Robert SMITH

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SMITH: Robert "Bob" George. It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather "Papa" on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at his residence. Bob was born on August 28, 1950 in Manitou, Manitoba. He was the second eldest of eight children in his family of three girls and five boys to parents Dorothy and Ray Smith. They were raised by their mother who taught values, respect and politeness to them all. He attended school in several towns in Manitoba including Brandon as well as in Saskatchewan, the last being in Yorkton. Bob moved to Brandon in August of 1968 in search of work. He had several jobs in his first years including working on the Railroad, a tow truck driver for Western Motors, delivering furniture for P.A. Kennedy, roofing for Wheat City Roofing and making panels for Behlen Industries. Bob started working for Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) in February, 1980. For the past thirty-four years Bob worked on the grounds crew and trades pool, first at the Brandon Mental Health Centre until it's closure, and then at 1129 Queens Avenue where he was working at the time of his death. When Bob came to Brandon he met Joan Simpson on a blind date who became his wife on September 18, 1971. Together they had three children: Robbie who died at five years of age, Angela and Michael. Bob and Joan lived in Brandon for twenty-eight years raising their children and then moved to an acreage north of Alexander, where they have lived ever since. On November 14, 2011, they were blessed with the birth of their beautiful granddaughter Kaiya Smith who was the joy of Bob's life. He enjoyed spending time with his family whom he loved and was very proud of. As a security officer for Paladin Security (formerly OBO) at the Wheat Kings Games and the Winter Fair, Bob met several new friends and always had a friendly smile and kind word for all he met. His love of horses was very evident working with his own five horses and riding or driving his team doing weddings, sleigh rides and parades. Being a member of the Queen's Cowboys for a while, Bob enjoyed taking part in re-enacting history of the RCMP history from the 1800's. He belonged to the Corps of Imperial Frontiersmen and on the 100th anniversary of the parent group Bob took Joan to England where he participated in the dismounted parade at Guild Hall. Following, they travelled to Scotland to visit family for two weeks. Bob played the bag pipes with the 26th Field Regiment Pipe Band in the early years in Brandon and enjoyed his trip to Scotland very much. He was an active member of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Club Unit 10 where he made more friends. For thirty years Bob enjoyed 5-pin bowling that took him to Ottawa to play in the Nationals in 1995. What a thrill! It was always something he wanted to do. Woodworking was a favorite pastime making retirement buffalo's for co-workers. Bob is survived by his wife of forty-three years Joan, daughter Angie, son Mike and partner Tara Drebit and his granddaughter Kaiya Smith. A sister Barbara (Tim) George of BC, brothers Jim of Brandon, Ray (Sherrie), Brian (Elaine) and Doug, all of BC as well as extended family members. Bob was predeceased by his son Robbie, infant sister Nancy and sister June, parents Dorothy and Ray Smith and in-laws George and Margaret Simpson as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. The Ceremony to Celebrate Bob's Life was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, August 8, 2014 with Rev. Barbara Jardine officiating and eulogy given by Frank Green. Pallbearers were John Green, Frank Green, Brenden Jones, Tegan Jones, Jim Snow, Darrell Ewasiuk, Roy Gibbons and Mike Gerritzen. Honour Guard from the A.N.A.F. Veterans Club Unit 10. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3 - 824 - 18th Street, Brandon MB, R7A 5B7 or to a charity of one's choice. Joan and family would like to extend many thanks to all their family and friends for their many acts of kindness and support during the sudden loss of their husband, father, grandfather "Papa", brother and uncle. Thank you to family friends and neighbours for the flowers and food and a huge thank you to the A.N.A.F. Veterans for the Honour Guard, the Ladies Auxiliary for a beautiful lunch and for the use of the club rooms for the lunch. A special thank you to Rev. Barbara Jardine for the beautiful service, Frank Green for the Eulogy, Craig Hayward and Vern Schneider of Memories Chapel. Also to Dexter of Kowalchuk's Funeral Home of Souris and Constable Joe M. Jardine of the RCMP Brandon Detachment. Also a special thank you to Dr. Nagy Wasef of Souris. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.Always Loved, Never Forgotten.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 16, 2014