Rob Stewart’s family just released a statement informing the public that Rob’s funeral will be on February 18th in Toronto, Canada at 1:00 pm. Bloor Street United Church, at 300 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M9B 6B7, will host the funeral service.
There will be a celebration of Rob’s life after the service from 2:30 pm to 5:00 p.m., within walking distance of the church. This celebration will be open to everyone.
Their full statement is below:
“The outpouring of love, support, encouragement and prayers we’ve received from across the globe since Rob went missing continues to be overwhelming.
“We’d like to reiterate our profound appreciation and respect for the U.S. Coast Guard, the three levels of Canadian political officials who offered their assistance, and all of the many professionals and selfless volunteers who committed their time and resources in trying to bring our son and brother home safely.
“Our hearts are broken. While we are overcome with grief, we know in our hearts that Rob is at peace and that he would want us to continue his mission to save the sharks and the oceans, and to inspire the world to protect and nurture our planet. We are committed to realizing Rob’s goals and will not rest until the change he fought for tirelessly is achieved.”
A second memorial ceremony celebrating Rob‘s life will be held in Los Angeles at a later date as so many of his friends are there. Both will be open “to everyone who loved Rob.”
They’ve also announced the creation of a fund to collect donations in honor of Rob Stewart and his conservation work. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here: wwf.ca/robstewartfund.
The world watched a 3-day search effort when Rob went missing after a dive on January 31st. Government agencies and private citizens covered over 6,000 square miles during the extensive search before recovering his body on February 3rd.
Rob’s parents also re-versioned Mary Elizabeth Frye’s poem, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”:
FOR ROB STEWART: TAKE HOLD MY MISSION
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand waves that roll,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on glistening trees,
I am the gentle humming bees.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet angels in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
I am the sharks and whales and reefs;
the rays and creatures of the deep.
I need your voice to make mine heard;
Take up the torch, to save our world.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
Take hold my mission, I will not die.
Pablo Garcia also released a memorial video. You can watch it below.
