ROBERT (BOB) GORDON PETERSON

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ROBERT (BOB) GORDON PETERSON December 30, 1935 - November 27, 2013 Like the truly gentle person that he was, Bob peacefully slipped into the arms of Jesus to be taken to a new home, a better place with no cares or concerns, free of pain and the illness that consumed him. He left behind all that he loved and all that loved him. Surviving and left to mourn and miss Bob and to always and forever love him is his wife Adelaide (Adele); three sons Gerald (Gerry) (Michelle), Jason (Donna), and John (Angie). The rays of sunshine in his life, his nine grandchildren Tanya (Josh), Tommy (Meagan), Anthony, Bailey, Holly (Victor), Matthew, Taylor, Sophie, and Alexander; six great-grandchildren Cameron, Dylan, Marie J, Kinsey, Brooklynn, and Kodee; sister Linda of Winnipeg; three brothers Don (Joan) of Glouchester, ON, Ray in British Columbia; and Ross (Lenza) in La Canada, CA. Also surviving are sister-in-law Joanie Mignacca; brother-in-law Jimmy Paulenko (Gabi); brother-in-law Jim Stephens (Louella); 16 nephews; 15 nieces; two god-daughters Carla and Heather; two god-sons Matthew and Santino; and cousins by the dozens, especially Merv who grew up with Bob and remains a visitor that dropped in for coffee and chit-chat on a regular basis. He was predeceased by his beloved parents Mom (Inga) 1969; Dad (Pete) 1980; sister Verna 1983; sister Nancy 1985; brother-in-law Bruce Komus 2005; brother-in-law Mickey Mignacca 1983; and his in-laws Peter and Lena Paulenko 1998 and 2012 respectively. On December 30, 1935, Bob was born to Ingiborg Dominia and Gudmunder August (Pete) Peterson at Health Sciences Centre Women's Pavilion and joined his older sister Verna in what was to become a large and happy family. He loved his first two homes - Young Street and Banning Street and had many wonderful memories of growing up there and of going to Eaglesham in Gimli part of a group of four brothers, three sisters, and Mom and Dad. Bob attended several schools: Isbister, Greenway, General Wolfe, Daniel MacIntyre, and the University of Manitoba where he became a member (1956) of PHI KAPPA PI - TAU SIGMA RHO chapter...but science soon took off when earning money took over. He graduated from the Certified General Accountants and added a Municipal Administrator Designation from the University of Manitoba. Bob worked at many jobs to search for his calling: a merry-go-round operator, a surveyor in Churchill in 1954 and 1955, a packer at McMahon Upholstery, a boat windshield maker at Prevue Plastic, a bookkeeper/dispatcher at Crane - All, Purchaser / Bookkeeper at Subterranean Canada, and various construction companies as an accountant, a teacher, tax preparer, and then found his niche in Churchill, MB as Accountant for the Town of Churchill and a part-time Administrator. He resided in Churchill from October 1992 to May 1998 coming home twice a year, an experience he truly enjoyed. He made many friends there that still exist. But he missed the joys and happiness at home in the Peg, and so he retired. Bob loved people and could carry on a real good discussion/debate with many. He was involved with his boys' endeavors...though he never ever put on a pair of skates, he coached a few hockey teams and baseball teams too. Bob took referee courses and a hunting course in order to be able to get involved and became the Vice President of the local community club for six years. He played tight end for the University of Manitoba Football Team for a short period and was a Lazy Boy Armchair coach for many teams. He played a good game of golf and treasured the time he golfed with his Dad at the Polo Park Course. Bob followed up by introducing his sons, nephew, brother-in-law, and neighbour to the game, but he never played just to "WIN", but just to have a good, honest game. He could throw a few good rocks curling or fly a pretty straight dart at the Churchill Legion. A very avid reader...Louis Lamour westerns ranked high along with "out-of-mind" sci-fi, Adele would mutter "Put down the book and play with me". (This worked when the kids asked). Spiritual Life was loved by Bob and he never missed a Sunday at his "Adopted" Roman Catholic Church and often lent a hand at church needs - counting money, helping at Bingo, and ensuring that his three sons were never late for altar serving. He fished with his boys at many trout ponds, the dock, and Hecla, but refused to eat fish even if it was labelled "White Steak". He enjoyed casinos (secretly he was only indulging Adele, Joanie, and Romana - his Harem). He taught his boys chess and how to plant a garden, garlic, and potatoes, and how to mow the lawn the right way. He would tackle any fix-it job. Bob was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2000 and participated in a Clinical Trial for 12 years and earned the title of Warrior for his endurance and lack of ever complaining. He developed a very strong affection for his Oncologist Dr. Andrew Maksymiuk, his clinic nurse Kathi Klapp, and the angels who delivered his four needles every six weeks. Thank you to all those super people. Because of Bob's spirit and scientific mind, those relative parts of his body have been donated to Cancer Care Manitoba for research and follow-up. Travel became the best of all things to Bob and heading south in the dead of Winter to Arizona - staying at Joanie's condo for two or three months, picking and eating fresh grapefruit, walking all over, seeing new sights, gathering kumquats for his Eagle, and plants for Joanie at Scottsdale Markets was very near to Heaven. Then taking a holiday from the vacation to go to Vegas or La Canada to visit Ross, Lenza, Katherine, and Jonathon for good food and beautiful surroundings that lead to great times. We will miss this gentleman; this kind man with the big smile, this tremendous loving father, this greatest of husbands, this friend, defender, lover, this super person - my Bob. On Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Bob's Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main St. at Manitoba Avenue with (Retired) Rev. Canon Bryan D. Bjerring (cousin of Bob) officiating. No one knows the true worth of a man but his family. The dreary man drowsing, dropped-jawed on a bus, the office bore, the taciturn associate he may be the pivot of a family's life, welcomed with open arms and hugs, told the day's news, asked for advice. No longer Mr. B, but Dad. No longer a nonentity, but a man possessed of wisdom and skills, courageous and capable, patient and kind. Respected and loved. Author Unknown Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 1020 Main Street, 204 – 586 - 8668, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com. ROBERT (BOB) GORDON PETERSON On Wednesday, November 27, 2013, Bob died at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 77 years. A longer obituary notice will follow. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204 - 897 - 4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com.
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2013