ROBERT FRANCIS HASTIE

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• Bob was a good guy. He was a sailing fixture on the lake. He had a lot of local knowledge that he would share willingly with other sailors. Bob was a good sailor. We are sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Russ and Shelley Irving (Sailing friends on Lake Winnipeg on See-Shell) on: Jul 09, 2019

• So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We spent many summers enjoying sailing on Lake Winnipeg. Bob always had a grin on his face after a great day of sailing and then sitting at the dock with a cold beer. Sympathy to his family, a lovely man. Arleen & Allan Kristofferson - Posted by: Allan & Arleen Kristofferson (Fellow sailors) on: Jul 08, 2019

• Bev, as you know, Bob and I had a special friendship, and it was sad to hear that he had to battle an illness in his final days. A working life with everyday challenges can be tough enough, but ending one’s life the way Bob did was no way to be treated. It was a delight to have that visit with you both in the past month, and our pictures together will provide lasting memories for me. One of the those who just sent a tribute to Bob referred to having worked with him at the Seagram’s Distillery in Gimli, and while I did not work there, one of my favourite “Bob Hastie stories” was that Bob was in charge of Maintenance at the Distillery, “And every time he retired, the place fell apart, and they had to get him back again!” I have no way of proving whether that story was a fact or not, but let me just say that it would not have surprised me, as there was nothing mechanical that got the better of Bob Hastie. And he was a gentleman who was easily made friends. Whether it was fixing something, or even making things such as his own boat, there were few who could match him. And he was a pretty good sailor too! He had a talent that few of us sailors have, and that is if we have a sailboat which does not meet our standards, we can’t just go out and get a better one by building our own. Bob could do that! Bev, I know how much you meant to each other, and Bob’s life brightened the day you entered it, and the days ahead are going to be very difficult for you. And while you will certainly miss Bob, try to remember that you were the one fortunate enough to have had Bob Hastie in your life for so many years. Bob had so many friends, and while you may not hear directly from all of them, he will not be forgotten, and we all hope that it helps lessen the burden of your loss to know it is shared by so many. I send my love, Bev. You are very much in my thoughts, and I am looking forward to seeing you at the service. Submitted by Dean Cousens, Brandon. - Posted by: Dean Cousens (Sailing friend) on: Jul 05, 2019

• I worked with Bob for a year and a half in Gimli at the Seagram Distillery, and made a lifelong friend. He was an exceptional individual. He was the plant Chief Engineer, and certainly the most knowledgable person technically that I have ever met. In addition, He built and sailed his own Sailboats on Lake Winnipeg, but never allowed the slightest bit of contamination to reach the water. He was ahead of his time in the environment area. We were out of touch for 40 years, and reconnected in October, 2017, for a day and a half. We never stopped talking. I spoke to him twice in the week prior to his death. He was serene, and looked forward to the next stage of his existence. He believed there had to be something after he left this life. I believe he is right. All my best wishes Bob, for an interesting transition to your next life adventure. You certainly made your first life memorable. With the best of memories, Cliff Swain Lewiston, NY - Posted by: Cliff Swain (A friend from the Seagram/Gimli days) on: Jul 04, 2019

• Was saddened to hear about Bob's passing. He was a kind soul and I am so glad we had the opportunity to meet him. Bob took over the care of our family member Koda many years ago and the two of them were the best of friends. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect fit to become Koda's "person". Bob would follow up with phone calls and thank us for bringing him his new four-legged friend. Anyone who loves animals and people as much as Bob will be missed. Sending our love to you and your familY Bev. The Ivsek Family - Posted by: Shannon Ivsek (Friend) on: Jul 04, 2019

• We will all miss a truly wonderful man...... - Posted by: Ron Humberger (Neighbor & Friend) on: Jul 04, 2019