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Rob Herriot

Obituary Photo

ROBERT MICHAEL HERRIOT

1966 – 2026

Imagine our shock. Imagine our pain. Robert Michael Herriot, while home alone, and without any warning… simply fell asleep and never woke up. He left us on July 3rd, 2026.


Because of his extraordinary sense of humor we keep thinking he’ll pop out from under a table, or from behind a door, and with his brilliant tenor voice say: “aha…fooled ya!” He took such joy in bringing joy to others.


He will be really missed by so many. Most of all though, by his husband Larry (Lars) Treloar. Together they were pure joy … they found each other late in life, and went on to have a perfect marriage. They were never seen apart. In a phone call just hours before his passing Rob told the guy he loved just how perfect he thought life was because they were together, one soul, two bodies. They constantly laughed together, shared without hesitation, loved without judgement.


It wasn’t just Lars, he shared love and joy with his entire family, and with a huge circle of friends. His 3 sisters, Barbara Herriot-Miller (Ted), Nancy Militano (Carmine) and Mary Deane (Brian) have had a brother they cherished and were so proud of.


And his sisters’ families all adored their Uncle Rob! Anthony Militano (Cathryn), Kaitlyn Militano, Kacey Deane (Dylan), their son Nando, Danny Militano (Devynn) … they are all devastated and will miss him so much.


Daughter Tanis Edmonds (Paul) and grandchildren Jayme and Nolan simply cannot stand the thought of being without him. “Who’s going to make us laugh now?”


Rob had a very special relationship with his dear friend Mariam Bernstein and her family, Miranda & Cinna … they really loved him and made him a real part of their family.


Rob had a brilliant career. With huge encouragement and support from his late parents, Robert and Mary Herriot (O’Sullivan), Rob completed his Masters Degree In Voice from the University of Toronto. His Dad had recognized his rich tenor voice … a voice so loud that neighbors tended to close windows! He supported his son in his singing education and was so proud of his achievements.


Rob’s career was off to a bright start both in musical theatre and in opera. He was an amazing tenor with a naturally witty performance. He shone on both stages, but it was his first love of opera that lead him to international acclaim. Starting as a singer, and soon becoming an opera stage director. He loved and was a star director. Rob was soon recognized with respect and admiration … big stages in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Newfoundland … Salt Lake City, California, Arizona … the list is long!


Under his direction, cast were keen to learn from him, and always reported that he was so much fun to work with! He could be serious, opera had only one level of acceptable performance … it had to be perfect!


His career wasn’t anywhere near over, he has left us far too soon! In the last 6 months Rob’s work was viewed by well over 20,000 people on stages in Vancouver, Livermore, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. He was scheduled to begin work on a new production in Toronto on July 13th.


Rob had another passion outside of opera … that was aircraft and flying. Rob could actually use his voice to imitate the sound of many different airplanes both in take off, and especially in landing. He could identify the type of aircraft by these sounds. He constructed by hand, a complete replica of the Winnipeg Airport in the basement of his home on Waverley Street. Dozens of model airplanes and hundreds of aircraft memorabilia remain in his collection today.


We cannot close this tribute to Robert Herriot’s wonderful life on earth, without mentioning his incredible ability to imitate others with that magic voice of his, his out of control wit … and his terrible choreography!! None of us were spared! He could pretty much replicate all of our voices and mannerisms. When not mimicking one of us, he’d use any one of his fake characters to entertain us. They lived on in his head much like a soap opera. They all had names.


Rob celebrated his 60th birthday on May 27th.


“We’ll always love you to bits Rob, Robbie, Uncle Rob … brother Rob, husband Rob!”


Rob had a serious dedication to the development of new emerging artists, loving his mentoring gigs in Edmonton and Toronto. It is that passion for the continual growth and development of opera performance that motivated his family and his opera buddies to create the “Robert Herriot Memorial Fund for Emerging Artists”, dedicated to casting young emerging artists in opera.


Donations to the Robert Herriot Memorial Fund at the Little Opera Company can be made through their website : www.littleopera.ca and follow the links. Cheques made payable to the Robert Herriot Memorial Fund can be mailed to: 


Little Opera Company, 

234 Yale Avenue 

Winnipeg, MB 

R3M 0L9


A celebration of life is to take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13th at Westworth United Church, located at 1750 Grosvenor at Lanark, Winnipeg. A livestream is available here and on this page for those unable to attend.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Lindsay & Ryan C

July 20, 2026 at 2:49 PM

We were lucky to have Rob, Lars and my cousin Linda stay in the Air bnb next door to us for the past 2 summers. Rob entertained us with his Margaret Atwood impersonation among others. I'm sorry we didn't get another summer together! You will be dearly missed Rob! Sending our deepest condolences to family and friends.

Cheryl kives

July 20, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Rob came to my office shortly after he met Lars and was so excited about his day that he met him. I led him in a meditation . We were on the 8th floor. It was so peaceful and calm and suddenly Rob started laughing and screaming. There was a window cleaner back and forth as if he was suspended in the air. Both of us laughed uncontrollably.

He was so full of life and I enjoyed our sessions so much. I was shocked to read about his passing.

