Robert KAYES

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KAYES: Rev. Robert Arnold Kayes. April 28, 1935 – March 30, 2015. Robert Arnold Kayes passed away peacefully on March 30, 2015 in his 80th year after a difficult and grace-filled journey with Parkinson Disease and ALS. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jean Waters, beloved partner of his senior years, and by his children, Brian (Jill Hannah-Kayes) of Brandon, Karen (Roger Osburn) of Amarillo Texas, Andrew of Brandon, and Maggie (Richard Kurdziel) of Calgary, and also by the children’s mother Shirley Kayes of Brandon. Also saddened by his death are Jean’s children Marianne (Joseph Logan, Krista and Jaimie) and Bob Waters; Bob’s sister Samara; and many other friends and relatives. Bob is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He delighted in their creativity and sense of wonder. He was predeceased by his brothers Brian, Bill and Ed. Bob graduated with a B.A. and MDiv. from the University of Winnipeg (United College) and was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Canada in 1969. He served for 40 years in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Conference in both rural and urban pastoral charges and as Program Staff for Winnipeg Presbytery. Since coming to Edmonton, Bob has been involved with the Alberta Quality of Life Commission; as Associate Faculty of St. Stephen’s College co-coordinating the Lay Worship Leaders’ Certificate program; as coordinator of the United Church Pensioners Social Committee; and as part of the Worship Committee at St. Andrew’s. He had a lifelong passion for social justice and a deep caring for those who are marginalized and oppressed. Bob had a creative, grateful spirit and often said that one of the joys of his senior years was having “adult children”. He and Jean enjoyed travelling and adventures both big and little. Bob had a lively intellect and continued to learn his whole life. He had a wonderful sense of humour and laughed every day. Bob lived with grace and acceptance. The family expresses its appreciation for the support and compassionate care Bob received at CHOICE Norwood and by the staff of Unit 4AB at the Edmonton General. Friends and relatives who desire may make memorial contributions in Bob’s name to Racecourse School in Zambia by making a donation to St. Andrew’s United Church marked for the school; or to The Rev. Robert A. Kayes Bursary University of Winnipeg Foundation, 901- 491 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3B 2E4. A memorial service will be held in Edmonton on April 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. St. Andrew’s United Church, 9915 148 Street, Edmonton. A gathering in celebration of Bob’s life will be held in Winnipeg at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Avenue on April 14 from 1:30 - 3:30. Westlawn Funeral Home 780-484-5500.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 06, 2015