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JOHN (BOB) ROBERT LAVERY
Born: May 13, 1942
Date of Passing: Apr 12, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN (BOB) ROBERT LAVERY
Bob was born in Toronto and grew up in London, Ontario, where he completed his high school education. He went on to earn his Chartered Professional Accountant designation from Queen's University.
He began his career in Toronto with Ernst & Ernst, an international firm of business consultants and CPAs. It was there that he met Elaine Shawlinski, who became his lifelong partner and a constant source of strength and support in both his personal and professional life.
Bob worked in the Toronto, London, and Winnipeg offices of Ernst & Ernst, eventually becoming the partner in charge of the Winnipeg office. This role brought the family to Winnipeg, where Bob and Elaine raised their two daughters, Shaunna Lynn and Cara Joyce.
During his career, Bob undertook an advisory assignment with a European company, which ultimately led to the formation of Winpak, a company he was asked to lead. Under his guidance, Winpak grew and prospered, and Bob remained at its helm until his retirement in 2005.
Following his retirement, Bob continued to contribute to the business community, serving on the boards of several Winnipeg-based companies and remaining actively involved in community initiatives. In recognition of his leadership and service, he was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club and named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
In 2012, Bob and Elaine retired from Winnipeg and moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they embraced a new chapter filled with activity and enjoyment. They shared many happy years there until Elaine's passing in 2020. Bob is lovingly remembered by Shaunna and her children, Zach and Ella; as well as Cara and Anne and their children, Jack and Henry.
Bob's family offers deepest appreciation to those who supported him in the final weeks of his life. Special thanks are extended to good friend, Michelle Scott, the doctors of St. Catharines Hospital and the staff of the Royal Henley.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2026
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Sad to read about Bob's passing. We worked together at Ernst & Ernst in Toronto together with Elaine. Bob asked me to return to Winnipeg and join him in building the Winnipeg office in 1973. He was a great mentor. It was a continual challenge to see who arrived at work earliest. I have many fond memories of those years and social evenings enjoying the warmth of the hospitality with he and Elaine. Life passes too quickly. - Posted by: Michael Averbach (Friend) on: Apr 22, 2026
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Fond memories of you and your parents from Pine Valley days May past happy memories of your amazing parents bring you comfort and strength. - Posted by: Elaine Bennett (Neighbor from Pine Valley) on: Apr 18, 2026
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I was fortunate enough to be part of a group of friends that associated with Bob and Elaine over the years. My husband Garry, and I had so many special memories of dinner parties dancing until two in the morning sharing many special memories, loving each other‘s families. it saddens me that Bob is not here any longer, but I know he’s with Elaine now Bob and Elaine loved their girls and I will always hold them on a high regards. - Posted by: Lynn Krepart (Friend) on: Apr 17, 2026