North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Lon J. Rombough" <lonrom@hevanet.com>]

I just recieved this obituary of Robert Erskine, one of the founding members
of NAFEX and a long time interest group chairman.
-Lon Rombough



It is with great saddness that I add the following Obituary
Obituary
 Robert Mackay Erskine
 1914-2003
 
Robert was born in Calgary, Alberta April 19, 1914.  He passed away
peacefully April 14, 2003 in Rocky Mt House, Alberta.  Funeral service was
held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Rocky Mt. House, Thursday April 17,
2003. Internment followed at Sylvan Lake Cemetery, Sylvan Lk, AB.

He was predeceased by his parents Samuel & Hanna Erskine, his sisters Hanna
Erskine, and Rosina Brookes, his brother in law Russ Pendergast, and a niece
Lynn Chello.  Robert is survived by his eldest sister Jessie Pendergast, her
sons Duane (Bobbie), and Bruce (Barb), Pendergast,  his brother William, his
daughters Denise & Kate Erskine.  Rosina's children, Linda (Barry) Baich.
and Bob (Eleanor) Brookes. Bob loved with  Madeline and George Holloway, and
family, for many years, and became and an "adopted" family member.  He will
be greatly missed by us all.

As a boy growing up, his family homesteaded in the Oyen, Alberta area.   Due
to poor farming years, and his fathers ill health, the family moved into the
town of Oyen where they kept a grocery store, and bakery. His father was the
baker. 

Bobs school education was not long, but he was better educated than most.
He was a wealth of information on almost any subject and was fortunate to
have been blessed with an exceptional memory and the ability read and learn
from books.  As the eldest child in the family, it was necessary for him to
help provided for the family, consisting of a younger brother Bill and
sisters, Jessie, Hanna, and Rosina.   As a boy and young man Bob worked for
various ranchers and farmers, on thrashing crews or where ever he could find
work.  In 1934 Bob moved his family north of Leslieville, and he purchased
land as it became available.

Bobs main passions in life was horticulture.  Bob said that for many years,
it was hard enough to make a living let alone buy trees and plants to
experiment with.  Any gardening that was done was to grow food for the
family.  His interest in raising plants dates back into his early childhood.
He spent most of his life theorizing and anticipating the possibilities in
making various crosses of countless plant species.  Over the years, when
time permitted among the usual ranch work,  he has managed to establish some
of the Hybrids he believed to have potential.  He has developed more than 20
different varieties of hardy roses, and has raised many new hybrid Asiatic
and martagon Lilies, as well as apples and raspberries.  Through the years
Bob has encouraged many people in their gardening interest. Not only by
sharing his plants, but also information about them.   Bob is not easily
discouraged, if he was he would have given up long ago. Livestock and wild
life of various kinds reeked havoc on his garden on numerous occasions.  But
he always said, he would keep trying as long as he was able.  His eyes would
sparkle as he envisioned the possibilities.

Bob had a wide variety of interests and infinite wisdom on almost any
subject, from cattle, horses, and plants to politics, current events and
history. Bob always enjoyed animals.  He enjoyed their companionship as well
as the opportunity to observe and analyze them, always noting the individual
differences and potential within different breeds.
 If friends desire a memorial tribute may be made in his memory to:
 Rocky Mt. House Palliative Care Society 5016 52 Ave.  Rocky Mt House, AB
T4T 1T2