Obituary of Robert Cromie
In Loving Memory
Mr. Robert ‘Roy’ Cromie, formerly of Simcoe, passed away peacefully at Parkview Meadows Long Term-Gardenview, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in his 90th year. Robert (Roy) Cromie was born in Ballywalter, Ireland on March 10th, 1937 to Isabella Cromie Wilsczewski. It was war time and his mother moved to England to find work in a military factory. He stayed behind and was raised by his Grandparents Alexander and Sarah Bella Cromie in a very simple but loving home. The war had a deep impact on him and influenced him for the rest of his life. We grew up hearing stories of his adventures of living on the sea side, Niki Niki nine doors, stealing potatoes, watching American war movies bringing a bomb home and more. He was a true adventurer. He started working on the local Lord's farm at the age of 14, and spoke highly of the opportunity. At the age of 18 he left his home in Ireland and moved to his mother's residence in London, England where he worked at an undersea cable factory until he was able to raise enough money to move to Canada. In 1960 he arrived in Montreal and made his way to London, Ontario to work for his sponsor, William Stewart an MP and local farmer that raised cattle and cash crops. He worked for Bill for one year. The Stewart family had an excellent relationship with Roy and they remained friends for many years thereafter. He moved to Guelph, Ontario in 1961 and started working for the Homewood Sanitarium as an Orderly. He later moved into the maintenance department and became an apprentice plumber under a dear friend Bernie Foresthill that he spoke so highly of until his dying day. He worked his way up at his job and became maintenance supervisor. While working at the Homewood he met Elizabeth Keegan his future wife and they were both smitten with each other. They were married and had their first child, Vincent in 1965, followed by a daughter Pamela in 1969. During this time, he pursued his passion for flight and completed his first solo fight in 1977. He worked for the Guelph General Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital in Kitchener where he finished his career as Project Manager in 1995. He continued to work part time and enjoy flying checking out on numerous types of aircraft. He was also involved in doing family renovations wherever they were needed. He had a sincere love for his family. He was a supportive father and helped in any way he could. Beloved husband of 66 years to Elizabeth (Keegan) Cromie. Loving father of Vincent (Karen) and Pamela (Doug Slack). Cherished grandfather of Amanda Dickieson, Scott Dickieson (Kristi), Jake Taylor (Erin) and Robin Taylor and great grandfather of Sebastion, Max and Hunter and his nephew Alex (Geraldine) Misskelly. He is predeceased by his Mother Isabella and Vincent Wilczewski. A Family Funeral Service was held with Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Lynedoch. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from Noon to 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church-Woodhouse, 883 Norfolk St. South, Simcoe, with Words of Remembrance and Tribute at 2:00 p.m. Memorial Donations to the Charity of your Choice can be made through the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) and will be gratefully appreciated by the family.
“Dad Fly..... see you in the clouds.”
