It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Rene Thomas Robere – husband, father, papa, and friend – on Wednesday, September 28th, 2016, at St Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.

He was born February 26th, 1960, to Peter and Marie Robere in the small town of St. Lawrence, NFLD. At age 17, he left for Thunder Bay, where he established himself as a hardworking man, and met the love of his life, Darlene, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years. Together they raised two beautiful children – Chantell and Daniel – who were his pride and joy.

Rene spent most of his career working in the dairy industry, but most recently worked for McKevitt Trucking.

Rene had a zest for life, and was revered by everybody he met along the way. He was the life of the party, known for his sense of humour, infectious laugh, stories and his endless supply of Newfie jokes that always filled the room with laughter. He would never hesitate to go out of his way to lend his help and support to anybody who was in need. As a Jack of all trades, there was nothing he couldn’t do.

Rene spent his weekends in what he would consider paradise – out on the lake, with an ice cold beer in one hand and a fishing rod in the other, surrounded by his closest family and friends. Rene was always a hit out at camp with his endless pallet fires – the bigger the better.

He always put his children first; his kind heart, generosity, and charming personality reflects in them every day. His daughter, Chantell, was daddy’s little girl, and there was no denying it. There was no man good enough for his daughter until Chantell married Jeremy Hansen in 2011, who not only became his son-in-law, but his best friend. In February, 2013, Chantell and Jeremy gave birth to his only grandson, Ryder, who stole his heart like nobody ever had before. The bond between Ryder and Papa grew stronger every day. Every time Papa pulled up in his truck, Ryder’s eyes lit up with joy and he couldn’t wait for Papa to make the short walk inside. He shared a mutual love of sports with his son, Daniel, spending endless hours in hockey rinks, baseball diamonds, and helping him refine his skills in the backyard.

If you were lucky enough to know Rene, you know all about the bright impact he left on your life. With his passion, enthusiasm, and the gift to gab, he never just met a stranger in passing, but rather a new friend.

Rene will be lovingly remembered by his wife Darlene, daughter Chantell and her husband Jeremy, grandson Ryder, son Daniel, mother-in-law Anna, brothers Alfred, Bob (Janet), Gary (Carm), Noel, Peter, sisters Katherine (Benny), Marie (Pat), Marg (John), Lillian (Ron), Madeline (Aloysius), Brenda (Dave), Lena (Pat), Tammy (Hughie), Dot, and Angie, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents Peter and Marie, brother Bill, father-in-law Kurt and nieces Natasha and Laura.

A cremation has taken place. Please join us for A Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 at the Slovak Legion from 1-4pm. Private funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rene Thomas Robere, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.