Robert Andrew van Velzen
Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, mentor, friend. Born May 29, 1960, in Quebec City. Died June 20, 2011, in Toronto of cancer, aged 51.
Born to Dutch immigrants John and Josephine, Rob was the oldest of three siblings. As a child he was a tenacious adventure seeker. At 4, he broke his right arm racing a buddy on his bike, and within two weeks his left arm trying to climb a fence. With both arms in casts during a hot summer, Rob insisted his mother wrap them in plastic bags so he could swim.
As a teenager he continued to live for adventure, including a survival course with Outward Bound that his father believes helped shape the strong individual he became.
This adventure-seeking pattern continued throughout Rob's life – on skis, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, ATVs, cars and boats. After many mishaps, broken bones, concussions and thrilling moments, he truly embodied the sign that hangs on the wall of his cottage: "I do my own stunts."
Rob brought his love of adventure to his business life. After graduating from York University, he started his career climbing poles to string television cable across the Greater Toronto Area, eventually discovering his love for direct marketing. Raised by an entrepreneurial father, it was in Rob's blood to seek his own success. In 1993, he founded his own direct-marketing services company known today as the FSA Group.
Rob was a brilliant leader who helped FSA grow into a thriving, respected business with more than 200 employees. He was relentless in the pursuit of his vision, embracing technology and innovation.
Many people only saw the veneer of a hard-working businessman, but Rob was actually a shy and quiet man of character. He lived his life with integrity and honour, and loved movies that spoke to these traits, such as Rudy, Braveheart and Gladiator.
Rob gave generously of his time, talent and resources. He volunteered in his Markham, Ont., community, sitting on boards and tackling any task that needed to be done. He passionately believed in care for senior citizens and was a champion for the Unionville Home Society. With his wife, he was a driving force behind the annual Markham-Stouffville MS Walk.
As a family man, Rob had two beautiful daughters, Cassandra and Samantha, whom he loved very much. In 1996, he married Jan, the love of his life, and together they travelled the world. But no matter where they visited, their cottage north of Peterborough, Ont., was their sanctuary. On Sunday evenings, as the boat traffic left the lake and guests left for home, Rob would sit on the deck by the water, the chiminea blazing, his wife beside him, and watch the sunset while reminiscing about the weekend.
Rob had a zest for life. He was a visionary, a lone wolf, a successful entrepreneur and a loving family man who left us in the prime of his life.
By Jan van Velzen, Rob's wife, and Audrey Jamieson, Rob's sister.