We are heartbroken to share that Robert Pomajba passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday, January 8, 2026, just days before turning 59. He fought a stubborn fight against cancer and left on his own terms.
He’ll be deeply missed by his loving wife Carolyn and their two children, son Cole and daughter Abby. Robert also leaves behind his mother Geraldine; siblings Paul (Fiona), Valerie (Marc), Elaine-known as Billy (Ryan); nieces Olivia (Kevin) and Hilary, Sydney, Ruby; and nephew Griffin. His father Frank went before him. He is also remembered fondly by his in-laws Eileen and Chris Smith along with sister-in-law Shannon Lumsden.
A farmer through and through, Rob was tied to the land and knew the pride of honest hard work. He could fix almost anything-usually stuff he’d accidentally broken-maneuver an 18-wheeler packed with restless cattle like it was nothing, grow a strong crop, and raise some of the finest beef cattle around. Like his dad before him, he got started showing cattle in 4-H which turned into a lifelong passion with Grand Champion wins at the Royal Agricultural Fair in ’89, ’95, ’97 and even as recently as 2023. As a 4H Leader himself later on, he passed down everything he knew-from skills to how to present cattle-to younger generations.
Rob loved the straightforward cowboy life best of all. He felt most at ease on horseback using them to gather stray or runaway cattle or check fields. Many good friends came out of time spent riding the Ontario Rodeo Circuit competing in Team Penning events-and bravely working as a pick-up man riding his trusty horse Baldy.
For over twenty years he served proudly with Station 7 Fire Department – known for being fearless and focused when it counted most. People remember how determined he was to get things done right, keep everyone safe during emergencies, plus his clever driving that always got him there first.
Special thanks go out to Pete and Gail Blonde, Don Turner, Jeremy Van Kesteren, Ben Rhodes, and Dr. Lotje Kouwenberg for their steadfast friendship throughout all this.
Friends & family are welcome at Alexander & Houle Funeral Home located at 245 Wellington St. West in Chatham (phone:519-352-2710) on Saturday January 10th from 2-4 pm then again from7-9 pm with reflections shared around8 pm. The gathering will celebrate Rob’s cowboy spirit so feel free to wear jeans & boots. Cremation has already taken place. Instead of flowers donations can be made to Eir Centre or Fire Fighters Association of Ontario on behalf of the family. Online condolences can be left at www. alexanderandhoulefuneralhome. ca
