June 16, 2025
Rob Ellidge
Every employer’s dream employee
Celebrating Robert Ellidge for 30 years of service
By Karina Sinclair
For three decades, Robert Ellidge has been a cornerstone of Landscape Ontario (LO). To honour this milestone, we reached out to members and staff — both past and present — to gather some stories and memories that offer a glimpse of the profound impact Robert has had. This collection of tributes celebrates Robert's 30th work anniversary and reflects on his diverse roles, steadfast loyalty and instrumental contributions to the organization's success. His commitment to supporting the association's members, along with his broad skill set, quick wit and get-it-done attitude, makes him a truly exceptional asset. And as Rita Weerdenburg says, “Landscape Ontario is an organization where employees want to stay, but from my perspective, Robert has been a key player in making LO that kind of workplace.”
Recently, Rob mentioned working over the weekend to resolve some issues with the new LO website. When asked if he’d requested overtime pay, Robert replied, “No overtime. It’s my unwavering determination to make things right that motivates me.” This is just one example (of thousands!) of how committed Robert is to making the member experience rich and meaningful.
Thank you, Robert, for going above and beyond for LO members and fellow staff. Your impact is felt far and wide.
Tony DiGiovanni
Former LO executive directorWhen Karina Sinclair asked me to share some thoughts about Robert Ellidge's 30th anniversary with Landscape Ontario (LO) for a magazine tribute, it was an absolute pleasure to delve into past records and memories. Revisiting years of email correspondence provided a rich tapestry of insights into Robert's invaluable contributions.
A consistent theme emerged from every email and chat log: Robert is a problem solver.
Always proactive and taking initiative, he tackles challenges head-on. Whether it was brainstorming letterhead designs, deliberating furniture choices or planning circulation, Robert's problem-solving skills were evident. The sheer volume of emails demonstrates a consistent, logical, detailed and member-centric approach to every task.
Robert's organizational ability shines. His involvement in Canada Blooms and his role in building construction, particularly concerning space requirements and furniture selections, illustrate his keen eye for detail. Beyond logistical tasks, Robert's versatility is remarkable.
Robert's role extends beyond the typical. He is skilled in so many different and critical areas. He is a great storyteller and captured the history of so many members and events. He excels as an editor, videographer, photographer, computer technician, website designer and much more. He is a master communicator and is always first to help his fellow teammates. If that was not enough, Robert was also the property manager at one time. He contributed his organizational skills to the renovation of the new LO headquarters, working closely with the architect and construction firm. Robert is very capable in so many areas and he just kept improving as the years passed.
Robert is trustworthy and wise. His "quiet wisdom" resonates through his interactions, and his advice is always sound. This reliability is why he's someone people turn to for guidance.
He was always the first to volunteer for staff social events and was always involved in organizing holiday parties and staff outings.
One memorable staff excursion was to the Journey Beneath Niagara Falls. Robert and a few other team members took the elevator down and were stuck beneath the falls because the elevator stopped working. Unfortunately there happened to be an elevator employee strike at the time, so help was delayed. At first, it was a fun adventure but as the hours passed there was a little panic. Robert’s calm demeanour helped everyone.
While incredibly professional, Robert brings a vibrant personality to the workplace and he “keeps on the sunny side.” Robert has a fun side — his air guitar skills are legendary and his Halloween costumes are outrageous. He loves golf and hockey and excels in both. This blend of serious commitment, contribution ethic and fun-loving spirit makes him a delight to work with.
Everything Robert does is member-centric. He prioritizes the needs of the organization's members and ensures their voices are heard and their stories are told.
Robert is a devoted family man. He has two daughters. We remember his joy when they were born and we have had the pleasure of watching them grow.
Happy 30th anniversary, Robert!!
Rita Weerdenburg
Publishing department managerI hired Robert to join the small Landscape Ontario (LO) publishing team shortly after the association moved to Milton. His main responsibility was overseeing the production of the provincial publication, Horticulture Review (now Landscape Ontario magazine). Robert quickly proved himself an earnest and dedicated employee, and 30 years later, that remains true. In short, Robert was and remains to be, every employer’s dream employee.
Although Robert was hired to be a part of the publishing team, over the years he willingly took on many, many more very diverse responsibilities, ranging from webmaster to building maintenance. The current offices differ significantly from the facility that LO moved into in the 1990s and its upkeep was an ongoing challenge. Thank goodness Robert was willing to tackle just about everything that needed attention.
Ed Hansen
LO presidentRob really isn’t one to seek the spotlight, but it’s worth highlighting just how vital he is to the foundation of LO. He's always incredibly helpful when asked, with a deep knowledge of the association and a natural ability to guide others. He's truly a champion for the profession and on the continuous road to growth and improvement — like a Swiss watch, keeping everyone on track with precision and reliability.
On a personal note, he’s been a big help to me on my journey, always open to listening to ideas and thoughtful about how to communicate them effectively. His dedication is quietly influential, and LO is undoubtedly better for it.
Joe Salemi
Executive directorRob is LO's unofficial general. Being with us for 30 years he has seen the evolution and change in our organization that no one else has — except for Joe Sabatino who celebrates his 30th year with LO in January 2026. Rob has had many roles and has worn many hats over his 30 years and has become an incredible utility player that can jump in anywhere to support our team.
I worked with Rob when I was originally with CNLA. Many years ago, he invited me to golf at the LO Toronto Chapter Golf Tournament with Ian Service and one of the print suppliers for the magazines. It was my first time ever golfing. He was patient, offering guidance and coaching along the way. It's exactly how I know his work and how he interacts with his team — patient, offering guidance and coaching.
