Robert WINTLE

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WINTLE: Robert George (Bob) Wintle, beloved husband of Elaine (Henwood), dad to Shawn (Christine) and Jodi Finlay, gramp to Cailin and Claire Finlay, passed away Thursday, June 27 at Westview Lodge, Boissevain, Manitoba. Bob was born August 7, 1940 at Deloraine, Manitoba to parents George and Bridget (Devlin) Wintle and brother to Fred. He grew up on the family farm and attended Hazeldean School until grade 8. His parents moved into Deloraine where he attended the old Deloraine Collegiate. He proudly displayed sketches of these buildings. Bob began his mercantile career at Stewart’s Market and Robinson’s Store in Deloraine. He spent a year at Oxbow Co-op and then began his Boissevain Journey at McLeod’s Store and Gowles’s Furniture. In 1968 he opened his own business Bob’s Home Furnishings on Main Street in Boissevain. Here he was able to use his creative flair and talent with colors, design and displays, delivering too many homes all over the South-West. Sears Catalogue Sales was added along with Valley Royal Travel. In about 1986 Bob sold his building and then worked for Coxworths Stats Canada and extended his Wassawa Tours to Bob’s Tours where he met many clients who became friends. He had a caring heart for seniors and many fun casino trips ensued. Community minded Bob served on the Westview Lodge Board for 13 years, was an active lion, chaired the Heart Fund, made Seniors Meals and was active in the conservative party both federally and provincially from Walter Dinsdale days on. His seasoned displays at our home on Mile Rd. were anticipated and enjoyed by many. Bob and Elaine, the Deloraine school teacher were married in 1964 and began their years in Boissevain. We were blessed with the arrival of Patrick Shawn in 1969 and Tanis Jodine in 1971 and granddaughters Cailin (2000) and Claire (2005). Bob’s Irish dancers of whom he was so proud. Our summers at our cabin at Lake Metigoshe hold many special memories with family and friends as well as camping trips east and west, travels to Disney world, Costa Rica and Florida. Bob was predeceased by his parents, brother Fred, sister-in-law Edna, brother-in-law’s Gren and Don Henwood and two infant sisters Doreen and Alice. He leaves his immediate family and special nephew and nieces Alan (Laura) Wintle, Arlene (Sid) Patterson, Peggy Hobbs (Dwayne Murray), Patty Billiaut (Randy), Doreen Vanhove (Don), Connie Leopkey, Gaylene Postnikoff, sister-in-law Arlene Henwood. Funeral service was held Wednesday, July 3rd at St. Paul’s United Church with Rev. Doug Craig officiating. Burial took place at Boissevain, Cemetery. Rest in peace, Bob. Love abides. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Rev. Doug Craig for his wonderful service, to Karen Kemps and Harold Kuipers for the lovely musical selections, to Brenda Lyons as pianist, to Arlene Patterson for her poem, to Rona Watt-Neufeld for sharing memories, to the ladies of St. Paul’s for the lovely lunch and to all those who attended the service from near and far; for food, cards, flowers, messages and visits. We thank you so much. A special thank you to Westview Lodge staff. You are great and Bob so appreciated each of you. Thank you Patti and Jon Medwid for all you have done for us in our time of sorrow. You are special. And to Paul and Missy of Wheatland Funeral Service, your kindness made a tough job easier. Sincerely, Elaine Wintle, Shawn, Christine, Jodi, Cailin and Claire.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 13, 2019