Tragically, as a result of a motorcycle accident on Thursday, May 24, 2018, Robyn died at the age of 71 years young.

Robyn will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Bonnie; son Brook (Taylor); daughter Vanessa (Sean); grandchildren Ava, Khloe, and Brody; deeply missed by his in-laws, Hazel and Wayne Smith; sisters-in-law Noreen (Trevor) and Kelly (Rick); and brother-in-law Troy (Val). Also mourning his loss are his siblings, Paul (Priscilla), Patricia, Penny (Danny), David (Cheryl), Michael (Courtney), Pamela (Jamie); his step-mom, Joan Gray, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Eleanor and Mel Gray. . He will also be missed by his three four-legged buddies, Zoey, Angel and Bella, and their adopted son, Matt.

Born January 1, 1947, in Winnipeg, Robyn was very proud to be known as the first baby born in that year and that he was featured on the front cover of the newspaper. He was the oldest of seven children. Robyn was raised in East St. Paul, Manitoba. Following the death of his mother when Robyn was only twelve, he attended Saint John’s Cathedral Boys School. He often raved about how much knowledge he received there.

Robyn was a charter member of the Spartans Motorcycle Club. Robyn then went on to achieved his pilot’s license, of which he was very proud. He also attended Red River Community College to learn about airplane mechanics. Over the years he worked at numerous other occupations. Robyn then started The Bike Works on Portage Avenue, and then moved to Corydon Avenue. He later established a Harley Davidson dealership known as Harley Davidson of Winnipeg located at 250 Goulet Street. Robyn was very proud to be a Harley Davidson dealer. Robyn’s passion for motorcycles enabled him to travel to various North American cities to attend Harley Davidson annual dealer meetings. Rob loved putting on his annual hog roasts through his Harley shop, of which many people have fond memories.  Rob worked hard and loved what he did. 

When Rob retired, he continued his passion for motorcycles, building bikes in his workshop. Robyn enjoyed going out on Thursday evenings with the Thursday Night Riders, which was one of Robyn’s favourite times. He loved the time he spent with numerous motorcycle friends, going on rides together, and shooting the shit. 

Robyn was the founder of the Correlation of Manitoba Motorcycle Group. He had his annual Remembrance Day Ride and he was a huge supporter of the women and men who fought and protected our country. 
 

Rob never threw anything out, and loved to collect everything.  His favourite toys were his red 1934 Ford, his 100th anniversary Springer, and his 1947 fire truck.

Robyn’s whole world changed when he laid his eyes on his soulmate Bonnie in Sturgis, South Dakota in 2001. Their whirlwind romance developed into a loving relationship for over 17 years. Robyn and Bonnie were inseparable and lived by the motto “work hard, play harder”, and don’t quit your daydreams. Living on Henderson Highway on the river which was a dream for both he and Bonnie. They raised their two children, Brook and Vanessa, and welcomed three grandchildren, Ava, Khloe, and Brody, who brought Rob much happiness and laughter. There was never a dull moment in the house on Henderson Highway, which is exactly what they loved.

Robyn was perceived by the public as a strong entrepreneur, and biker, but in fact he was the ultimate family man, and shone his best when he worked around the house, played with his grandchildren, and took long walks down to the river bank to watch the sunset every evening with his favourite dog, Zoey. In the last few years, Robyn took life a little slower and enjoyed lazy days with Bonnie, going for coffee at the Mountain Bean, shopping at their favourite stores, attending his grandchildren’s school events, and of course, family get-togethers. 

Rob’s friendly demeanour always enabled him to make friends with everyone he met. He would always lend a hand to whomever needed help. Robyn was very proud of his AA fellowship and appreciated all their support over the years. Robyn had touched the lives of many people and will leave many memorable thoughts and feelings in their hearts.

Bonnie and family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who has been so supportive with their help and prayer.

A private ceremony has been planned. Date of Celebration of life yet to be determined.

Even when I am awake I am dreaming of you.
                                                            - Bonnie 

Remember me 
To the living, I am gone,
To the Sorrowful, I will never return,
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot speak, but I can listen.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore
gazing at a beautiful sea,
As you look up on a flower
and admire its simplicity, 
Remember  me.

Remember me in your hearts:
Your thoughts and your memories. 
Of the times we loved,
The times we cry, 
The times we fought,
The times we laughed.

For if you always think of me,

I will never have gone.

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