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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
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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This is a sad day! Rob was one the good ones!! His 'no nonsense' & 'business like' approach made Rob one of the most respected Golf Professionals in the PGA of Manitoba! As a Golf Club, you could not ask to have a better manager & golf professional. Rob was a real easy person to like.....he will certainly be missed by his peers! Our most sincere condolances to his family & friends. Peter Ewert Larters at St Andrews G & CC - Posted by: Peter Ewert (Fellow Golf Professional & Friend) on: Mar 02, 2026
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Legend. - Posted by: Troy McRae (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2026
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My deepest sympathies to all of Rob’s family. He was such a nice man and I too enjoyed his dry sense of humor. his candour and smile will be missed. - Posted by: Christiane Charpentier (Players Women’s League) on: Mar 01, 2026
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I had the privilege of dealing with Rob at Players for the last half dozen years. He was always cheerful, friendly, and helpful. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: ELEANOR DUGUID (Client?) on: Mar 01, 2026
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I had the privilege of dealing with Rob at Players for the last half dozen years. He was always cheerful, friendly, and helpful. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: ELEANOR DUGUID (Client?) on: Mar 01, 2026
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I am so sorry to hear about Robbie. Such a nice quiet man. He would just sit back and take in what was going on or being said! I haven’t seen Robbie in years. Such a big loss to all his family. Take care everyone! Love Barb - Posted by: Barb Morgan (Cousin) on: Mar 01, 2026
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Rob’s cheerful greeting and kind leadership made our members welcome every week. He knew everyone’s name and always had a good word to say. Despite the weekly challenges of coordinating our games he was always cheerful and joked with us. He will be missed. On behalf of the Early Bird Ladies we send our condolences to Rob’s family. - Posted by: Cynthia Foreman (Players Early Bird Ladies Golf League) on: Mar 01, 2026
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Heard of Rob’s passing on Thursday evening..Very sad news for sure..I’ll miss waving at you when you were occasionally on my side of the fence picking golf balls out of the bush—lol RIP Rob Sincere condolences to all the family. The Roche Family - Posted by: Bruce Roche (Neighbour to Players Golf Course) on: Mar 01, 2026
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I took a golf lesson from Rob and he was so patient and kind to a terrible golfer. It improved my golf game a lot! Was so looking forward to another lesson this summer. Loved his sense of humour in the pro shop. Will miss his presence so much. My condolences to all of his loved ones. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Brenda McEachern (Golfer in Players Early Bird Women’s Golf League) on: Feb 28, 2026
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We are so sorry to hear of Rob’s untimely passing. As long time members of Players, we always looked forward to having a quick visit with Rob and his staff before heading out on the course. We appreciated his dry wit and dedication to the game. His stunning hole in one at Pinawa will live on! A favourite memory will be a beautiful summer evening watching the grandkids golf lessons. At the end of the lesson they were allowed to aim for the golf ball picker and the joy and laughter was contagious. Rob was in his element!! He will be missed. Alan & Diane McMillan and family - Posted by: Alan and Diane McMillan (Friends) on: Feb 28, 2026
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I'm in total shock and great sadness to read of Rob's passing. We knew he was leaving Players to go to St. Charles, a loss for us but gain for them. Rob was one of the best, giving me lessons several times. My sincere condolences to the family and Rob's friends. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Skip Read (Players Ladies League) on: Feb 28, 2026