Robert Ross Page

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Ross Page, aged 64 years, at the QEH surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, July 15.  

Robert will be dearly missed by his adoring wife Shirlee Curtis and his brother Richard (Don) Page, currently of Langley BC.  Also left to mourn are his sisters-in-law Sheila Curtis and Sharon (Colleen) Curtis; father-in-law Orville Curtis; half nephew Scott (Violet) Page; and special friend Susan Corbett.  Robert was predeceased by his parents Shirley Isabel (nee Ross) and Richard Leo Page as well as his mother-in-law Laura Curtis.   Robert’s dry sense of humor, quick wit, intelligent points of view, and empathic nature will be missed by his many cousins and friends.

Born in Montreal in 1961, Robert was raised in St. Lambert and then Chambly, Quebec.  He moved to PEI at the age of 17 when his family relocated to Charlottetown to be closer to his mother’s family. He attended UPEI obtaining a B.Sc. in Chemistry while dabbling in mathematics and computer programming.  Realizing that chemistry would not be a viable career option, Robert worked as an overnight DJ at CHTN.  He wrote software for Holland College and even taught a night course in intermediate Basic programming.  One semester of teaching proved to be enough for Robert.  In 1985 he enrolled at the College of Geographic Sciences in NS to study computer programming for sciences.  Following the intensive one year program, Robert returned to PEI.  With the opening of the AVC at UPEI, Robert gained employment as a computer programmer/analyst.  For the next 30 years Robert worked closely with Diagnostic Services interfacing lab equipment to the hospital’s computer system.   Moving from Oracle to Java, Robert enjoyed the creative challenge of designing lab systems. He was a patient and good listener so he derived a great deal of satisfaction from troubleshooting computer problems for the lab and hospital staff.

Robert felt it was important to make the time to pursue his passion for music and other creative outlets after being successfully treated for lymphoma in 2015.   He retired from the AVC in December of 2017 to spend more time in his home studio recording cover songs as well as a few original songs he wrote over the years.  He was a talented guitar player who also enjoyed playing drums, bass, keyboards, ukulele, mandolin, and fiddle.  Not one to be in the spotlight himself, Robert did enjoy jamming with family and friends as well as playing in informal bands for the occasional special event.  Robert was an avid D&D player in his younger years and later enjoyed playing various computer games, often on-line with friends. Although he was not super competitive by nature, Robert did enjoy curling, bowling, and playing hockey for a number of years.

The family extends appreciation to the Provincial Home Care team with a special nod to Bethany (care coordinator), Ian (RN), and Michelle (OT).  They provided high quality care and showed immense compassion to Robert following his heartbreaking diagnosis of ALS.  Dr. Heather Williams, neurologist, provided outstanding care and empathy throughout his journey.  Dr. Shannon Curtis and Dr. Megan Miller also deserve a special thank you for striving to make Robert as comfortable as possible.   We also felt appreciative to the Island EMS teams who assisted Robert on several occasions.  We were grateful to the ALS Society which offered equipment, guidance, understanding, and friendly visits.

The wake will be held at the Belvedere Funeral Home on Friday, July 18 between the hours of 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.   A public celebration of life will be held at a later date in August at the Belvedere Funeral Home.  If so desired and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.