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Robbie Klie planted 3 trees in memory of Robert Herniman
Saturday, October 3, 2020
3 trees were planted in memory of
Robert Bruce Herniman
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JERRY WASS uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
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I just found this pic of Robert and me, taken in 1961. Nice memories
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Don and Linda Pearson posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Dear Pam and Ryan and Jim and Jessica and your families: Please know that our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you in the very sad and sudden loss of your very special Dad and Grandpa. We have many wonderful memories of Annual Christmas Open Houses at the "Crews Inn on the Lake". Being able to celebrate the season with family and friends was always an important and special time for your Dad and Mom. May your most treasured memories of your Dad bring to all of you a gentle peace, with time. Keeping you close, with our heartfelt sympathy, and love, always. Donny and Linda xo
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Larry & Donna Taylor posted a condolence
Monday, October 5, 2020
Pam and Jimmy and family: We were so sadden to hear of Roberts passing. I was always proud to call him our Cousin. I spent a lot of time at their house when I was young...always a good time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time...may your memories get you through this hard time.....
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jerry wass uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, October 3, 2020
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Is it possible to get a copy of this photo or a photo copy????
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Pam Posted Oct 3, 2020 at 8:16 PM
Ted - I was hoping someone would contact you. I'd love to chat - Pam
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jerry wass Posted Oct 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Pam, my email is llwass2000@yahoo.com and my phone is 760-806-6715 as opposed to communicating on this page.Thank you! Jerry
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Jerry Wass uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 1, 2020
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Robert and I have been friends since grade school and all the way through high school. I remember Robert and Kathi, playing cribbage and drinking cokes in Gorski's while his brother, Ronnie, was flirting with the owner's daughter! The rest of us were line dancing and eating cheese burgers and fries------healthy food choices in 1960's! I loved Robert like a brother. We were separated for many years because I struggled to get my act together. I saw Robert in 2012 and had a chance to make amends for not staying in touch. He was kind and told me friends from high school are friends forever.
I have included our picture from 2012 and our grade 8 class pictures. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing Robert with me.
Jerry Wass
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crewsonthelake@yahoo.ca posted a condolence
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Just sharing my words from the service today. And thanks to my daughter for reading it when I could not .....
I first met Robert in the early nineteen eighties when our family first started coming to Colchester for the summer. My husband Jim and I would travel with our kids Jennifer and /Richard from Chatham on Friday’s and spend the weekend at the lake before returning home each Sunday.
Before long a routine was set up between Robert and Kathi and their two kids Pamela and Jimmy with our family in Colchester. As soon as the feed store closed on Saturday’s the “Hermie”s (as Jim would call them) would arrive at the lake.
We bbq’d hamburgers and hot dogs every weekend and work our way through five pounds of home fries before enjoying one and often two of Kathleen’s famous pies. After the supper dishes were cleared away, the four kids would be out and about the neighbourhood and the four adult settled at the kitchen table to play cards. Typically we played euchre or hearts.
Whenever the kids got out of hand in the living room just off our kitchen Robert would yell out loud and clearly - “Knock it off” and things would quiet down again - at least for a few minutes anyway.
Generally the men won these card games - they said it was their male superiority that garnered them their success - in truth I think it was because Kathleen and I just talked too much and couldn’t be bothered to pay much attention to the ins and outs of any game. Invariable after the games were done they gathered their tired kids together and left until the next weekend when we would do it all over again.
Our families have shared a lot of times together. We travelled together, grew together and over the years unfortunately we have said goodbye to each other many many times. This week our foursome is played out. Saying goodbye to Robert brings an end to an amazing relationship born out of mutual understanding and respect.
Robert cared for Kathleen in a way that would have bent and broken a lesser person - but he it did it unfailingly and without complaint. Once that chapter was passed his spirit was not broken and he came through that and was fortunate in his life to find another wonderful lady to share his life. Barb and he were able to travel and enjoy many happy years together and I hope the memories they made will help to ease the days ahead.
