Robert Allan Caskie

Caskie, Robert (Bob) Allan (Major, RCAF, Ret’d)

July 29, 1934 – November 17, 2023

With deep sadness we say farewell to the man who led our family, cared for us, protected us, and never wavered in his support for those he loved. He was stubbornly independent, a man who could fix anything that needed attention without fuss, who stood firm in his beliefs, was kind, generous, funny, and a gentleman.

Born in Toronto to firefighter Norman Caskie and Ruby (Culp) Caskie, he worked hard in school and enjoyed summer months in what was then, the great outdoors around Soyers Lake. Here he dreamed about a future in aviation – a dream he achieved when he joined the RCAF in 1953 as a pilot (they kept him even though he was AWOL on his first day). Much excitement and many adventures followed: from flying CF-86 Sabre fighter jets in Grostenquin France, Chipmunks as part of an airshow precision team, Caribou aircraft in Ghana, Buffaloes as CO of 440 Squadron in Edmonton, Twin Otters with Airtransit between Ottawa and Montreal, Challengers in the Public Service and many more flights in between. He had many wonderful experiences in his career (he was even a guest on Romper Room and played an exhibition basketball game against the Harlem Globetrotters) and had lots of fun in his private life with his family, friends, and SPAADS (Sabre Pilots Association of the Air Division Squadrons) crew where there were many shared stories of derring-do.

Sadly predeceased by his parents, brother Donald, beloved wife Joan (Chapman), son Glen and daughter-in-law Cathie, brother-in-law Robert Hislop, and son-in-law James Kerr.

Left to remember him with love are daughter Beth who cared for him with great devotion in his illness; daughter Gwen and granddaughter Annika; sister Lois Hislop; nieces Barbara, Susan, Nikki, nephew Mike and their families; Glen’s partner Kim, special “daughter” Maureen Mann, extended family and friends.

Deepest gratitude to the Queensway Carleton Hospital, D3 Unit, for their compassionate and gentle care during Bob’s last few days.

Donations, should you wish, to your local Hospital Foundation, Air Cadet Squadron, or charity of your choice are most kind. Bob chose to not have a service and cremation has taken place under the care of Tubman’s Funeral Home. We will remember him always. Per ardua ad astra.