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ROBERT VIRTUE KLINE
Born: May 05, 1928
Date of Passing: Nov 22, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
ROBERT KLINE VIRTUE
May 5 1928 – November 22. 2022
Dad was born in Carman, Manitoba to parents, Solomon Virtue and Alice Virtue (nee McGill).
Dad was predeceased by his brother, Morley; sisters, Eileen and Ina.
Dad's early life was not so great. His father died at an early age, and his mother died when he was 15 years old. Dad hopped a bus and headed for Winnipeg. There he got a job with the T Eaton Co. of Canada. It was here that he met Mother Hilda Virtue (nee Booden). They were wed in 1946. Shortly thereafter they had two sons, Bob (Marie, Jason and Kimberley) and Douglas (Yvonne). Mom died in August 2021 after 76 years of marriage.
Dad started as a stock boy and moved into jewelry repair, then manager for the watch and jewelry department in the main store on Portage Avenue. Dad then took several courses in gemology and was promoted to watch and jewelry buyer for Eaton's in Western Canada. Dad worked for Eaton's for 47 years.
Dad's other accomplishments are: Grand master in Masonic Lodge of Manitoba and life member, 50 years with Shriners, drummer in the pipe and drum corps and member of the Scottish Rite. I would be remiss if I did not include, he had two hole-in-ones while playing golf tournaments. He was so proud of this he told the world about it.
At 93 years of age, Dad went to Middle Church Nursing Home. The staff there treated him well and I would like to thank them for their caring and hard work. Old age finally caught up to him.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a family graveside service.
Thanks, Dad, for everything.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I had the privilege of working with Mr Virtue for most of my 20 years with Eaton’s and then in the last dozen years or so, he would come to my place a work on Nairn once a month and have coffee and we would reminisce about the good times we had while working at Eatons. He truly loved his job because of the people he got to interact with on a daily basis, he’d say ‘I tell people I love my job’ and they would think I’m crazy, imagine that. My condolences to the family, your dad was a special man. Give the boys a hug for me today when you get to the table - Posted by: Donna Mitchell (Murawka) (Friend) on: Nov 29, 2022
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So many wonderful memories Tom and I shared with Klein and Hilda in our years together in the Shrine. He will be missed. A life so well lived. Rest in peace Klein. Arla - Posted by: Arla Sidebottom (Friend) on: Nov 28, 2022
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Robert was a valued member of the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg. We would be pleased to provide a piper for the graveside service if the family wishes to have one. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Pamela Simmons, President (St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg) on: Nov 28, 2022
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What an honour it was to work with Kline at Eaton’s. The Toronto Buyers would always call to get Kline’s advice on a Jewellery buy or the latest trend…the Mood Ring, perhaps? Lots of rituals and fun traditions…you couldn’t go on a buying trip without bringing back soap from the hotel room for Burt, or sweeteners and packs of matches for Bob. You’d brag if you ever got a “corner room”. Sunday dinner was always a Caesar Salad and a Steak on the BBO with a beer “in the pocket”. I could go on and on. And with a twinkle in his eye, Kline would always claim the band couldn’t play without him…. What fun we all had!! And I learned so much from a true gentleman. With sincere sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Kendall Bingeman (Friend) on: Nov 26, 2022
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My heart felt sympathy to the entire family. I worked with your Dad for many years at the Eaton Downtown store. He was a joy to work with. Many wonderful times and lots of laughter. We shared office space with Burt and Leslie. We had coffee together almost daily. He was a true gentleman and well respected. So sorry for your loss Also got to know your lovely Mom over the years, through social gatherings and when she shopped in the store. - Posted by: Irene Pasnak (Coworkers at Eatons Downtown ) on: Nov 26, 2022
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And now the Tuesday morning coffee group is complete again. Bob, Dunny, Burt, Roy, Bud, and Walter have the table reserved and are happy to welcome Kline back to the table. I’m so grateful for my once in a while Tuesday morning coffees with Mr. Virtue after my dad died. He was a thoughtful man. - Posted by: Barbara Herriot-Miller (Friend) on: Nov 26, 2022
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My Mom and Dad cherished their friendship with Hilda and Kline. After my Dad died, Kline called me weekly to check in as we had been unable to have a funeral during the pandemic. He sweetly shared many memories of Dad during their years of friendship and he assured me that he would buy the coffee when we could meet up after isolation. Sadly, that never happened. Wishing the family peace as they remember. - Posted by: Rhonda (McFarlane) Lorch (Friend) on: Nov 26, 2022
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