Obituary of Robert George Brinker

BRINKER, Robert George, died peacefully on January 2, 2026 at West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville. He was born July 18, 1939 in Delhi at his grandparents’ home and born to mother, Madeline Brinker (nee Mels - born in St. MartinsDyke Holland) and father, Theo Brinker (born in Enschede Holland). He grew up on a tobacco farm just outside of Walsh and attended Simcoe Composite high school. He started his career with Imperial Tobacco in Delhi and then got transferred to Montreal with his family in the late 60’s. Robert started his career selling tobacco products wholesale, but he was then moved by Imperial Tobacco to Montreal where he worked in several of their food related companies including the Progresso food plant in New Jersey. He later went on to work for Heinz in Leamington before setting out as an independent consultant. He was a self-taught, highly regarded food production engineer. Over his life, he and his family lived in Delhi, several locations in Montreal, Ocean City New Jersey, Leamington, Wilmington, North Carolina, Aurora and Port Dover for the past 18 years. He was an active member in the Rotary Club including being President of the Cape Fear Chapter in Wilmington NC. Survived by his spouse Carole and their children, Michelle Dacosta (Michael), Cheryl Stanbury (David) and Corinne Winch (Steve).  Also survived by his three siblings, Michael Brinker (Lyonell) – Nephews, James Brinker (Carmen) & Sam Brinker (Ciara), Mary Lou Hukezalie -Nephews, Nick Hukezalie (Kayla) & Mike Hukezalie and Ted Brinker (Vicki) - Neice Rachel Morrish & Nephew Benjamin Harris. Robert had (5) Grandchildren Zachary DaCosta (Courtney), Sophia Lakovic (Andrej), Olivia DaCosta, Matthew Stanbury (Christine), Mackenzie Winch and (3) Great Grandchildren - Axel & Stella Lakovic and Lennon DaCosta. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11 am at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Lynn Park Rd. Port Dover. Celebrant Father Charles Akinloye. Interment Delhi Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to THOMPSON WATERS FUNERAL HOME, Port Dover 519-583-1530. On-line condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca