The Rev. Robert F. Flindall passes away; Knox College expresses condolences
The Rev. Robert F. Flindall passed away November 29, 2024. He was a 1989 Master of Divinity graduate of Knox College.
The following obituary appears on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website:
Rev. Robert F. Flindall died peacefully on November 29, 2024, with his beloved wife of 63 years, Margaret Catherine Flindall (nee Browne) at his side. Robert and Margaret married in Thunder Bay (then Fort William) in 1961. Over their long life together Robert (Bob) and Margaret lived in Kingston, Espanola, Toronto, Ingersoll, Colborne, Campbellford, Woodstock, Grimsby, and Peterborough, ON, as well as Kipling, SK.
Robert was born in Kingston, ON. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Helen Flindall (nee Turner) and his brother, Dr. Richard Flindall. Robert is survived by his three children, Catherine Flindall (Tom McHugh), Margaret Waddell (Marc Porter), and Robert S.J. Flindall (Karima), 7 grandchildren Stuart, Claire, Alysha, Alison, Leila, Miriam and Gillian and great-grandson River. Robert was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren, and always had caring and generous words of advice and encouragement for them as they found their own paths and careers. The arrival of River brought a new spark of joy and vivacity to the final years of Robert’s life.
Robert was a graduate of University of Western Ontario School of Business. He was an active participant in life on campus including being a member of the Mustang’s cheerleading team. Robert led an interesting and eclectic career in a variety of businesses and entrepreneurial endeavours, which included such things as pioneering the sale of life insurance that did not require a health check for older people and those with underlying health issues. Later in life he found his calling as a Presbyterian minister, graduating from Knox College at University of Toronto in 1989. Robert provided ministry to congregations throughout Ontario and held long term appointments with churches in Colborne and Brighton, ON, and Kipling SK.
Robert loved to travel, especially by car. This love began early in life while driving to the rural drop-off depots for Flindall’s Cleaners as a teenager. His love of cars and driving were a constant element of his life. Buying a new car always brought him joy. His specialty was road trips throughout Canda and the United States marketing a variety of products. He was known as the “King of the Cold-Call” and used his boy-like charm, and rock-solid belief that his product was simply the best, to make the sale.
After suffering a stroke in late 2019, Robert spent his final years with Margaret at Lakefield Extendicare. Sincere thanks and gratitude are extended to all his caregivers for the excellent care he received in his final days.
Recognitions of Robert’s life can be made by donations to either Kawartha Food Share or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 6, 2024 at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 785 Park St. S Peterborough, with reception to follow at 507 Homewood Ave. Online condolences can be expressed at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com