We Remember
KOERSEN, Robert William
April 29, 2024 — June 26, 2017
With heavy and aching hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Robert William Koersen on Monday June 26, 2017, at the young age of 26 years. Robert was born in Kelowna B.C. to William Koersen and Elizabeth Koersen.
Robert had an enriched life of travel, camping, sports, music and other hobbies (his favorite being computer gaming).
After graduating from Okanagan Mission Secondary School in 2009, Robert enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces – Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry – being posted for three years in Shiloh, Manitoba. After returning to Kelowna, Robert obtained his EMR, which opened the opportunity to work for a patient transport service and then volunteer for the International Volunteers of Peshmerga. This job took him to Iraq to teach courses in combat life support. He was there for 6 months.
Robert was taken away from us much too early and will forever be missed but will always be in our hearts, loved and cherished.
Robert is survived by his loving family; mother Elizabeth (Scott Caldwell); step-sisters: Jessica (Dave) and Amanda (Drew); step-grandparents: George and Diane Caldwell. Robert will also be fondly remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Predeceased by his father William Koersen, maternal grandparents Tullio and Lorena Vidoni, paternal grandparents William and Willimpje Koersen. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 3rd at 13:00 at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Youth Mental Health, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna B.C. V1W 1T2.
Family request an item of blue or army green be worn or brought in memory of Rob.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Thursday, August 3rd at 13:00
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Youth Mental Health, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna B.C. V1W 1T2.
Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Youth Mental Health, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna B.C. V1W 1T2.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for KOERSEN, Robert William is scheduled for Thursday, August 3rd at 13:00. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
Family request an item of blue or army green be worn or brought in memory of Rob.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Elizabeth and Scott; I send you my sincere condolences for the loss of your son. I remember cutting Rob’s hair periodically, and him talking about joining the Armed Forces. I remember him with his strong personality and he seemed fearless about the adventure his was on. I feel grateful that I met him; what a wonderful young man. My thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time.
Rhonda Rea
Dear Liz and family – we are so sorry for your loss. I remember Robbie from years ago when we were in Taber visiting Ben. He struck us as very much a Koersen in his looks. We enjoyed having a conversation with him about computer games, reminding us of our own two boys. Wishing you strength and love in these hard times. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Kees & Henriette van Ittersum
Calgary, AB
It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to my wonderful friend. I am overjoyed to have been a part of his life.
Robert was a very attentive listener and I will always remember his wonderful witt and sense of humour. But most of all his deep and kind heart. Thank you for being there for me Robert when i needed a friend.
I was also blessed to meet Liz and Scott.
Together my childern Morgan, Johnathan and I, send our deepest condolences at the loss you have endured. He will always remain in our hearts.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. I never met Rob in person, but I knew him from playing PC games with him online for the last 4+ years. Throughout the time I knew him, we also had conversations and chats about all sorts of subjects; from military history to current top news. I am extremely grateful to have known Rob, and his absence from my life will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Rob’s family and friends in these trying times.
Dawn and I send our love as you deal with this difficult time. We wish you the peace of knowing that Robert is in a much better place.
So very sad to hear of Roberts passing,our condolences Norm and Dee Dill
RIP brother Patricia. We thank you for your service and sacrifice and you will always be remembered as a fellow PPCLI. Till Valahalla brother.
Sad news., much strainght in this difficult time!
Rob was a very unique person in this day and age. He was modest and honest, kind and very genuine. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. He will surely be missed.
He gave me a book about the life of a soldier before he left for Iraq and I never had time to read it, but I will make the time now.
Rob, you were my first best friend. I couldn’t have asked for a more loyal friend to grow up with. With backyards being split by a measly fence we could climb, we ended up being together on most days. From playing video games in your basement, to many camping trips which I was lucky enough to tag along, and everything in between. We spent countless hours and late nights playing Gameboy, bouncing on the trampoline and swinging like Tarzan from your willow tree’s branches. I will never forget your birthday parties either. You had a very kind heart, not only for your friends but also for animals, especially your dogs, Tetro and Zantor were the two which I remember best.
Your family always embraced me as one of their own. I was deeply saddened to hear of you being taken from this life far too early, and although we went separate ways as we grew older it always put a smile on my face to see what you were up to. I hope you rest in peace, and know that you will always be remembered. It truly was a pleasure to have been lucky enough to have gotten to know you and have you in my life.
To Liz, Scott, and all the rest of the family, I wish to share my deepest condolences for all of you. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Dear Liz and Family; Having had Robert on our team for numerous years and sharing a meal with him this past Christmas has touched us all. His passing has been difficult on all of us here at Inter-Facility Transport, (formerly Medi-Van). I can’t imagine the sorrow you are living. Your deepest condolences!
Rob, I am so sorry to hear about your sudden passing. I fondly remember the shenanigans we got up to on the bus in elementary school, especially when the bus driver played the radio in the mornings and we used to play the trivia games. Things got really silly and I remember all of us laughing and having the best time- a pretty lucky way to start a morning I would say. I feel lucky to have had a nice friend like you to smile, chat, and ride the school bus with every day throughout my childhood. I will always remember your kind heart, sly wit and love for your dogs! Sending my deepest condolences to Rob’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
Dear Liz and family, I am so very saddened to hear this. I will always remember Rob as such a polite, kind person. Our sincere condolences.