Robert Bryan Whimster
February 29, 1940 - October 3, 2025
Robert (Robin) Bryan Whimster, 85, of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 3, 2025, at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.
Robin was born on February 29, 1940, in Nottingham, England, to William Swanson Whimster and Madge Elizabeth Edwards. He attended Cambridge University and pursued a career in engineering. He married Marianne Holmberg Birch on August 29, 1962; they had two children (Bruce and Carol) and separated in 1969 (subsequently divorced).
Robin immigrated to Canada in 1971 and later completed his MBA at York University. He married Marion Graham Ballantyne on November 25, 1978 and had a daughter, Kate. They were happily married for nearly 19 years until her passing on June 15, 1997.
Robin had a passion for his work, holding many and varied positions over his career, usually combining his engineering background with management experience. Robin worked in his final role as condominium consultant until he retired in 2023.
Outside of work, Robin enjoyed cycling, reading, classical music and opera, puzzles, and spending time with friends. Family was an important part of Robin’s life, and he enjoyed frequent visits with his family in Canada, especially his grandchildren, who kept him very active. He was thankful to have spent quality time with his three children (Bruce, Carol, Kate) in the weeks prior to his passing.
Robin is survived by his son, Bruce; daughters, Carol and Kate (John); grandchildren, Oliver, Selma, Caroline, Alexandra, and Jasper; brother, Ken (Wendy); and Marianne (mother of his first two children). He is predeceased by his wife, Marion, and brother, Bill (Sybil).
Visitation and sharing of memories will be held at Westview Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. All who knew Robin are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Robin’s honour to Kids Help Phone.
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Our condolences to Robin's Family . We had the pleasure to meet Robin while he was working on the Reserve Fund Studies for the Condo where we work. He was always a gentleman, and had a great sense of humour. Always a pleasure to talk to. He had a wealth of knowledge that every condo board needs. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. Ramiro and Judy Trejo
My sincerest condolences to the members of Robin's Family. I first met Robin fourteen years ago when he became the Reserve Fund Engineer for our Condominium where I as serving as Treasurer. What started out as a business relationship soon developed into a long-term personal friendship. Robin brought a trifecta of skills to his job as a Reserve Fund Planner. He was a condo owner himself, served many years as treasurer at his own corporation and had the required Engineering qualifications to perform Reserve Fund Studies. Most of all Robin had a thirst for learning that never stopped as well as a passion for educating condo owners and directors. If I had a question or sticky problem to solve, Robin was one of my primary "go-to" persons. We had the opportunity to enjoy lunches together where we could commiserate about condo living and the challenges of condo governance. Our serious discussions were interspersed with elements of humour and laughter. I will be forever grateful for his friendship and the knowledge he shared with me. I will sincerely miss him but never forget him. In this time of grief and tears I offer the Whimster Family this quotation: "Grief never ends, but it changes. It's a passage not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness or loss of faith. It is the price of love" I hope that over time, your sadness will lessen as it is replaced by the recall of your fondest memories of the many good times you shared with Robin.
Robin was an excellent supporter of the London chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute who not only served as a Director on their board while being a board member of his own residential condominium, but was also a dedicated member of the London CCI offshoot, the Condo RoundTable group for a number of years. I met Robin in 2009 when he commenced to attend this monthly group luncheon meeting. I was the Secretary-Treasurer. The late Kay Stallard who was part of the creation of this group and chaired the gatherings, decided very early on that he could be of great help to her with suggestions for meeting topics. Reserve Fund Studies were his forte, since that was then his occupation. When Kay's health began to fail, Robin and I took over continuing to plan and hold the meetings on her behalf until Covid-19 intervened, but have remained in email contact from time to time. We are both English and War-time February babies. My sympathies are extended to his family. May he rest peacefully.
Robin was an amazing man. I met Robin for the first time in 2008 and we became good friends over the years. We always had great conversations together whenever our paths crossed in life or at work. I will miss his wit, humour and friendship. My deepest sympathies go out to his family & friends at this time.
Services for Robert Bryan Whimster
Visitation and Sharing of Memories will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
October 11, 2025 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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I'm so sad to hear this news. As an old neighbor, Robin and I always exchanged Xmas cards in a very special fashion, he would leave one on my door and I would always drop one off at his place and we would have a festive chat. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Robin, moved away almost 2 years ago. Last year we exchanged Xmas cards and this year I was missing his suprise card as now I know it won't be comming. Robin, Was a great neighbor, he has a brilliant sense of humor and we always had great chats. My sincerest condolences. From the Williams family. 250 N Centre Rd. Robin will be greatly missed.
~ Joe Williams