ROBERT (BOB) GEORGE MCINTOSH

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ROBERT (BOB) GEORGE MCINTOSH

July 11, 1951 - October 23, 2023

I walk with grief as I write this, so please be gentle and swiftly forgive any mistake. After a long, three year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, my loving, giving, Best Friend, my husband, Bob, passed away, in the serenity of our beloved cottage, with all the comforts of home. He was 72.

My heart is ever grateful for the happiness we shared. Our marriage was rich with friendship, love and laughter. Every day, for 27 years, we kept our promise, through thick and thin, sickness and health, to love and most of all, forgive each other. Standing with Bob, in our faith, wading through storms and floods, we endured. Even in this last battle, Bob was always hopeful, with unconditional love, to never give up, to keep going, that everything will be ok. What if I had not been a volunteer at Elwick School where we met? What if I had not been there that day when Bob greeted the staff, as the new Vice-Principal? If not for Bob, what would I have missed? He rescued me. I was a lost ship without an anchor. Bob gave me treasures that can't be bought in a store. Golden moments of devotion, loyalty, care, hope, courage and the confidence to be all that I can be. Our journey together on earth is over, but I have to say, Bob was simply, the BEST husband in the world. I was the lucky one. The memories and photos will sustain me, but I can hardly wait, for the endless time together again in Paradise.

Bob was born and raised in the West Kildonan area of Winnipeg. After graduating from the U of M, with a Bachelor of Physical Education in 1975, and a Bachelor of Education in 1979, he began a teaching career in Seven Oaks School Division. Bob was a beloved teacher, known as "Mr. Mac". A deep love of sports, in all disciplines, rooted in his childhood, lacing up those skates, playing hockey in those cold outdoor rinks and those early fall days, throwing a football spiral. He just lived for sports. If anyone found their true calling in life, Bob sure did. He was a natural at any sport and he took an interest in it all. Teaching, coaching, guiding so many kids, at all school levels, from elementary to high school. An impressive career to say the least. He started teaching Phys Ed at James Nisbet in 1976, then O.V. Jewitt in 1982, then as Phys Ed Department Head at Garden City from 1986 to 1994. He formed the Seven Oaks Selects Gymnastics club in 1978. He was administrator of this club until it amalgamated with the Limberettes Gymnastics Club in 1986. The club employed four full-time staff, had 16 coaches and over 370 members ... and that's just one of the many projects Bob was a part of.

In 1994, Bob was appointed Vice-Principal (VP) of Elwick, then VP of O.V. Jewitt in 1996, then VP at Ken Seaford in 1997, VP at Garden City in 2000, then promoted to Principal of Collicutt in 2005, Principal of O.V. Jewitt in 2007, then in 2014, Principal of West St. Paul. In June 2018, after 42 years, "Bob the Builder", retired, and we made the cottage our permanent residence. The cottage had always been our sanctuary. Whenever there was stress from work, a weekend at the lake, picking those blueberries, absolutely "clean", or walking along the beach with our current fur-baby Molly - all of it was the best tonic to feeling great again. What a guy. Bob brought positive, happy energy to all the places he worked. He loved his job. The camaraderie and that wry humour Bob brought to some tense situations is legendary. The "stapler" incident, the "missing doorknobs", the tractor and the Playscapes, so much more, but all of it, to make life better for the kids. The countless unpaid hours, and the powerful ways Bob and his kindness touched people's life. His friendship was a true blessing. And to those that know what I'm talking about, you know, yes, he was a diamond in a coal mine.

His wit was quick and sharp and woe to any colleague, who after some misdeed or antic, or happening, be sure it was retold and embellished in Bob's mischievous way, to get everyone laughing at his legendary speeches. Speeches he should have prepared the day before, but pretty much winged it every time. Yes, it was his absolute pleasure to make you laugh, break the ice and smooth things over. Bob made so many wonderful friends and he treasured all of them. To those that knew him and loved him, you know we lost a very special, wonderful man.

For those that wish to donate, in memory of Bob, there is a scholarship program for those wishing to pursue a career in Physical Education. Bob would love that. Please contact Seven Oaks School Division for any details. Bob, a generous man, with that wonderful smile and those beautiful blue eyes. The cancer may have ravaged his body, but not his spirit. He was brave. His courage, that was Bob. "Gloves off", "Never Give Up", and that was how he guided the kids - "Keep Going"; "It isn't about winning or losing, it's how you play the game" "Just do your Best, the trophies and medals don't matter." It was, "Did you make some friends? Did you have fun?" You name it, hockey, football, curling, sponge hockey, touch football, golf, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball, tennis, Bob could play it and play it well. However, as much as Bob had a passion for sports, he cherished our family and our daughters. To Morgan McIntosh, Jasper, AB, you have always and forever will be the joy in his heart. He loved you more than you know, and was so proud of all you have become. To Kelly McIntosh, Vancouver, BC, you were always on his mind and not a day went by that he did not think of you. He loved you so very much. All he wanted was to spend more time with you. To Grace Thiara, Melbourne, Australia, Bob tried his best to be your step-dad. He loved and cared for you, only wanting what was best for you.

Bob did not suffer the wisdom of a fool. He lived and loved for today, knowing full well that tomorrow is promised to no one. As per Bob's wishes, there will be no formal service. Cremation has already taken place. A barbeque and a tree planting, of an oak tree, will be planned for next summer in July. (And yes, there will be his favourite ice-cream and Jeannie's cake.) There are so many sweet people to thank, and to all of you, Thank you! Thank You! Thank you for loving us with your generous gifts of time and the many, many precious prayers as he desperately fought this disease. Thank you especially to Rachel and Mark at Wojcik's - you have been incredibly warm, supportive and patient. I encourage those that wish to, please send a card or letter to:

McIntosh, PO Box 82, Belair, MB R0E 0E0 (no worries, the paper will be recycled).

Call not back the dear departed,

Anchored safe where storms are o'er;

On the borderland we left them,

Soon to meet and part no more.

Far beyond this world of changes,

Far beyond this world of care,

We shall find our missing loved ones

In the spirit realms so fair.

Fare thee weel, my Forrest.

See you there. Your Cece

Ecclesiastics 3:1-8

Psalm 23

God Bless and Shalom

Tribute Link: www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2023