I knew Robert as Uncle Robert but that was not how everyone knew him. Those in and around town from his school days called him Wally. To this day I really don’t know why - but Wally he was. Because of his amazing stature and his assured presence many of our friends and neighbours called him Big Bob. But I do know his favourite name to be called and that was GrandPa.
I think that being a GrandPa was the greatest joy for Robert - well than and beating me at Scrabble.
When his grandchildren arrived on the scene his austere and judgmental opinions about how to treat and raise children were thrown out the window and he blustered and gushed as he talked about Laurens, Jack’s and KK’s accomplishments, funny sayings and behaviours. He loved nothing more than having all three of them climbing all over him as they watched favourite movie or he read them a story.
Robert was extremely proud of Pamela and Jimmy and through the many hours we spent together over the Scrabble board we would talk about how our lives and our kids lives have unfolded. Family was important to him and he was a strong support person for anyone that was allowed into his circle of friends.
Barely a week-end would pass through the summer when his silver truck would not be seen heading down Jackson Street towards Richardson Lane in Colchester. There he made fast and strong friendships with everyone in our neighbourhood. Most days the “Coffee Club” would meet on the cottage decks and the wisdom that was shared between Robert, Richard and Andy would make the rest of us wonder why they weren’t running the Country…
Robert would perch on the bench, or flip down the tailgate of his truck that he backed up to the porch. I can’t believe that we won’t see that truck creep down the lane any more.
Robert was just at the lake a few days ago and when the Coffee Club was breaking up for the day Robert hoisted himself off the tailgate and said - I’ll be back . . .
Well this is one time he won’t be able to keep his word. This time he won’t be back - and there will be no more wisdom from him. But what we do have each and every one of us here - is their own history of their time with Robert. You have your own stories and memories. I encourage you to share them with each other and through that sharing I hope the sadness we feel today will somehow be made more bearable.
We are all facing uncommon times in our world and uncommon conditions on how we can comfort each other. I hope for each of you here will take with you some great memories of the times you have been able to share with Robert and his wonderful family.
Have a peaceful day - and thank you for your time.
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Jerry and Kathy Gignac posted a condolence
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Roberts’ family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jerry and I have many fun, happy memories of Robert. He was truly a friend of ours. Jerry and Kathy
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Nancy Ford lit a candle
Thursday, October 1, 2020
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My deepest condolences to your family
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Tim Nantais posted a condolence
Thursday, October 1, 2020
I can remember stopping in the store when i had a little extra money and wanted to get my dog a bag of dog pellets and Mr Herniman would just grab a paper bag and give me a big scoop of the pellets and never charge me, i always remember him being so kind and living on Queen street i would see him on my way home and he would wave to me , great memories growing up
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Marlise Taylor posted a condolence
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Pam, Jim and Families,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I spent a lot of time at The Feed Store when I was young, in fact most summer mornings. I would always curl up on the bags of food and seed to watch card games, laughter and story telling. As an adult I see just how valuable those mornings were. The daily gatherings created memories in which my grandfather will forever cherish. There is something to be said about the bond between your father and my grandfather. Their friendship was honest, full of swear words but most importantly very genuine. I will always remember your father as kind, funny and honest. I am happy I recently was able to visit with him while I was canning beets at my grandpas house. His sensor of humor and his deep laughter made the beet process much easier to get through. Please know he will be missed by many and I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Marlise Taylor
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Karlene Taylor posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Pam, Jim and Families
I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, he was truly one of a kind.
He was kind and genuine but had no problem stating his straight up opinion, a trait that I admired.
You knew you were in for more than a few chuckles when you saw his smiling face.
He was a very special friend to my Dad and they confided in each other often.
I know this is a huge loss for my Dad and he will miss him immensely...as we all will.
