ROBERT WINSTON HOLLIDAY

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bob. The world is a smaller place without him, but Bob left a large legacy and example. I met Bob around the time he turned his journalistic skills to heritage. And what a swath he cut in bringing our local history to the city, and to the world! As a friend, Bob was a sterling guy, always lending an ear when needed. His one liners, especially when we would meet for coffee after some passage of time, were striking, hilarious, and special. His understanding, wise insights and plain straightforward analysis of things fostered a sense of safety in this world. And Bob was a true support. When asked, Bob immediately, unconditionally (and eschewing rehearsal time) accepted a request for him to appear in the role of a 1940’s detective character for an outdoor heritage presentation. Bob needed no rehearsal - he was comedic, quite a natural, and he played his character effortlessly. He was a joy to work with. Needless to say, Bob was an absolute hit and many recognized his unique voice from many seasons as an on-air reporter for CJOB. Bob supported events and made the most of it when I sent him a press release with the “snacks provided” part circled in red. At the event, Bob made sure to loudly let me know he came for the food, but it was obvious amid his gentle comedic charm that Bob was a true appreciator and student of Winnipeg’s endless history. He often spoke of his own oral and neighbourhood history, and I am sure much of his heritage research was strengthened through his long time journalistic skills. He was gracious and wouldn’t hesitate to share his knowledge, presenting a fascinating talk when he was asked to speak to a group of writers who had written for the Winnipeg Foundation’s Community News Commons before Covid hit. Bob’s friendship was the type that made one feel safe, supported and just happy - he was that kind of guy. I am deeply saddened at his death. Shirley Kowalchuk - Posted by: shirley kowalchuk (friend) on: Jan 02, 2023

• I was preparing to call Bob when I turned on my computer to the shocking news that he had passed away. The stunning news made me stop, lower my head and reflect on all the years I knew Bob. We went to the old Lavalee school in St.vital at the same time even though he was a few years ahead of me and we attended the same church where his mother played the piano and was a close friend of my mother. Later on he was the announcer at alot of the boxing events that i was involved with,and so it was like working with family...we even wound up living on the same street as neighbours later downtown .Sometimes we would meet at the Red Top for coffee and a bite In recent years I would phone Bob to offer him assistance to get his medical needs dealt with,but he always had that prearranged . Then in these recent years He had wanted some boxing memorabilia from me for the museum but that never got done. I will miss him like a member of my family .Goodbye my friend - Posted by: Bill Turner (friend) on: Jan 01, 2023

• Bob was a few years older but we spent teenage years a couple of blocks apart. Can always recall when he started in the news business with the St. Vital Lance, we all started calling him "Scoop". A great guy, and a proud St. Vitaler. My sympathy to those close to him. Rest easy Scoop. - Posted by: Gord Whitehead (Neighborhood) on: Dec 31, 2022

• So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Have known Bob for years through work with the Winnipeg Police Department and since retirement. Often ran into him at the Red Top Drive-In and he always put a smile on my face as well as so many other friends there. His photo is present on their "Wall of Honor" and I hope it remains there forever so we can remember him always. Rest in Peace Bob. -Bob Patrick - Posted by: Bob Patrick (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2022

• I met Bob in grade one at the old Lavallee School on St. Anne's Rd & Sterling Ave.. I had just turned 6 yrs old. We have been friends ever since. I was Pres. and Bob was V.P. of Glenlee C.C. Friday night teen dances. Because of Jim Kale of the Guess Who we had live music and crowds expanded from 10-12 to 100+ people dancing. Bob and I hired many bands including Neil Young etc. etc. Anyways Bob we shared a Blessed life together as umpires, football, baseball, and hockey. You were our manager of Glenlee Thunderbirds Sr. hockey team. You were the guy who got our cool Chicago Blackhawks sweaters. You and I signed for over $300.00 of sound equipment from Western Sound, for the dances as teenagers. We won the midget football championship playing for St. Vital Tigers. Oh, you also threw me out of a fastball game at Riel Park, I didn't mean it Bob. We worked together on your great accomplishment of the St. Vital museum, me providing a lot of photos from our St. Vital family history. Our friendship was solid as in the 75 years we were friends we never argued. I was shaken when I heard the news on CTV which answered why you didn't get back to me as you usually do. I sent you a singing Christmas card and also asked about museum calendars. Thanks Bob for all the wrestling tickets you so graciously provided and some of the amazing life stories you experienced and shared with me. The last time I saw you Bob was when we had breakfast at the Red Top a couple months ago. Bob I am so proud to have been your friend. Many happy stories. God Bless you Bob and see you when I get there. with Love Paul - Posted by: Paul L Lagimodiere (friend) on: Dec 31, 2022

• I had the great luck of working with Bob for 10 years at the Winnipeg Sun. He was a seasoned vet, and I was all ears whenever Bob spoke; which was a lot. Gawd, that man loved to chatter. He was true character and consummate professional. His knowledge of the police world, and his contacts/sources were second to none. Bob was always breaking a big story. He introduced to me to the Red Top Restaurant, where he was the unofficial mayor. My next visit there will be filled with thoughts about Bob and his adventures. He was a top-ranked wrestling promoter and highly respected. He would toss us free tickets at the Sun once in a while. When I moved from the Sun to MPI, Bob would call me with his/other people's questions about their claims. He was a true advocate. I'd give him the info and wouldn't hear from him again for months. I'd have to follow up and ask if everything worked out. It normally did. My condolences to Bob's family and huge group of friends. He was a Winnipeg legend. And we're going to miss him greatly. - Posted by: Brian Smiley (Former Winnipeg Sun co-worker) on: Dec 31, 2022

• Had many long lunches with Bob and many wonderful conversations. I considered him a friend we always just picked up where we left off no matter how long it had been. Rest In Peace dear friend. Thanks for the memories. - Posted by: Jan Morin (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2022

• Great guy. St Vital friend and we met for coffee. Went through cancer same time and always upbeat. RIP Doc - Posted by: Jim Raftis (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2022