He might put on a tough front, but he cares so much about his home family and his work family. He tells me often that LO's volunteers are what motivates him most. It's the time they invest in making LO and the industry better that inspires him to be the best he can be, so he can facilitate that and carry out the work of the association for our members.
Penny Tantaskis
Director of communicationsAs a newcomer to the LO communications team last fall, I had a lot to learn about the people, the operations and the members. In his measured but assured way, Rob helped me transition into the organization. He demonstrated an incredible depth of knowledge, an astonishing network of relationships and a remarkable ability to leverage both to keep communications activities moving forward. I “didn’t know what I didn’t know” — but Rob did. And, thanks to him, I was able to learn and quickly integrate into the team. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance in those early days — and I continue to rely on him for his sharp eye, acute insights and unfailing dedication to the work of LO.
Mike Wasilewski
Creative directorWe are here to celebrate 30 years of Rob — our resident guru, human search engine and the driving force behind making Landscape Ontario thrive. Rob's always ready to lend a hand, drop some wisdom or casually recall a regulation from 1997 like it was yesterday. He’s my LO brother, a steady pillar of encouragement, wisdom and the heart of our workplace.
Rob, you've been the force that keeps everything running smoothly. Cheers to 30 years of leadership, support and unwavering dedication!
Hank Gelderman
Chair of communications committeeI remember Rob when he started at LO as a greenhorn. It's amazing for me to have witnessed the personal growth in Rob over the years and his dedication to LO. When something was off schedule, he made sure to right it for the benefit of LO members. Rob, please keep up the great contributions you have made to the LO family. LO would not be where it is today, if it wasn't for you!!
Scott Barber
Former director of communicationsRobert is a quiet leader — someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight, but whose steady presence and thoughtful actions speak volumes. He leads by example, with a calm confidence and unwavering dedication that has earned him the respect of everyone who’s had the privilege to work alongside him.
What I admire most about Robert is his deep-rooted passion for serving Landscape Ontario’s members. No matter the project, deadline or challenge, Robert never loses sight of the fact that the role of staff is to support the membership. He also brings a genuine appreciation for the countless volunteers who give their time to the LO Board and its many committees. His incredible institutional knowledge runs deep, and in many ways, he’s the glue that holds everything together — meticulously ensuring that no detail is missed and that the association continues to run smoothly year after year.
Congratulations on this remarkable milestone Robert!
Lee Ann Knudsen
Former director of communicationsMy first day on LO staff was in 2000. I worked alongside Robert Ellidge, and his focus on members was clear. On that day, he told me that if I saw folks working around the home office, they were most likely volunteers.
I watched Robert keep member service as his priority for 20 years, and no doubt up to today. He showed it through his work ethic, willingness to learn new skills and genuine concern. I always enjoyed watching him treat members with total respect. A bonus for me during that time was watching the launch of his beautiful family.
Of all the factors explaining LO’s success, Robert Ellidge’s service is huge.
Gail Pope
Membership admin assistant and former communications team internWhen I first joined Landscape Ontario as an intern, I was nervous that my work wouldn't live up to the expertise of the organization. It was my first job in this field, and I was determined to do my best. This wouldn't have been possible without Rob. My immediate thought was, “Wow, he's so good at what he does. I want to be like him.” Every piece I wrote went through his edits and came back so much stronger. He was always patient with my mistakes and truly helped me grow as a writer. His calm and supportive presence has been just as inspiring. I'm sure that we can all agree your impact is felt across the organization. Thank you, Rob, for your kindness, your guidance, and for always believing in staff here at Landscape Ontario.
Justin Kole
Member engagement specialistRob and I are basically the culinary rebels of the office. We both grow a mean vegetable patch. We seem to be the only ones keeping the office stove from getting dusty. And while everyone else is fine with paper plates and plastic forks, we’re out here grabbing the ceramic, and digging through the cupboards for real forks like it’s a treasure hunt — because even leftovers deserve respect. We also chat about vegetable and fruit gardening which is nice.
Steve Moyer
Former sales managerI worked with Robert for over 20 years — he was a joy to work with in all respects. He always lent a helping hand whenever I needed it. Hard-working, trustworthy and always just a “great guy to work with.” While he is a U2 fan (I am not), he and his wife agreed to join me and my son, Ryan, at a Van Halen concert 15 years ago — quite the show. Congrats on 30 years, Rob!
Rodger Tschanz
Trial garden managerMy first recollections of interacting with Rob centre around the time Guelph started partnering with LO on the trial gardens at LO. At that time, in addition to his duties in publishing, he also wore the property manager's hat and in that role he had to deal with me and the needs of the trial garden. Water and weeds would, with time, become an ongoing headache for Rob. He inherited an irrigation system of unknown vintage from previous owners of the property that always seemed to be breaking down. And weeds, of course, accompany the establishment of flower beds. In both cases, Rob worked diligently, responding to crises in support of the growing trial garden program.
Eventually Rob left the property manager portfolio to focus on other duties at LO but he continues to support the trial garden and the open houses by helping to promote trial garden events and by creating the annual trial garden map. For me, he is the quiet, behind-the-scenes kind of guy that every organization like LO needs. His long history with LO provides him with the perspective and the knowledge to be an amazing problem solver and a support for the ever-changing dynamic of the industry.
Congratulations, Rob, on 30 years with LO and thank you for all of your support for the trial gardens.