Robert Joseph VERAN

ROBERT JOSEPH VERAN It is with deep sorrow that we announce the all-too-soon passing of a truly wonderful man, Robert Joseph Veran ‘RV,’ of Atikokan, Ont., who passed away with his loving family at his side after a courageous five-month battle against cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004. Born in Atikokan on Nov. 26, 1961, the eldest of three sons to Marie (Calder) and Alfred Veran Jr., Rob spent his whole life in this area and enjoyed close-knit relationships with all his family. He graduated Grade 12 with honours from Atikokan High School and immediately started work at the Pluswood mill (Fibratech) in Atikokan, where he remained until his illness. He met the love of his life and best friend, Cindy Alexuik, in 1980 and the two were united in marriage on July 3, 1993. In 1994, they were blessed with the birth of a beautiful daughter, Taylor. Rob’s life revolved around his family, and with Cindy he created a secure, loving environment for Taylor, on whom he doted and loved completely. He also was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with his family and friends. As a young boy, he was an active hockey player in the minors and later, alongside his friends, he played in the intermediate division for many years. As a dedicated hockey fan, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Boston Bruins. Rob was the envy of his friends for his mechanical talents and often was found in his yard working on one of the trucks that he loved to rebuild. He was an exceptional man with the warmest eyes and most genuine smile, who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He touched many hearts along the path of his brief journey. He has left us with the priceless gift of his daughter, Taylor, and many other precious gifts that will live on in our hearts for as long as it takes for us to complete our own journeys. Rob is survived by his wife, Cindy, daughter, Taylor, and their dog, Princes; parents, Marie and Alfred Veran Jr. of Atikokan, Ont.; brother, Danny of Thunder Bay, Ont.; grandfather, Alfred Veran Sr.; maternal aunts, Lorraine (Joe) Calder, LaVerne (Bill) Caul, Roberta (Randy) Kehl, and Dorothy (Don) Huitikka, and their families; and paternal aunts and uncles, Deloris Veran, Sandy Sedor, Alverne Dickson, Sharon Veran, Joe Veran, Jack (Evelyn) Veran, and Beverly Veran, and their families. He also is survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Cheryl and Amil Alexuik; and their children, Sheri (Wes) Bagnel, Michelle (Blaine) Davidson, Nicole (Randy) Riding, and Amil (Raylene) Alexuik Jr., and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Patrick; grandparents, Maude and Robert Calder, and Mary (File) Veran; uncles, Robert, Harvey, and Bertrand Calder, and Ray Veran; and cousins, Lonnie and Mark Goodman, and Rachel Hanson. A beautiful outdoors theme service was held Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Atikokan, with Brad and Marilyn Ricci officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Honourary pallbearers were Danny Veran, Amil Alexiuk Jr., Wes Bagnel, Randy Riding, Blaine Davidson, Mike Veran, Shawn Veran, Tuffy George, Glen Dutka, Mark Warren, Brian Sequin, Rodney Anderson, Les Howells, Shawn Rowell, Leonard Howells Jr., Dave Hill, Wally Wensley, Albert Bruyere, Chris Johnson, and Darryl Miller. For those of who you wish, a trust fund has been set up at the Royal Bank in the name of his daughter, Taylor.