The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) is mourning the loss of Robert Manner McGuinness, a respected national judge and former RPSC director, who passed away on Sept. 7, 2024, at the age of 77.
A lifelong resident of West Vancouver, Robert died at North Shore Hospice following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Robert served as an RPSC director from 2008 to 2016 and was a pioneer in exhibiting the Cinderella subclass in Canada. His contributions to Canadian philately extended beyond judging and exhibiting, as he maintained a comprehensive database of Canadian exhibitors for over 15 years, ensuring it was regularly updated to support the national philatelic community.
Beyond his philatelic achievements, Robert was a dedicated educator, spending 48 years as a teacher, primarily as a teacher-librarian at Graham Bruce Elementary in Vancouver and later at Lions Gate Christian Academy in North Vancouver. Known for his love of books, classical music, origami, and storytelling, he often shared these passions with family and friends.
Robert is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara; his daughter, Meghan (Nick); his son, Brian; and an extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Commenting on Robert’s passing, fellow stamp collector and judge Jane Sodero of Nova Scotia wrote, “So sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. He was a great resource for me as a younger stamp collector and judge, and we corresponded over our mutual interest in a particular stamp issue. Thinking of all his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Family friend Steve Weatherbee also shared his memories: “Bob was always super kind and used to give me various stamps and things from his large collection. I’ve always remembered that kindness and to this day, I still have those tucked away.”
A funeral service will be held on Sept. 26, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Christopher’s 1068 Inglewood Ave, West Vancouver, B.C. Hollyburn Funeral Home will webcast the funeral ceremony. For the password to view the live, or replay, of the ceremony, email the RPSC’s past president Sam Chiu at chiusam@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to North Shore Hospice in his memory. Robert’s legacy in Canadian philately, particularly through his efforts to document and support Canadian exhibitors, will continue to influence the community he served so diligently.