RobertMcNAUGHTON

Robert John McNAUGHTON

October 12, 1979 – January 12, 2017

Our beloved Robert died peacefully in his sleep in Laos, where he and his partner Shannon Culver were nearing the end of their three-month long South-East Asian odyssey. Just weeks before, while the sun set at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Shannon had said “Yes” to his proposal of marriage, making Robert the happiest of men.

Robert was always adventurous, be it with Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or at summer camp. Robert loved the beauty of the outdoors and being out in the world. He loved to go camping and canoeing with friends and with Shannon. He explored Toronto, riding his bike and photographing street art. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Lake Rosseau and more recently with the Culvers on Georgian Bay. He loved going to Phish concerts across North America and attempting to convince his friends of the merits of the band’s music.

Robert graduated from Northern Secondary School in Toronto, completed his BA at Dalhousie University in Halifax, then went to Griffith University in Australia for his Master of Teaching degree, at each stop expanding his circle of friends. Robert was magical with kids. To many of his friends he was “The Baby Whisperer”. Handing him a baby instantly created a picture that radiated his love of children and their appreciation of him. During his all-too-brief career as a teacher at Courcelette Public School in Toronto, Robert delighted in teaching his Grade 2 students. Among Rob’s keepsakes were many letters from parents thanking him for the profound impact that he had on their children’s lives. Robert had been welcomed wholeheartedly into Shannon’s extended family, as had Shannon been welcomed into Robert’s. Everyone was looking forward to sharing their future.

Beloved son of Elizabeth (Betsy) and Bill McNaughton, older brother of David, nephew of Leslie Anderson (Minneapolis), Larry Anderson (Gail) (Cleveland) and cousin of Noel, Tati, Katie and Mike. Generous, loyal, delighting in meeting people and making new friends, he will be missed by so very many.

A Funeral Service for Robert will be held at Eglinton St. George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd., Toronto, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 27th. A Celebration of Robert’s life will be held at the Steam Whistle Brewery, The Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd. from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29th.

Robert cared deeply about childhood reading and literacy. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Empower Reading Program through SickKids Hospital would be appreciated. Please call 416-813-5320 to donate and request the donation go directly to the Empower Reading Program in Memory of Robert McNaughton.