Sincere Sympathy,
Karlene
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Nancy Baumgartner posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
To Pam, Jim and the Herniman family, deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad and your uncle in so short a time. Both were such good men and so important to the life of the community. I will never forget Robert's laugh, his big smile, his sense of humour, but also his good sense and responsibility. He truly was a devoted father, husband, friend, business owner and member of Harrow council, and the good of the town was always at the forefront for him. He made his decisions with intelligence and common sense, and was a joy to be around. He will be missed by many.
Nancy Baumgartner
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Pam posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
My heart is shattered into a million pieces and I can't breathe. My daddy, my pun’kin, passed away on Monday shockingly and unexpectedly in his sleep. He had recently completed radiation treatments for throat cancer and we believed that everything was going to be good going forward. I cannot even believe after all he endured, this is how it has ended. His brother, my Uncle Richard, just passed on Friday, and was buried yesterday, so this blow is extra devastating to our family. Everything is surreal.
My daddy was an incredible man. He did things on his terms, but had a moral compass that was unparalleled. He was born in Harrow, worked in Harrow, lived in Harrow and died in Harrow, living his entire life in a 5 block radius. He was a simple man, with simple needs, but his heart was made of solid gold. He taught me to say what I think, to be who I am, and to not worry what anyone else thinks about me, as long as I know what I am doing is right.
The way he stood by my mother, and cared for her day and night for years and years, was just the truest showing of devotion, and displayed the sort of man that he was. His love for her is a something everyone should have in their life, even for a brief time. He taught me that even when life throws grenades at you, and things blow up in your face, you have to keep on keeping on. Feel the feelings, but keep marching forward. My strength and resilience is because of the lessons he taught me and more importantly, the model that he gave me.
He wasn't afraid to cry and show his emotion. He loved so many people, and while he did not say the words very often, it was always understood and never, ever questioned.
I knew he would always be there, whenever I needed him. And I only needed to ask him once. If I told him I needed help on a Tuesday afternoon - he would just assume that I would need that same help every Tuesday thereafter - I never needed to ask, and I knew he would just be here. He was rock solid.
He had great passion for his grandchildren , and he showered them with that love. He would sit for hours building Legoes or drawing pictures with Lauren, while she babbled on about some random nonsense. Every time they sat together at my island, her body was always pressed against his. I would joke with her "Do you need to be sitting ON Grandpa? Personal space Lauren". But he loved every moment. Lauren and her grandpa were besties, and she is crushed and I don't know how to comfort her. Jack and his Grand-PA had a special understanding, and no one could make Grandpa laugh like Jack did. He loved to brag about his grandchildren. My dad loved babies. Any time there was a baby near, he was always volunteering to hold the baby. As I am sorting through hundreds of photographs to prepare for his service, I keep finding pictures of my dad cuddling with random babies.
My dad and I always had the same warped sense of humour, though he was much funnier than I am. He was a quick wit and we loved trading barbs. My favourite story of my dad was when one January, my Grandma, who was well into her 80s at this point, was telling us all about the new dress that she had purchased for my cousin’s wedding that was still six plus months away. My dad looked straight at her, and exclaimed “What are you doing? At your age, you shouldn’t be buying green bananas!” We all burst out laughing, including Grandma. Well, all of us except for Ryan, who was new to my family at this point and did not know what to make of the situation – terrified to offend my grandmother by laughing.
My dad loved to play cards, and all sorts of puzzles and puzzle type games. It was always a challenge to find the puzzle that was going to stump Dad. You've never played Scrabble until you've played with my dad and my aunt. Nasty game, Scrabble is. He loved genealogy, and I have been left with many notebooks full of information tracing our family back hundreds of years. He loved cashews and peanut brittle, and made the best chocolate cake you have ever had. He could spin a yarn like you wouldn’t believe, like the time that he told his friends that during knee surgery they had lost his knee cap and had to have it replaced by one printed on a 3D printer.
