Robert William Oades

Passed away peacefully with his loving daughters by his side at the Ottawa General Hospital on April 25, 2013. Predeceased by his beloved wife Marion (2007).

He was lovingly known as DOD (Dear Old Dad) to his daughters, Susan, Jennifer (Brendan), Valerie and was affectionately known as Pops to his eight grandchildren.

Born in England, he was a trumpet player with the military, including the Irish Guards Band. He immigrated to Canada in 1953, and highlights of his long music career included the Canadian Armed Forces Band, the Stratford Festival Orchestra, a founding member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and a trumpet professor at Ottawa and Queen’s universities. He remained a mentor to many former students until his death.

He was a cycling enthusiast with the Ottawa Bicycle Club and co-founder with his wife, Marion, of the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour. A truly gentle person but with strong values, his motto was “Be good – Do good.” An open-minded, generous man, young at heart to his last breath. He was forever curious and left this world ready for his next adventure.

Thanks to Dr. Gupta, Dr. Karovitch and the nurses at the Ottawa General for their care and compassion. A service was held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 2, at St. Matthias Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a scholarship for a music student at the University of Ottawa.

Links

• Robert W. Oades Memorial Bursary | Celebrating a musical legacy
• Robert Oades | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Source: eNewsHarp, June 2013