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ROBERT NELSON DAMSGAARD
Born: Sep 04, 1966
Date of Passing: Feb 24, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT NELSON DAMSGAARD
With heavy hearts and deep love, the family of Robert Nelson Damsgaard announces his sudden and unexpected passing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Rob was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on September 4, 1966.
Rob is survived by his loving wife, Mishelle Russo; his daughter, Isabella Dennis; his sisters Donna (Bill) Wilford and Karen (Ken) Irvine of Winnipeg; and his brothers Brian (Wendy) Damsgaard of Dauphin and Bonar (Sherri) Damsgaard of Kelowna. He will be deeply missed by his nieces Meaghan (Matthew) Trachsel, Marissa Wilford, and Madison (Chris Sitarz) Wilford; his nephews Kris (Chloe) Irvine of Winnipeg, Kraig (Jennifer) Irvine of Oakbank, Dwayne (Jamie) Damsgaard of Dauphin, Darren (Nicci) Damsgaard of Lloydminster, Brad (Cary) Damsgaard of Salt Spring Island, and Kevin Damsgaard of Vernon; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives he touched.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Laura Damsgaard of Dauphin; his niece, Leanne Damsgaard; and his late wife, Tanya Damsgaard (née Howe).
Rob was a highly accomplished and respected golf professional who began his career under the mentorship of Dauphin's Stan Homeniuk. He went on to serve as Head Professional at Swan River, Winnipeg's Wildewood Club, St. Andrew's Larters, and most recently, The Player's Course. He was recently honoured by the CPGA for 25 years as a Class A Head Professional, along with six years as an Assistant Pro and six years working in the golf shop during his school years. Golf was not just his profession, but a lifelong passion and a community that became family.
Rob loved his weekly hockey games with fellow golf pros, trips down south for tournaments, and competing in PGA events across North America. A devoted Winnipeg Jets fan, he took great pride in knowing the latest stats and facts about any and all sports teams — and he was rarely wrong. He loved the debate, the banter, and especially the laughter that came with it.
Above all else, Rob was devoted to the people he loved. He was a proud husband, a deeply loving father, a caring brother, an exceptional uncle, and a loyal friend. He had a sharp wit and a wonderfully dry sense of humour, often making obscure references that sometimes only he understood — and that was part of his charm. He found genuine joy in teaching, storytelling, and sharing his knowledge with anyone willing to listen. Whether on the golf course, at the rink, travelling through Europe, or gathered around with family and friends, Rob brought laughter, perspective, and heart to every room he entered.
His sudden loss leaves an immeasurable void, but his stories, humour, and love will live on in all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund in memory of Robert Damsgaard. Please contact golfmb.ca\scholarship or call 204-925-5730 for more information.
He would remind us to keep our swing smooth, our stats straight, and never take life too seriously.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2026