ROBERT (BOB) MICHAEL WENER

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ROBERT (BOB) MICHAEL WENER

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Wener.

Bob was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the second child born to Albert and Evelyn Wener. He is survived by his mother Evelyn, wife Lynne Oreck -Wener, children, Taryn Wener and Tim Richards, Eleni Wener, Hart Wener and Jocelyn Von- Kaitz. Left to mourn him are his brothers, Jim (Mickey) and Ralf (Hanna) Wener, sister Pam Wener (Gary Altman) and mother-in-law Zoe Oreck, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was predeceased by his son-in-law Benji Itzkow, father Albert Wener and father-in-law Norman "Babe" Oreck.
Bob's family was at the center of his life. Lynne, his wife of 40 years was his soulmate, confidante and partner in all things. He was most proud of his children and their accomplishments, and his grandchildren, Lucas and Cooper Richards, Carter Itzkow and Zoe Wener Itzkow who all were the light of his life. He cherished their family time, whether it was volunteering as coach in their various sports or time at the boat, on the ski hill, travelling, or in the sun in Hawaii. He loved them all. He saw these as important opportunities to build traditions with his children and grandchildren and would crisscross the country to enable it.
To his very last days Bob's life was instructive to others. A true gentleman, Bob was kind, considerate, caring and radiated calmness. Grounded in his family first and foremost, Bob believed that giving enriched the giver's soul and cared selflessly about others around him. He inspired those around him to be humble and to be better.
Bob grew up in River Heights, enjoying all sports, particularly hockey, rising to the level of playing in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, while establishing friendships that still thrive today. He played organized hockey throughout his life. Bob grew up loving his summers with family at the lake. He went on to study at University of Manitoba where he graduated with a BA and MBA as well as becoming a chartered accountant FCPA, FCA. Over the years, Bob has called Winnipeg, Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa home, and embraced and enriched each community both professionally and personally.
Bob was a man of wisdom and vision. He held leadership positions at KPMG including managing partner of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario as well as deputy chair of KPMG Canada. Following his 35 years at KPMG he went on to become CFO and then executive VP of Minto Holdings. At the time of his passing he was a board member and chair of the audit committee of the Canadian Development Investment Corporation as well as CEO of the Wener Advisory Group.
Bob also found time to give back to his community, serving the following organizations in leadership roles. He was an active and engaged board member serving as Chair of Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation, Chair of The Soloway Jewish Community Centre, Chair Manitoba Theatre for Young People, on the board of Canadian Comprehensive Audit Foundation, on the Board of Carleton University, Chair Canadian Turnaround Management Association and, on the board of the Institute of Corporate Directors. He was also on the board and later financial advisor to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Foundation.
Heartfelt thank you to his stellar medical team Drs Breau, Canil, Oake, Laughton and Kwong and his non-medical team of Jim Wener and Peter Oreck.

Funeral and burial at Shaarey Zedek cemetery in Winnipeg. It can be viewed live at https://www.szwinnipeg.ca/live-stream or after the service on the Shaarey Zedek website or Facebook or YouTube. Donations will be greatly appreciated to the Robert Wener and Lynne Oreck-Wener Family Fund at the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation OJCF.ca (613)798-4696 ex 252. At a later date a gathering will be held in Ottawa to honour his life and achievements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2023