On April 11, 2023, Robert McMeechan was Promoted to Glory as he peacefully passed from this life. Robert was born December 5, 1934, in the village of Whitecross, Scotland. The sixth of ten children, he lived in Scotland until he emigrated to Canada in 1957. After sailing to Montreal, Robert worked various jobs, including a pickle factory and a Christmas tree farm. He eventually settled in Guelph, Ontario where he connected with the Salvation Army through hockey. After giving his heart to the Lord, he felt the call to become a Salvation Army officer (pastor) and joined the Greathearts session from 1959-60. It was here that he met the love of his life, Grace Putnam. They were married in 1962 and served in appointments across Canada and Bermuda for almost 40 years. While Robert willingly served at the Training College for Officers (Toronto, ON) and as Divisional Secretary (Cornerbrook, NL), he found the most joy in pastoring, as a Corps Officer and through his appointments in Pastoral Care. Robert was known for his compassion, encouragement, and many “wee” words of prayer. His greatest desire was that everyone would know the depth and breadth of God’s love for them. He was an avid reader and enjoyed playing tennis. He was always up for adventure. He loved roller coasters and even rode the zipline at Camp Sunrise in his 80s after having a hip replacement!
Robert was a loving father to his three daughters, Heather, Rhonda, and Linda, always encouraging them to live to their full potential and to remember “who they are and whose they are.” He loved spending time with his grandchildren and celebrating their accomplishments. Family was important to Robert, and he would rarely have a conversation with anyone without asking, “How’s the family”?
Robert is preceded in death by his precious wife Grace; parents Robert and Mary; mother-in-law Pearle; siblings Agnes (Douglas), Helen (David), Thomas (Margaret), Lewis (Julia), Moira (Willie) and James; and brothers and sisters-in-law Clive (Shirley) and Dorothy (Wally). He is survived by his daughters Heather, Rhonda and Linda; grandchildren Ashley (Graeme), Nathanael (Sarah), Christopher, Caleb (Esther), Rachel (Lucas), and Adam; great-grandchildren Hayden, Ailith and Ernest; sisters Cecilia (preceded in death by George), Jean (preceded in death by Jack), and Isabel (Matthew); and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Glenwarren Lodge, Royal Jubilee Hospital, and Victoria Hospice for the loving care provided during the past year.
While we will miss our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, pastor, and friend, we rejoice in the knowledge that he is forever in the presence of the Lord and resting in the arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
A service of celebration will be held at the Salvation Army Victoria Citadel, 4030 Douglas St., on Monday, April 17 at 11:00 a.m. For those who are unable to attend in person, click the following link to watch a livestream of the service…
https://youtube.com/live/oTWF-didUPc
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Victoria Citadel https://salvationarmyvictoria.ca/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Sandra Williams
-
Salim Masai As with so many people, Robert left a lasting effect on me. Truth: I endeavour to be more like Robert, especially the way he went the extra mile to reach out to people, me included. While I’m confident my funeral will not be nearly as well attended as his, I hope I can live to be half the man he was, when he was among the living.
-
Margaret A. Stafford (Hodgson )(Hodg)Stafford Bob and Grace and I have been friends since we took our training at 84 Davisville Ave inToronto in 1959 – 1960. Bob was always a God fearing man even when Grace and I got into some mischief together. I will miss knowing they are not here but rejoice in knowing they are in the presence of a loving God who they preached About for so many years. I send my deepest condolences to the family who he loved so much. Farewell Greatheart. Enter thou into the Joy of your Lord.
-
Leanne Peel I am greatly sorry for your loss. What an amazing man. You were truly blessed to be chosen as his family. Anyone whom knew him, felt part of the family. As he is rejoicing in heaven and you celebrate his life, may you find comfort. His life is a testimony of a job well done. May you find comfort that is not a goodbye but will see you again. Love to you all. Heather, Rhonda Ashley, and all of your families and my dear friend Linda. Wish I could be there with you. I will keep you all in my prayers, like I promised
-
Isabel Russell Heather Rhonda and Linda
We are all sorry to hear of your Dads passing he was a great brother brother in law and uncle to all of us and will be sadly missed.Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Love Auntie Isabel Uncle Matthew
Campbell Mhari Mark and Jennifer
-
Gordon A. Handford I worked for a few short years with Bob, and it wasn’t enough. He had kindness, decency and pleasant good will down to a tee. He would ask me when he saw me, how I was doing. I would say as my usual jest – “up to no good”, whereupon he would always respond “Oh I can’t believe that”. Honestly he was such a ray of sunshine, that I don’t think he could every say or think a bad thing about anybody. At the ARC where we worked together for a time, he was thought well of by all, and by all, he will be deeply missed.
-
Tom & Emelene Ellwood Linda, Heather and Rhonda please be assured of our thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time. Your father, just like your mother, was a very special person in our lives too! He was a terrific example of “faith” and we feel so blessed to have known him for so many years. We certainly will miss his friendship and “wee prayers”!
-
Beth Faulkner Heather, Rhonda and Linda: I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I still remember Wilton Cres days here in Woodstock. When I read about the “wee” prayers I chuckled because if my memory services me right, they were not very wee. I really did love having your family living next door in Woodstock. Cherish the memories! You are all in my thoughts and prayers in these days.
-
Robyn Daniels We were fortunate to have Robert and Grace as our Corp Officers, both in Oshawa and Etobicoke. Mom (Ruby) served on the building committee with him for the “then” new Oshawa Temple. I will always remember his surprising call to the funeral home when mom passed away, and the prayer we had over the phone. That call was so meaningful and special, calling from Victoria.
Thinking of all his family especially now. We are all better for knowing him.
Heather, Rhonda, Linda your dad did my wedding 58yrs ago while stationed in Bermuda. If missing from church, guarantee he’d be at your house the same day to check on that person. He was a very outstanding Officer by the love and concern for others. I appreciated both of your parents.