Robert Mullin Anderson

ANDERSON, Robert Mullin. Singalong leader, home-made scotch brewer, moothie player and life of the party died, as he wished, on his beloved Hornby Island, December 10, 2021. Robert was preceded in death by his parents - Annie and Philip Anderson - and his older siblings Cathy, Huey, Annie, and Philip. They - along with a host of departed loved ones - undoubtedly welcomed Robert at the pearly gates with a wee dram and a song. Robert, who was known as Uncle Bobby to his extended clan, was born July 25, 1939 in Greenock, Scotland. The fifth of sixth children, he grew up fast on rough and tumble West Shaw Street and was working as a plasterer by the age of 15. Robert was a dashing charmer, who swept Isabella, his wife of 58 years, off her feet on the dance floor. During their engagement, he enlisted as a Private in the Royal Horse Artillery. His two years of service took him to England for training and later to Kenya and Aden. This provided him with a lifetime of "I remember when…" stories. In 1963, Robert and Isabella undertook a great adventure and left Scotland for Canada. In Vancouver, Robert began working as a plasterer almost immediately, and remained in the trade until his retirement at age 55. In 1994, Robert and Isabella moved to Hornby, where they played host to innumerable epic family gatherings. Time round the fire was made more magical because of Robert's beautiful voice, quick wit and endless hunts for the first star. The couple spent many happy winters in Hawaii, where Robert demonstrated his boundless energy by boogie boarding with the youngsters. Robert made his final journey in good company, laughing, singing and sharing memories with his best friend Ron Doucette, and his remaining sibling, younger sister Delia. Robert is survived by his loving wife Isabella, his son David, many grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives and friends. A celebration of Robert's life will be held on Hornby Island when COVID conditions allow for safe gatherings - hopefully in the summer of 2022. Goodbye Robert. Lang may yer lum reek.