My deepest sympathies to Rob's family and friends.

Rob and I went to High School together. The picture of us is at The Blind Angler Grill in Peachland, BC, not far from where I live and have lived for 22 years now. Rob and his family were vacationing in the Okanagan and I had a chance to meet his family and catch up with Rob. It was July 2006. We kept in touch over the years and just in the last few months were talking about his annual ski trip. He usually goes to Europe but this year decided on BC. We were planning to meet at Apex in Penticton for a ski day this month.. The pictures of the skiis and boots at the door is the picture Rob sent me on December 14, 2020. He also sent me the picture of himself standing on the #VERBIER sign from last February on his annual ski trip. I then sent him a picture of my skiis, snowboard, x-skiis, letting him know I was ready to go, too. The last time we texted was on January 16th when I asked how he was doing. His response was...Doing Poorly. I sent him wellness prayer and a big hug. I'm very, very sad to hear Rob has left this world. A truly wonderful person. I will miss my friend.

Rob loved to be outside and take on adventure. We took on several hiking adventures over the years, including climbing Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. This photo was taken right before we made the last climb up the cables to the summit. The day before, we climbed to the top of Yosemite Falls. My knees were hurting on the way down, so he loaned me his hiking poles.

Rob and I had different points of view on sensitive topics, yet it never hindered our friendship. Friendship came first, and I never doubted that he cared deeply about me as a person. I will greatly miss him.

Dear Sandy and family, my deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time.

Li, Jessica & Rob’s BMO family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rob was an inspiration to many to live our ideal lives, he truly led by example.

Passionate about personal and professional growth, he will be remembered as both an incredible teacher and mentor as well as a curious and humble student of life. A winning combination.

This picture at the 2018 BMO Partners golf day captures Rob’s joyful & fun aura. His energy was infectious. He will be deeply missed.

Rob will be remembered as a great listener, with a genuine curiosity to understand people so he may help them.

I have fond memories of our business conversations; Rob was passionate about doing the best thing for his clients and an empathetic communicator. He was proud of Li and Jessica’s commitment to their clients and shared many stories of his trust and confidence in his team and had a gift of bringing the right people together.

Rob recently encouraged me to: “live! Don’t live in the Gap” referencing Dan Sullivan’s The Gap and The Gain book.

Good advice, my friend.

I’m deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Rob, and my sincere sympathies are with Sandy and the entire Hesp family. Rob and I shared many good times in years past, and nothing can replace a friend I’ve known from childhood. I knew Rob as a good friend, and a great person. Always full of energy, with a great smile, loving life and challenging himself and others to do the best with the life that God has given us. This picture was taken at the Bland family farm in about 1987 and captures at least two qualities of Rob, his love of riding and his appreciation for some of the softer things in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Sandy and family, Sending you my deepest condolences for the loss of Robert. He was a dear friend to me and I just can't imagine living in a world without his sparkling personality. Like many memories shared, Robert (who I called Hespie), never once left a conversation without sharing an encouraging or inspiring thought. I will forever remember his passion and zest for life, living and dreaming. While, he has left our world, I am encouraged by a quote: Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun sets. The moon sets...But they are never gone. Rest in Peace Hespie. Thanks for making me laugh. Thanks for always taking my calls. Thanks for being a friend. I will miss you. The memory I share is a picture I took while on a fishing boat in the middle of Lake Ontario. A group of us went salmon fishing a few summers ago. Hespie caught a 26Llb, (the biggest that day)! Captured in this shot, you can literally feel his excitement.

To Sandy,

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

I had the privilege of sharing your and Rob's company during a week-long cruise on the Danube in November 2016.

The dinners at our table were, thanks to your and Rob's entertaining stories, the best moments of the day, with lots of laughter.

Rob explained to me, the day before the presidential election, why he thought Trump would win the presidency.

I had a hard time believing it, but Rob gave me insight into what was going to happen - and he was right.

We have been friends on Facebook ever since and when you announced that Rob had died, I was shocked.

He was a man with great social skills and full of life. We also had a common interest - BMW. Rob on two wheels, I on four.

Once again, my deepest condolences to your and your family's grief.

The picture,

A little rainy day in Vienna 2016 11 06 time:10:25.

At Cartier's shop on Kohlmarkt 18, In the background the Spanish Riding School.

My thoughts and condolences are with the entire Hesp family. I will miss my travel buddy while they have lost so much more. Mike

My sincere condolences to the family of Robert. He taught us how to love life! He always loved and supported any of my crazy ideas and my parties! He encouraged me to work to live ...not live to work! He would call me to make sure that I was staying on track with my goals and my bucket list. His vibrant spirit will continue to live on and his smile will be imbedded in our hearts forever. Dear friend... until we meet again ...please save a dance for me! Sending my thoughts, prayers, love to Sandy and family Tara Colaneri xo

Uncle Rob was an adventurous and wonderful uncle. We are grateful for our memories with him and the family in Canada, especially at Elim and summers in Niagara. He will be forever missed. Sending our love to the Hesps,

Shane, Stephany & Lyla Blake

So very sorry Sandy and your family, an extreme terrible loss. I was very fortunate to share many hours on the water and off the water with Rob. He was part of our team of guys that raced on String Theory. His banter and quest for adventure was infectous in every activity. I will cherish every moment we shared together, all memories that I will have forever. Good bye my friend. You are loved. Ann and myself will remember and cherish all the times we had together. xox

This is how I will remember Rob, loving life and sharing his wealth of enthusiasm and light with everyone. Rest in Peace my friend. May your memory be a blessing. Photo is from Ontario European Capitals Tour 2020, organized by Rob.