Robert George Stamler, 60

It is with deepest sorrow that the family announces the peaceful passing of Robert, age 60 after a five year battle with cancer. He died on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at the Rainy River Hospital where he had received the most compassionate care in the last week of his life.
Robert was born on December 14, 1944, in Winnipeg, the first born of George and Ellen (Hanson) Stamler. In 1949 the Stamler family moved from Sprague to Rainy River where George established “George’s Shoe Store.” Robert received his early education in Rainy River then studied Civil Engineering at Lakehead University. After three years of working at Great Lakes Paper, he decided to go to the University of Alberta where he graduated in Pharmacy in 1972. That same summer, his father died and Robert returned to live in Rainy River. He worked at Calvert’s Drug Store (repairing shoes after hours!) and in 1973 purchased the store from Irene Warner and changed the name to Rainy River Drugs.
In April, 1976, Robert married Gillian Sage who was teaching at Sturgeon Creek School. The following year they purchased the building where the present R.R. Drugs is situated. 1978 - the year of change! Robert and Gill were blessed with 3 chosen sons - instant family! What a joy Serge, Richard and Daniel have been to their father. For 30 years Robert worked in the Pharmacy but he had other interests - cooking, gardening, curling and an avid Toronto Maple Leaf’s supporter. In the summer he tried to spend as much time as possible at the Stamler family cabin on Lake of the Woods in Morson.
Robert was especially concerned with the well being of the Town of Rainy River, which he dearly loved. He worked very hard to promote its growth in many ways. He was a member of the Kinsmen Club, Curling Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Masonic Lodge. He was a faithful member of Knox United Church, being on the Board of Stewards and Treasurer of the Rainy River Stratton Joint Board.
Robert will be forever missed, but always loved by his wife Gillian, his son’s and their families - Serge & Chrystal, Richard & Ashley, Daniel and Shawna. His beloved grandchildren will never forget their “Papa” - Chelsea, Paige, Mark, Kayle, Taya, Alysha, Jory and Corban. His sisters, Jeanette (Gordon) Armstrong, Susan (Tom) Robinson and brother Larry (Teresa) many nieces and nephews grieve his passing. He was predeceased by his parents, George in 1972 and Ellen in 1993.
He was known for his gentle, kind and generous spirit. Robert will not be forgotten by those whose lives he touched in so many ways.
The funeral service for Robert was held on Friday, July 8th, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church. Pastor Gordon Armstrong officiated with interment in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River, Ontario.
The pallbearers were Danny Johnson, Larry Armstrong, Danny Armstrong, Robert Ottertail, Brad Robinson and Kevin Robinson.
The honourary pallbearers were Hugh Clifford, Larry Budreau, Dale Morrison, Murray Aikenhead, and Jim Crackel