Obituaries

ROBERT, Leo Albert

April 5, 1949 - March 22, 2023

Surrounded by his loving family in his final days, and with his wife of 43 years at his side, Leo Robert passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023, at the age of 73, after a valiant battle with cancer.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Debbie; son Blake (Sara); daughter Chantal; and his beloved grandchildren Addison, Elodie, and Drew. Also, left to cherish his memory are his brother Aurele; sisters Diane, Helene, Suzanne, and Lucie; his nieces and nephews who all adored their uncle Leo; and the extended family and close friends who were woven into Leo’s life over so many years.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Hervey and Germaine Robert (née Boucher); brother Roland; and the extended family and good friends who were waiting for him and no doubt had a cigar ready for his arrival.

Leo was born in Matheson, Ontario in 1949 and raised in the nearby town of Val Gagne. After high school, he completed his training as a heavy-duty mechanic at Cambrian College in Sault Ste. Marie and took a job in his trade at Ontario Pulp and Paper in Manitouwadge, Ontario. It was in Manitouwadge that he would form several lifelong friendships, which also became life-changing when they decided to move west to Fort McMurray in 1975.

In Fort McMurray, Leo first worked for Canadian Bechtel who were constructing the original Syncrude mine. It was while working for Bechtel that he met his bride-to-be, Debbie (née Cameron). Leo and Debbie were married in 1980 and completed their family with the arrival of son Blake, in 1981, and daughter Chantal, in 1984.

1980 was also the year he founded L. Robert Enterprises, which began with a single mechanic's truck and grew to become a highly-regarded heavy equipment repair, rental, welding, and fabrication business serving the oilsands with a workforce of over 400 people. Leo knew the value of the skilled trades and was instrumental in advancing trades training in northeastern Alberta through support of the Registered Apprenticeship Program, CAREERS: The Next Generation, and the trades education programs at Keyano College to name a few. He was also well-known for providing many employment opportunities at L. Robert Enterprises so that apprentices could learn the skills they needed to advance their careers.

Beyond business, Leo was a generous philanthropist supporting many causes including countless minor league sports teams, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, the Northern Lights Regional Health Foundation, the Keyano College Foundation, Rotary House, and the 2004 Arctic Winter Games. He also served as the co-chair of the 2003 Alberta Seniors Games.

After a successful and rewarding career, Leo and Debbie sold the business and retired to Kelowna, BC in 2006. There, he and Debbie joined many friends who had relocated to the Okanagan and created even more friendships in their new home, where he could usually be found tending to the lawn in his orchard or hosting guests at the bar in his garage.

With retirement came the opportunity to travel the world, including trips to Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and Egypt, as well as experiencing Disneyland with each of his grandchildren. Perhaps his favourite trip of all, though, was a visit to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick where he was able to reconnect with so many friends from his time in Fort McMurray. Leo and Debbie also enjoyed ten wonderful winters at their second home in La Quinta, California, filled with sunshine and the company of friends and family.

His philanthropic spirit also made its mark in Kelowna, with generous support for organizations such as the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, the BC Cancer Foundation, and the Canadian Cancer Society. And, though he was never one to seek accolades, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community and in business on multiple occasions, including as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal; the Alberta Centennial Medal; and the Canadian Institute of Mining Fellowship, and with the naming of a new industrial park in Fort McMurray in his honour.

Leo was an unforgettable, larger-than-life personality, and we are grateful for the legacy of wonderful memories he has left for us all to cherish – especially over a cigar, a glass of Steam Whistle beer, or his favourite Willie Nelson songs.

Cremation has taken place per his wishes, and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

No flowers, please. But, if you wish to commemorate Leo, please consider a donation in his memory to one of the organizations who provided him with exceptional care and comfort through his final journey: Hospice House Kelowna (hospicehousekelowna.com), the BC Cancer Foundation (bccancerfoundation.com), and the Kelowna General Hospital (kghfoundation.com).

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Leo, you will be missed.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/robert-leo-albert/

Condolence Messages

Apr 25, 2023
The old saying "Live each day as it is your last". Leo did that better then anyone I have known. I work outside services at the Citrus in La Quinta and when I saw Leo's name on the tee sheet I knew it was going to be a fun day. He was bigger then life and loved to needle his friends. Especially Mario. I am a year older then him and he enjoyed calling me the old man. We are all better off for having known him. He is a great example of how to treat others. He will be missed. - Chuck Eggebraaten
Apr 06, 2023
Debbie and Family,

Chris and I are to very sorry to hear of Leo's passing. I am not sure how we will get along without him at Miskinaw in June. It certainly will not be the same. I will be dedicating a column to Leo in Straight from DeHart shortly. I was also so very happy to have the great chat we had last week.

Maxine and Chris DeHart

- Maxine DeHart
Apr 04, 2023
Deb and Family

I was one of the lucky people who had the joy of getting to know Leo through many of his friends from Ft. McMurray. He was such a gregarious and friendly full of life guy that was always a treat to spend time with any chance I got. He will be missed by all who knew him and like I, will have many fond memories of him. My thoughts are with the family who have lost so much in his passing. R.I.P. Leo

Mike Day - Mike Day
Apr 03, 2023
I only met Leo a few years ago and delivered hay . I was a heavy duty mechanic and my uncle flew for R.Angus so we had some good bs sessions. My condolences to the family.just wanted to say it was a pleasure to have known him.Barry Ludwig - Barry Ludwig
Apr 02, 2023
I attended school with Chantal in the late 90's and witnessed the love and dedication to his daughter. He always had a quick wit and genuine smile. My deepest condolences to Debbiie, Blake, Chantal, and those who loved the great man he was. Sincerest love, Sarah Fondren - Sarah J Fondren
Apr 02, 2023
My wife and I only knew Leo for a short time as his daughter was our neighbor. Leo was a very kind and helpful man all you had to do was ask and he would be there to help with his little John Deere tractor. I am sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Condolences to Chantelle and family. - Daryl and Claire Sillars - daryl sillars
Apr 01, 2023
Living on acreages you seldom see neighbours but often saw Leo on his tractor. Always busy with some form of work. A joy to talk to. A very likeable guy willing to help sort out a problem with his mechanical ability. Debbie may you experience God’s peace during this time of grieving. Our condolences to you and family for your loss. Your neighbours. Eric and Toni.
Apr 01, 2023
I’m sad to say I hadn’t known Leo for long, but I’m truly honoured to say that I knew him at all. His humour, kindness and love for his family were evident from our first meeting, he will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Leo. Debbie and family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. - Barb
Apr 01, 2023
Dear Debbie and family.

Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I always enjoyed our conversations and Leo’s opinions. I know you will have numerous fond memories.

Rick Pushor
Mar 31, 2023
Condolences to the Family. Leo had a big heart. R.I.P - JOHN & JANICE OLIVER