Obituary of Robert McBlain

Robert Thomas McBlain of Wetaskiwin, formerly of Camrose, passed away on Tuesday October 18, 2016 at the age of 88 years. Robbie was born on December 21, 1927 in Chilliwack, BC to Thomas and Isabella McBlain. Starting life at only 2lbs, he was referred to as a miracle baby, he was not expected to survive. He was so small his mother's wedding ring fit around his wrist. Robbie grew up on the family farm in Chilliwack. He finished school after Grade 9, and continued to help out on the farm until moving to Saskatchewan in the 50's. Robbie farmed and drove bus for his uncle in Aneroid. While there he met and married Andrea. From this marriage he was blessed with a daughter Sandra, son Ian, and granddaughter Amanda. Robbie and Andrea moved back to Chilliwack for a brief period. Shortly after Sandra was born they accepted a job offer in Stettler. They lived here for the next 13 years. During this time Ian was born and Robbie became a truck driver. He stayed with this occupation until his retirement. A new job moved the family to Camrose in 1975. This became his home until health issues forced them to move to the Good Shepherd Home in Wetaskiwin in 2009. Robbie had a great love for music. In his younger years he played in a band with his brother. He continued to enjoy playing with other family members throughout the years. He and Andrea also enjoyed listening and dancing to the Foggy River Band. Robbie retired in 1985 after suffering a heart attack. His health issues continued after that - surviving four further strokes. During retirement he took up woodworking and fishing. He would spend hours making key holders, clocks, checkerboards and other creations. He took great pride in his work and loved to share it with everyone he met. Robbie will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his son Ian (Linda) McBlain of Camrose; daughter Sandra (Doug) Campbell of Leduc; granddaughter Amanda McBlain (Ed Whalen) of Leduc; four step grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; and sister Mary (Les) Cherry of Langley, BC. He was predeceased by his wife Andrea, parents Thomas and Isabella, brother David, and sister Isabella. A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, October 23, 2016 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.