Rob Trimble

Rob holding extended pole (Nationals, 1972)

Corps: Toronto Optimists

– March 29, 2024

Rob was a kind, gentle and humorous soul who was liked by everyone. He joined the Optimists when he was 16 and stayed with the corps until he aged out. While in the corps, he carried the National Flag. He used a special telescoping flagpole that was designed by Ben Burrage. During Optimists' Colour Presentation Rob would extend the height of the flagpole by a few feet, ensuring that our Maple Leaf flew high and proud. Holding the National flag with the extended pole was VERY challenging, especially on a windy day! If you look at the corps photo, you can see Rob holding our flag with the flagpole extended.

Here are a few comments from some of those who knew Rob:

"All that knew him at that time hold him in the highest regard. Rob was a consummate gentleman and a proud Canadian. Nobody had a greater work ethic or pride in a job well done. I often trusted Rob to take new corps members under his wing and help them learn their new roles and he never disappointed. We were all very young back then but, once in a while you encountered someone whom you just knew his life’s path would lead to a kindly and loving life where caring and integrity would be as natural as breathing. This is how I remember your Rob (he could also surprise us with his heck of a sense of humour!). The world became a lesser place when Rob left us on March 26 but our lives are richer for having known him." (Greg Oxenham)

Rob and his grand-daughter

I remember Rob when we would march together. I asked him about the pole, he was so proud to raise that flag and watch the faces in the crowd, it was so tall! (Barry Woods)

Rob was a peach! You couldn’t help but love the guy. I echo what Greg said. Great sense of humour. Consummate Corpsman. (Brian Hogan)

I marched with Rob when they first allowed girls to march with Toronto Optimists. I remember what a kind young man he was. I’m very sorry for your loss. He carried our flag proudly. (Corrie Danielson)

Greg’s heartfelt words echo the thoughts all of the Optimists that had the opportunity to march with Rob and have found out about his tragic death. I always looked forward to seeing Rob’s fantastic smile at every rehearsal, competition and performance. He was the only one who could carry it like that. (Calvin Johansson)

He was a nice gentle guy. (Ted Wilson)

Rob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!