Robert George Cansdell Hirst
Robert George Cansdell Hirst
These should not be forgotten years
Obituary
With great sadness, Rob George Cansdell Hirst, passed away on 20 January 2026, in Sydney.
Rob will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, wit, intellect, and musical genius.
Rob was a founding member of Midnight Oil. He was not only a drummer, but a song-writer, a talented lyricist and wordsmith.
Rob's fiancée, Dr Patricia Petersen, his family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues all experienced Rob's sense of humour, kindness and generosity.
The passing of Rob leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know Rob.
Rob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Timeline
Gallery
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
April 22, 2026
RIP Rob,
Thank you for being such a beautiful part of my life, and for everything you brought to Miss March the band Patricia and I were in. Special memories during the time we all shared together. Those memories mean more than words can really hold.
But more than that, thank you for the love you gave Patricia. It was something truly special to witness. You had a way of making her light up from the inside out. I could always see how deeply happy you made her. The two of you together… it was effortless, full of laughter, shared glances, little moments that said everything without needing words. The two of you were so clearly, completely in love.
I still remember how she glowed when you proposed. She was so full of joy, and it meant so much to me when she asked me to stand beside her as a bridesmaid.
That time will always stay with me.
She misses you more than I can explain… and so do all of us.
There’s a space that only you filled, and it’s felt every day.
But I want you to know I’m here for her. I will hold her close, support her, and make sure she’s never alone in this.
I promise.
You are deeply missed, Rob. More than words can say.
With love,
Janene
Thank you for being such a beautiful part of my life, and for everything you brought to Miss March the band Patricia and I were in. Special memories during the time we all shared together. Those memories mean more than words can really hold.
But more than that, thank you for the love you gave Patricia. It was something truly special to witness. You had a way of making her light up from the inside out. I could always see how deeply happy you made her. The two of you together… it was effortless, full of laughter, shared glances, little moments that said everything without needing words. The two of you were so clearly, completely in love.
I still remember how she glowed when you proposed. She was so full of joy, and it meant so much to me when she asked me to stand beside her as a bridesmaid.
That time will always stay with me.
She misses you more than I can explain… and so do all of us.
There’s a space that only you filled, and it’s felt every day.
But I want you to know I’m here for her. I will hold her close, support her, and make sure she’s never alone in this.
I promise.
You are deeply missed, Rob. More than words can say.
With love,
Janene
Favorites
What was Robert favorite Travel destination?
made with 
Français
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Português
Magyar
Русский
繁體中文