Robert DONALD

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DONALD: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of husband, father and grandfather, Robert Alexander Donald. Robbie died peacefully at the Riverview Health Center in Winnipeg on the morning of March 8, 2013. Robbie is survived by his wife Marlyn of 58 years, sons Rick (Edie), Garth (Judie) and Jerry (Jody); and grandchildren Tammy, Cody, Debbie, Rob, Grace and Eric. Robbie is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, brother Ivan and numerous nieces and nephews. Robbie was born in Reston, Manitoba, on October 2, 1934 to Jim and Elsie Donald. Robbie started his education at Prairie Rose School and later attended Reston Elementary School. After Grade 8, Robbie helped his parents on their farm in the Summer and spent some Winters working in Winnipeg. Marlyn and Robbie were married in April of 1954. Their marriage was the one and only ceremony held at the Hillview United Church in the Hillview District. In October 1956, Robbie and Marlyn bought the farm of George and Dorothy Guthrie. The homestead portion of the farm was on the east half of 36-7-28 and remains in the Donald family today. During their farming career, Robbie and Marlyn bought and sold serveral parcels of land to suit production. Their last crop was seeded in 1993 and their three sons came home to help with the final harvest. In Apri l of 1994 an equipment sale was held and Robbie and Marlyn retired from farming that Spring. Robbie and Marlyn enjoyed thirty two Winters in Arizona and eventually purchased a mobile home in Apache Junction. In 2005, Robbie and Marlyn purchased a condominium in Winnipeg and have enjoyed friends and family with a lovely view of Winnipeg from the 20th floor. Robbie was Chairman of the Manitoba Pool Elevator Board in Reston for twelve years and secretary for four years. He was a delegate for the Pool convention in Winnipeg for several years and served on the Resolution Committee. Robbie was in charge of the Pipestone-Albert Agricultural Society concession booth for many years, Chairman of the Reston Rink for three years, served one term on the Reston Co-op board at the time of the organization’s dissolution, served one term on the United Appeal Board, was a member of the Reston Lions Club and was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Reston Cemetery Board for sixteen years. Robbie and Marlyn achieved much in their time together. Throughout his life Robbie worked hard to accomplish his goals and did so to improve life for his wife, family and community. Family was very important to Robbie and he enjoyed many gatherings and celebrations with them. He will be remembered and missed as a loving and devoted husband and an inspirational and caring father and grandfather. Robbie himself stated in his last days that he had enjoyed a “ wonderful life.” As Robbie has instructed his remains have been cremated. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held later this Spring/Summer. For those who wish, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E0V9 or to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200, 6 Donald St, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 16, 2013