Robert McTAVISH

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McTAVISH: Robert Boyd McTavish, May 7, 1920 - June 25, 2015. Robert (Bob) was born in Strathclair, MB the 7th of 9 children of John and Annie McTavish. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Audray, both parents, and siblings William, Mary, Howard, Gordon, Samuel, Jean, Joyce, and Lillian. Bob is survived by stepson Larry Shine, and many nieces and nephews. Bob lived most of his 95 years in the village of Strathclair where he was an active member of many community organizations. After his schooling Bob worked at the Stothart General store, several years later he began butchering for Dunc and Marg Menzies. In 1954, Bob took over the family farm north of Cardale, MB. While farming was his primary livelihood, Bob had many business ventures throughout his long life. Bob enjoyed sports, both as participant or fan. Road trips to Regina with friend Dunc Menzies to attend Saskatchewan Roughriders games, golfing, curling locally, or participating in winter bonspiels to pass the cold winter months away were fondly remembered by Bob in his later years. Bob enjoyed music and took up the saxophone, playing with the Starlight Serenaders at dances throughout MB. He was a member and supporter of the Strathclair United Church and sang in the choir. Bob had a keen interest in photography and spent many years as an instructor with the local Air Cadets, instructing in photography basics, and black and white photo development. He was a photographer for the Mid-West Newspaper and took many photos of community and sporting events. Family portraits of many residents of Strathclair and area remain as a reminder of Bob’s photography skills. A passion for aviation led to Bob obtaining his private pilot’s license, purchase of a small Cessna aircraft, and flying, either inspecting crops, or a Sunday fly-in pancake breakfast. Bob was a founding member of the Strathclair Flying Club. At the young age of 53, Bob was ready to settle down, he met Audray Shine (Shaw) of Winnipeg and a loving partnership in marriage was formed. Delivery of floral arrangements to his wife Audray arrived without fail for special occasions. Bob and Audray travelled extensively in the winter months. Most often they would travel to Texas in November and return in time for Bob to start the crop year. Many long term friendships were formed as they spent the winter months golfing, playing pool, dancing, or just relaxing. After retirement from farming they continued to travel, golf, dance, garden, and watch their Blue Jays games together. A favourite evening pastime was playing cards or a game that rhymes with Ram-it! Bob relocated to Morley House personal care home in 2011 and lived his remaining years comfortably till his passing in June of 2015. Many thanks to the staff of Morley House, Shoal Lake, MB for the wonderful care Bob received during his time in your residence. Because Bob and Audray loved traveling together, their final journey will be celebrated together at 11:00 a.m. October 24th, 2015 in the Strathclair United Church. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 20, 2015