Rob Burns’ Retirement, Big Shoes to Fill by Peri Hayes For 35 years, Rob Burns has been the owner of Foodland Port Stanley. He began working at the age of 14 in Forest, Ontario as a part-time “stock boy”. At 18, Rob left his family home and was working at Knechtel Food Market during this time. He then relocated to Brights Grove for work in their newly opened store, which is when he met his beloved wife. On a company trip in Venezuela, Rob was introduced to Barry Fitzgerald and was thereafter contacted with an invitation to be a grocer at his Foodland establishment in the lakeside village. In response, Rob relocated with his wife and their first-born child. Through his incredible work ethic, Rob impressively became Barry’s business partner within one year. Dedicating himself to this seven-year term partnership, Rob transitioned to the Independent Owner who would flourish in this role. “I seized the opportunity to own a store. From the time that I was 16, this has been a goal of mine.” Asked about Rob’s favourite memory throughout his career, he confidently responds, “There’s so many. I have amazing staff and a wonderful customer base -- that’s what I’m going to miss. Some staff have been here for as long as I have, and longer! You get to know the families of this town, which not everyone has the pleasure of experiencing.” Rob considers the meaningful relationships which he has forged in this space to be one of the greatest accomplishments of his career: “I am a people-person and a community-driven business owner; I think this shows in how our team continues to support the community.” Rob highlights the ways in which former mentees have remained in touch over the years, carrying his mentorship forward in their lives. As Rob earnestly shares, the loss of his father in July of last year, followed by his wife’s passing in November has inspired this directional change for him. “Life is short, and life is fragile.” Having been a caretaker for years, Rob feels at peace presently taking care of himself -- to which he declares, “This is my focus.” Since 14, Rob has been a multifaceted musician. Playing bass, drums and guitar, he is currently involved with two Port Stanley- based bands known as R & R and Busted Roots; the latter being a four-piece heavy, Southern Rock band. Rob announces that Busted Roots will be performing at Thunder in the Valley this August.
Following his retirement on the horizon, Rob reveals that he will be spending time with his five children and four grandchildren. Moreover, he will continue immersing himself in his outdoor activities. “I am looking forward to learning about myself and exploring North America. I am blessed with an abundance of great friends across Ontario, both through the business and the bands.” With his last day having been on June 21st, Rob celebrated a “send-off” on the 14th; a chance for customers to join the esteemed business owner for cake, coffee and an official goodbye from his position -- though he will remain a proud and active member in this community. “Regarding my retirement,” Rob concludes, “I feel in my heart that this is right. It’s time. I am going out on a high, and this is important to me.”
Wednesday July 9th 9am – 2pm Pinafore Park 95 Elm St., St. Thomas Celebrating a 26-Year Tradition of Music, Fun & Camaraderie Bring a lawn chair
Join us for the
Seniors Picnic in
the Park
Simple & Delicious Kids Cooking Classes Now booking for July, August & Fall
Presented by
Music, Entertainment, Vendors, Car Show, Food Vendors & More! Thank you to our sponsors
oomers B and EYOND B Thank you for the continued support
For more information, reach Cathy at 647-402-3710 or cookinginport@gmail.com
Children 6+
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Port Stanley Villager • July-August 2025 • Page 9
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