Obituary of Robin Ritchie de Burgh Edwardes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robin Edwardes on October 16, 2024, at the age of 93 in Hawkesbury, Ontario.

Robin was born in England in 1930 to parents John and Edna Edwardes. 

He was the beloved husband to Mary Crundwell Edwardes.

He will be deeply missed by his children Michael (Tinku), Jeremy, and Lisa(Craig). Robin was predeceased by his son Richard Edwardes. He is also survived by his stepson Randolph Brooks Crundwell (Shelly).

He was the the proud grandfather of Stephanie, Melissa, Pier-Nadeige , Jared , Amanda , Anisha and Robin, Ben.

Robin is lovingly remembered by his brother Ian and is predeceased by his brothers John and Shaun. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Joseph Brooks along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Robin graduated with a mathematics degree from King's College in London and went on to pursue a remarkable career as a rocket scientist. Motivated by the German V2 rockets that bombed London during World War II, he worked for the Napier Motor Company in England before emigrating to Canada. In Canada, Robin contributed to the aerospace industry through his work with Canadair and Northern Electric in Montreal, focusing on turbo-compound diesel and rocket engines for aircraft and aerospace industries.

Robin was also an accomplished rally competitor and organizer. Among his many accolades were the Canadian Rally Championship Economy title in 1984, two class wins in the Shell 4000, and three Quebec Regional Championship titles as a navigator. He was not only a competitor but also a key figure in shaping the rules and procedures of rally racing worldwide. His contributions are honoured on the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, which acknowledges his lasting impact on the sport.

Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill, Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A funeral service will take place at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 440 Stanley Street, Hawkesbury, Friday October 25, 2024 at 11:00 am.

To honour Robin’s memory, a Tree of Remembrance will be planted in the McAlpine Forever Forest in Vankleek Hill.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home, 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill, Ontario, K0B 1R0.