Obituary of Robert William McCorkindale

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ROBERT WILLIAM MCCORKINDALE

April 10, 1936   -     MARCH 15, 2024

It's with profound sadness and grief that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Robert (Bob) McCorkindale at St. Mary's Hospital on March 15th, 2024.  He had heart artery surgery and never regained consciousness, due to multiple strokes.  We held his hand as he took his last breath.  Our Brave Heart  Bob was  in his 88th year.  Born in 1936 to his Veterinarian Father "Doc" McCorkindale and his Scottish Mother, Agnes McCorkindale; 'wee Bobbie' was the apple of their eye.  His exuberant curious spirit and love of the outdoors were evident at a very young age!  When only two years old,  skis were a gift under the Christmas Tree.  And so the story is told,  he went outside that very day and tried them out, successfully!!   That adventurous spirit and the love for the outdoors would be the hallmark throughout the rest of his life. Bob's early years were spent on the "Family Farm" known as Fountain Head, in Guelph.  Born of 'pioneer Scottish stock' his McCorkindale ancestors were one of the very first families in Guelph Township in 1828.  The 'McCorkindale family tree' includes early Guelph Township family relatives such as:   "McCrae; Bell; Hood; and Cleghorn's!"  All of these ancestors were "the early Scottish builders of Guelph and Guelph Township."  They were craftsman, farmers, cattleman, businessmen; opened lumber mills, some were Councillors and early Guelph Masons.   Bob was very proud of his ancestry.  His early years were spent living at "Fountain Head Farm" where he forged a deep bond with his Grandparents Bob and Jessie Bell (McCrae)  McCorkindale who lived on one side of the large Stone House.  His Father's Veterinarian Office was also at "Fountain Head."   As a young lad he "mucked out the barn" before school and returned from school to do further chores.  That's what children did in those days; everyone pitched in.

After graduating from GCVI, he pursued his passion of "architecture, art history and design" and earned a degree at NYU.  To make extra money in New York he would 'run bottles of milk' from the horse drawn Milk Cart to homes in the early hours of the morning.  All before classes!!  On return to Guelph he managed and ultimately bought "Duncan McPhee's" store in Guelph.  He skied whenever he could.  He and friend Jack Brown groomed and opened one of the earliest 'ski hills' in Wellington County, called Corwhin!  He skied in the winter and then sailed in the summer.  Another of his great passions, Sailing.  Bob's life was one of active engagement with the world around him.  Outdoors; it was Skiing or Sailing....Indoors, his intellectual curiosity was satisfied through his love of reading and the strategic game of chess.  His creativity was evident in his hobbies: drawing, painting in water colors and oils and making unique beautiful bird houses.    Bob was a respected mentor, and an inspiration to almost anyone who met him.  He instilled a love of Art, Sailing, Skiing, Painting, and Reading in his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was so young at heart and loved children....last summer he could be found making sand castles or flying a kite, going on the horse carousel with a great grandchild.  Much to their delight!

Bob sailed for many years in the Caribbean and the Great Lakes.  On return he went back to his earlier Real Estate Career and in total worked for over 36 years as a Realtor in Guelph and Area.  Respected by all his clients for his straightforward and honest approach. 

Predeceased by his parents, his eldest son Scott,  his sister Faye and Brother James and sister-in-law Linda.  His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife Erin who has lost her "Knight in shining armor. Her beacon of Love and Light."  Cherished by his two Brothers, Neil(Valerie) and Bill (Linda).  So very Cherished and Admired by his children, Janet (Bradt); Beth (Brian) and David, and Sean (Natasha).  And his adored grandchildren; Ashley(Craig), Jenna (Scott), Lindsey(Thomas) and Matthew(Stephanie.)  Hugely adored by his  Great-Grands: Sam and Lucie; James and Jack; Aubrey and Morgan; Hannah and Wesley, Elodie and Etienne. 

Bob's 'joie de vivre', warmth, wisdom, and the sheer joy and FUN he brought to life every day, will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know and be in his company.  His was a LIFE WELL-LIVED and a legacy that will continue to inspire.  He left an indelible mark on the tapestry of our lives!!  We will MISS HIM MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY!  

The final word from Bob himself.  Here is an exerp from a poem he wrote not long ago: 

 "Some years ago, When I was Young, My love of the sea Had just begun.  Nearing the dock, My heart would race, My little sloop, was in her place;  Gently boarding and hoisting sail, Joyfully heading back out to sea, Sailing at last, 'White Wings' and Me!!"   Happy Sailing Bob!  ....We'll see you on the Other Side!!

Service to honor and celebrate Bob's life will be held at Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, on Saturday, March 23, 2024; Visitation at 11:00 A.M.  Followed by Service at 12 noon.  Followed by internment Woodlawn Cemetery and Refreshments back at Brombal. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to:   Cardiac Fitness Association, Breslau or Track 3 Ski School  or  St. Mary's General Hospital Cardiac Care Unit,  would be appreciated by the family.  (Donations can be made in person at the funeral home or online at www.Brombal.ca).