My dad was not afraid to have an uncomfortable conversation. He would be the first one to call or visit a friend who was suffering a loss or having a hard time. I remember being a small child and he built a special ramp to access his store, because an elderly friend had just had his leg amputated and he wanted his friend to still be able to enter the store unimpeded. When my mom lived in the nursing home, he befriended a man who was living with brain injuries, and had very few visitors, and continued to visit him for a long time after my mom had passed away. I have two childhood friends who have already told me that my dad was like a father to them, and he was – he even purchased a brand new bicycle for one of them when we were children, because he had bought bikes for my brother and I and he taught all three of us how to ride. For 2 years when I was in high school, one of my brother’s friends lived with us. My dad housed him and fed him, and gave him a job and a safe haven. My dad always did the right thing.
Ryan always laughed at our telephone conversations. They were always super brief, efficient exchanges of critical information only. We didn’t need a lot of words. We always just understood each other.
I could go on forever – because my dad was just so incredible. I take comfort that he has been reunited with my mother, and that he is free of the chronic pain he has lived with the past few years. And as much as we thought we had so much more time, and despite how devastated I am, that we all are, I am so glad that he passed peacefully in his sleep, and there was no suffering. Having watched my mother, and all of my uncles suffer, the fact that he passed quietly and peacefully is a blessing. As much as he was a terrible patient, and I was a terrible caregiver, we are so grateful that we had three opportunities where Dad came to live with us for months at a time while he recuperated from surgeries.
I love you more than words Pun’kin. You will always be my first love, and my favourite everything. They broke the mold when they made you. I’m not even sure how to go on without you – but I know I will be okay, because you taught me how to be okay. I will miss you forever Daddy.
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Debby Chausse posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Awe....so sad to read this news. Robert was always such a pleasure to wait on at Z grocery store in Kingsville. Such a sweet and gentle soul. R.I.P. Robert. Prayers for the family.
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Gary + Sandra Dube lit a candle
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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Sincere condolences to the Herniman family.
Sandra and Gary Dube
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Joann Daher posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
I am so sad to hear about your passing Mr. H. You are always kind to me. Have a safe journey home Mr. H. You will be missed.
JOANN DAHER
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Maureen Borland posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Our sincere sympathy to Robert's family. Our class reunions will not be the same without his sense of humour. Let's hope he is enjoying a game of euchre with the crew Jack Murray Harvey and Richard.
You were a special man Robert.
Bill & Maureen Borland
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Ed and Gail Pillon posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to the Herniman family
Ed and Gail Pillon
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Joann Meyer posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
The day was always brighter in Harrow when I ran into Robert who also was a great visitor with my dad, Roy Grant, at Royal Oak. My condolences to Pam, Jim and his well-loved grandchildren.
Joann Meyer
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Katherine and Terry Mulder posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Pam, Jim and your families ,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing . I have fun memories of Robert during my childhood . I spent many times at their house when I was young . He and his brothers always were lots of fun . The Herniman's and McLean's were always big on family get togethers . Robert always had a great personality and always smiling !! Robert will be missed by many that loved him . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time . Terry and I send you all our Love with the passing of your Dad and Uncle within a few days .
Terry and Katherine Mulder
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Louise Gall posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
So sorry to hear of Wallys passing. He was a great friend of the family, and will be missed.
Louise (Thrasher) Gall
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James Gibb posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed Pam and Jim. He gave me one of my first jobs..babysitting you guys....and then another at the Feed Store. He was wonderful to me..and I will never forget him.
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Margy Gibb posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
My sincere condolences Pam & Jimmy. I was so shocked to hear of your Dad’s passing. Roger & I had so many wonderful times together with your parents. Great memories. I also send my condolences to other members of Robert’s family. His sense of humour will be so missed.
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The family of Robert Bruce Herniman uploaded a photo
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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197 King St. West | Harrow, Ontario N0R 1G0
Phone: 519-738-6662 | Fax: 519-738-9884
