Robert Jelking

Portrait of Robert Jelking, an elderly man.

Robert Jelking (1944-2021)

Robert Jelking was a child when his parents immigrated from Belgium to Canada shortly after World War II. They landed in Montréal but kept moving west in search of better job opportunities until finally settling in Vancouver.

Robert was smart and resilient, which helped him thrive despite the instability of these early years. He did well in school and joined the Cadet Program, where he said he learned to drive a tank before he drove a car. He worked as a chemist for a mine in the Yukon for a year and then returned to university, earning his Master’s degree in Business. The Federal Government then recruited him, and he built his career in Ottawa.

“We want to help immigrants like him create their own success stories.”

After Robert passed away in 2021, his widow decided to honour his memory by naming Algonquin College as a beneficiary in her will. “It was a very emotional time,” she said on Rogers tv Ottawa. “I thought about a lot of things. As I wondered how best to pass Robert’s legacy on to Canada, I realized a planned gift to Algonquin College would be perfect! The College guided me and helped me include the gift in my will. Our friends and family think it’s a great idea, and I think Robert would be pleased with my decision.”

This planned gift includes the creation of three endowed bursaries for learners who are first-generation Canadians. Why? “Because Robert’s story is an immigrant’s story. When his family arrived in Canada, his parents didn’t speak English and had to keep moving to find better jobs. But Robert was dedicated, persistent. He loved life, travelled far and often, enjoyed woodworking and fixing things. His life was happy, influential, and meaningful, and we want to help immigrants like him create their own success stories.”

Each of the three bursaries in the planned gift has a special meaning:

  • The Robert Paul Jelking Bursary in Health recognizes the kindness of end-of-life caregivers.
  • The Robert Paul Jelking Bursary in Woodworking celebrates his passion for building in wood.
  • The Robert Paul Jelking Bursary in Landscaping and Design honours a horticultural interest inspired by visiting Algonquin College’s gardens while his family built their own garden.

“We are humbled by the generosity of Robert Jelking’s family,” said Mark Savenkoff, Algonquin College’s Vice President of Advancement and Strategy. “What’s really important to us is understanding the story behind a gift, understanding the interest and the intent of the people making the gift. When we understand that intent, we can ensure that we’re going to do right by Robert’s family and others like them.”

Learn more about including a gift in your will by visiting the Planned Giving page or by sending us a message.