ROBERT JOHN BOOMER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROBERT JOHN BOOMER May 27, 1919 - May 23, 2014 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, with his family by his side, at the age of 94 years. Dad was an amazing person but modest about his accomplishments. He was kind, compassionate and loving. He is survived by his sister, Emily Strong; his eight children: Christine (Honey) Stewart, Suzanne Boomer, Sherry (Bo) Bennett, Terry Boomer, Michael (Marilyn Mel' Sinclair) Boomer, Daniel Boomer, Marie Boomer and Colleen (Clarence Ens) Boomer; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Maxine, his mother and father, Clara and Tom Boomer, his brothers, Tom, Sidney and Gordon, and his sisters, Ellen and Clara. Dad served in the Navy in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. He was a radar man but during his free time liked to box. He made quite a name for himself as a boxer. Dad met Mom during the war and they married in September 1944 until she died: they were married almost 63 years. They lived and raised their family in Winnipeg, spent several years living in Montreal and came back to Winnipeg. After the war dad was employed in the oil refinery industry and retired as a Shift Foreman from Shell Oil Refinery in Winnipeg. Dad's passions were his family, travel, Grand Beach, the cottage and birds. He combined all of these to make many fond memories for his family. When his children were young he would always make things fun at the cottage with fishing trips, minnowing', card tournaments and croquet. The more people around the better the fun. Most years there was always a mishap with a skunk. For a summer or two there was a ping pong table in the backyard of the cottage where Dad would challenge anyone to a left handed game of ping pong. When Dad retired he lived early spring to late fall at the cottage for as many years as he could. If he wasn't at the cottage you could find him at the Osprey nest checking on the babies. When the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to the cottage, Dad insisted on stocking the shed with fun toys: pogo sticks, hula-hoops and more. Mom and Dad had a green Volkswagen camper van and took a trip almost every year out West to visit their two children and extended family on the West coast. On these trips Mom always fit in painting and photography and Dad was always on the look out for birds and great scenery. After Mom died, Dad missed her so much and needed extra support. For three years after her death he lived between his home on Linden Avenue and with his daughter, Colleen and her family out in the country. Her family will fondly remember the time they had with grandpa living in their home and it was a heart breaking time when he needed to move on to personal care home support. Dad spent his last few years at Maple Personal Care Home and Deer Lodge Centre where he became a favourite of the staff very quickly. He was very well known for his big smile, his very kind heart and his hugs. That man loved to hug. Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held. The Government Pier is where his most treasured memories were made and was his special place. We love you and miss you, Dad. You were a great joy to your family and whoever knew you. What is remembered, lives. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
Publish Date: May 29, 2014

ROBERT JOHN BOOMER It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Robert John Boomer on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 94 years. Funeral arrangements are pending and a longer obituary will follow. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086
Publish Date: May 24, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 29, 2014