Zach Schnitzer

July 15, 2026 at 9:29 AM

Dear Nancy & Carmine and Rob's family & friends,

 

We didn't know Rob personally, but my brother Ben did. Once an aspiring opera singer in Winnipeg, Like Rob, Ben has a beautiful voice, a perfect husband, and a genius knack for mimicry and for making people laugh so hard they felt sick. Rob even once judged Ben in an opera competition! Ben remarked how loved Rob was in the Winnipeg and Canadian arts community and remarked on his brilliant voice and directorial acumen. Judging by the beautiful obituary, video, and service, it's obvious that Rob was a bright (and hilarious) light in the world. May his memory be a blessing and may his generosity and mentorship live on with the Robert Herriot Memorial Fund at this Little Opera Company.

 

Sending our deepest condolences,

 

Maia, Zach, Sybil, Lev & Daphne

Bill, former condo neighbor (TT) to Larry and Rob

July 13, 2026 at 10:28 PM

I met Rob and Larry as neighbors in our condominium community at TT. While getting acquainted with Larry and Rob I found out Rob was also friends with my sister during high school. I also learned that my sister was telling me about Rob’s high school comedy antics when I was a pre-teen! I did have a chance to remind Rob of the antics he performed in high school which brought Rob to INSTANT laughter.

 

Larry, I could not be present at the tribute for Rob today but I watched the video online and it was a beautiful tribute. Your speech was beautiful and the rendition of “Climb Every Mountain” brought a tear to my eye. Larry, please accept my sincere deepest condolences to the loss of your best friend. And my sincere deepest condolences goes to the rest of Rob’s family.

Jeremy Bowkett

July 13, 2026 at 8:40 PM

A beautiful ceremony, with so many enchanting, hilarious and uplifting reminscences of Rob. I have been privileged to meet a few people who are just... radiant. Rob Herriot was one.

Glenda Knoll

July 13, 2026 at 4:56 PM

Dear Larry,

There are no words that can truly express how sorry I am that Rob is no longer with us. My heart aches for you. The love you and Rob shared was evident to everyone who knew you, and that kind of love leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of others.

It was a privilege to be part of Rob’s Celebration of Life. Every tribute spoke of a life well lived, and every song carried a story of hope. There was one moment when the congregation joined together in song, and the music surrounded me. The harmony of so many voices filled the room—and my heart. Tears came, not only from sadness, but from a life so deeply cherished.

I only wish I had known Rob longer. Even in the time I did know him, I saw a man whose kindness, compassion, and quiet generosity touched those around him. He made this world gentler simply by being in it.

Relationships become our greatest legacy. Rob’s life was a beautiful reminder that a caring heart leaves footprints no time can erase.

Rob’s light will continue to shine through you and through everyone who was blessed to know him.

May God surround you with peace in the days ahead, strengthen you when the grief feels heavy, and gently remind you that love is stronger than death.

With love and heartfelt sympathy,

Glenda

Vincent Bueti

July 13, 2026 at 4:21 PM

Sincere condolences to all family members. It was a pleasure to have known Robert. He was a lovely person who will be missed by all who knew him. I have a lasting memory of hearing his voice travel over the water at Lake of Two Mountains at dawn on a silent Summer night while he stood on the dock singing to the heavens above.

Christiane Riel and John Avey

July 13, 2026 at 11:03 AM

We are saddened to learn of Rob's sudden passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We feel his loss as does our entire artisitc/musical family in which Rob a played a vital role.. His joie de vivre was infectious and he had that rare sensibility of making you always feel good and respected. A fine, inventive director of imagination and positive energy but even more so this kind and encouraging human being. He will certainly be missed but lives fondly in our memories. Rest in peace, Rob.

Lynnell

July 11, 2026 at 8:01 AM

We laughed so hard when we were together, he brought joy into a room , I shall miss him always.

Noelle Bowles

July 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM

Our families were neighbours for almost 50 years - first across the street and then across the lane. I remember hearing Rob sing through my bedroom window and never closed it! He was such a supportive neighbour to my mom in these last few years. The Bowles family send their deep condolences. May his memory bring joy.

Patricia Johnston

July 10, 2026 at 6:52 PM

Robbie,

You were an amazing person, cousin, and artist. You will be truly missed.

Love,

Your Cousin Patsy

Leslee Boivin Munro

July 10, 2026 at 12:15 PM

I met Rob through The Black Hole Theatre and instantly felt such joy and warmth from him. He made such an pact on those around him!! To this day he makes me smile:) I was blessed to have known him.

Linda Henderson

July 10, 2026 at 8:23 AM

Lee Ann Womack sang:

 

"And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."

 

Rob danced!

 

Remembered with love!

Kimberly Barber

July 9, 2026 at 7:54 PM

I don't know what to say, because there is too much to say and it will never be enough. I am so grateful to Rob for our final work together, as he helped me craft the character of Madeline Mitchell for Little Opera in 2022. As it turned out, this would be my operatic swan song, and it dealt with themes very close to my own life story. Rob was so sensitive to this, and he checked in with me throughout the process, while always urging me to dig deep and find the truth and complexity of her (and myself). Watching him work with students and young artists was another thrill--he always enabled them to be their best. And his mischievous streak was secret sauce--I'll never forget the elaborate prank he played on one of my very serious students who fell for his impression of the "extremely elderly Chairwoman of the activities committee" at the seniors home. He strung her along for weeks at a time in multiple phone conversations and only confessed to the ruse after she had fallen for it hook, line and sinker. He was relentless. He could also be deeply vulnerable and sensitive, and it was this combination of joie de vivre and seriousness that made his directing so superb. I will miss him terribly.

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