarinet section. For many years he marched in front of the band as our drum major. As band historian he researched and wrote an amazing book about the band. It is truly the end of an era. My condolences to Michelle and family. Diana Storen

Brenda Cochrane - January 18, 2023

Dear Carol and family With sincere sympathy on Bob’s passing. When I lived on Abbott I had many interesting conversations with Bob. He was very active in the community and his presence will be missed.

Christine Foskett - January 18, 2023

A loving tribute. Thinking of you all.❤️

Laurie Seale Vandewater - January 18, 2023

Sincere condolences to Bob's family. He was such a fixture in Cobourg's music scene.

Susan and John Davison - January 18, 2023

Carol, Michelle and Family our deepest sympathy.

Debbie & Adam Harris - January 18, 2023

Carol, Michelle & Family, so sorry for your loss

Cec and Mary Henry - January 18, 2023

Carol, Michelle and family: Cec and I were saddened to hear of Bobs passing. He always greeted you with that awesome smile and hearty laugh. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏❤️ Hugs Cec & Mary

Alison Kneen - January 18, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I remember well Bob popping in regularly into the Music portable to share his passion for music and give clarinet tutorials to so many students.

Kevin & Sheryl Walt - January 18, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Alasdair Gillespie - January 18, 2023

To Michelle and family, we extend our sincere condolences, . We are very sorry to hear of the your loss.

Nicholas and Geraldine Moon - January 18, 2023

Dear Carol, Michelle, Kevin and Family; We are saddened to learn of Bob's passing. We had the privilege of knowing all three brothers. Each had his own charm and personality. Although our paths didn't cross all that often, when they did, our conversations were always light and pleasant. Bob was always optimistic and cheery. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Kindest Regards Nick and Gerry Moon

Muriele - January 18, 2023

We will miss Bob's visits and his warm personality. Bob was a fan of my cooking which I appreciated greatly. He was a kind and gentle man! He was family.

Jacqueline van Draanen - January 18, 2023

Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Travis and Charlene Doyle - January 18, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Joan Blaind - January 18, 2023

Dear Carol & family So sorry to hear of Bob's passing Prayers & thoughts sent your way

Jim and Christine Thompson - January 18, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Mike & Kim Behan - January 18, 2023

So sorry for your loss Michelle. May your dad rest in peace.

Brad Halls - January 18, 2023

To Carol and all of Bob's family and friends: Heather and I were saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I had the pleasure to come to know him personally, musically and otherwise over my 35+ years living, working and playing music in Cobourg. Bob contributed so much to the Town of Cobourg on so many fronts, and his efforts for so many years on behalf of the Concert Band, both as musician and historian were invaluable. Few of us will have done as much in the years we are given. Brad Halls, Fergus, Ontario (formerly of Cobourg)

Neidra Harris - January 18, 2023

Carol & family So sorry for your loss Bob was a wonderful person who will be missed …

Ian Moffat - January 18, 2023

Carol and family. Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Always enjoyed chatting with Bod whenever our paths crossed. My condolences.

Allan Elder - January 18, 2023

Our condolences to Carol and all of Bob's family. I had the privilege of working with Bob for a number of years during tax season and I never knew anyone as precise and detailed in all his work. He was truly a Cobourg Historian and he took great pleasure in his hours at the library researching his book on the Band RIP my Friend. Allan and Debbie Elder

Jonathan Mitchell - January 18, 2023

Had the pleasure of working with Bob over 45 years ago at Westinghouse in Port Hope. He was a fine man and although saddened by his passing so glad to hear he lived a long, happy and productive life.

Doreen Curtis - January 18, 2023

Dear Carol I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Atkins - January 18, 2023

Carol, Michelle, Kevin, Tyler and Tanner. I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was an amazing person and friend. He will be truly missed.

Sonia Cruickshanks - January 18, 2023 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Sonia Cruickshanks - January 18, 2023

Dear Carol, Michelle, Kevin, Tyler and Tanner, So very sorry for your loss. Bob was truly a beautiful person who spread kindness and laughter everywhere he went. He was like a second dad to me growing up, always welcoming and having a positive influence. For this, I will always be grateful.

Gerard Bondy - January 18, 2023

Carol & family, verry sorry for your loss. Gerard & Penny

Haley Cole - January 18, 2023

Thinking of you all in this difficult time.

Viviane Fortin (aka Auntie Bibbles) - January 18, 2023

Please accept my most sincere condolences Carol, Michelle, Tyler and Tanner in these most difficult times. Bob will clearly be missed by you all and will continue to live through all of you. Flying high with the angels. Sending all my love your way xoxo

Maureen Weekes - January 18, 2023

My condolences to Carol, Michelle, Kevin, Tyler and Tanner on the loss of a very special person. His dedication to music has been an inspiration to many. He is going to be sorely missed.