ROBERT JAMES MACKAY

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ROBERT JAMES MACKAY March 1, 1928 - July 9, 2006 Bob, Santa Claus / Poppa Smurf, passed away quite unexpectedly at home. Predeceased by his wife Jean in March, 1987, and by his brother Don (Nellie) in December, 2005. Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Bob followed in his father's footsteps for his first job by working for the CNR until February, 1954, when he enlisted in the Army where he became a Lifer spending 25 years in the service of his country first in the RCEME and after a couple of years transferring to his true love, law enforcement in the Canadian Provost Corps. After his retirement from the military, Bob went from one uniform to another by joining the Province of Manitoba Sheriff's department where he spent another 18 years maintaining the peace but in a slightly different capacity. Bob was commonly known as Santa Claus or Poppa Smurf , both because of his long white beard and hair and because of his love for his fellow man. He actually was Santa Claus to quite a few people throughout his life, both at Christmas and by his good nature towards all, especially those in need. He will be sorely missed by his loving wife, Bette; children Rod (Diana), Wendy French (Ernie), Geoff (Vanessa), Derek (Michelle); stepchildren Ted Nuttal, Eric Nuttal (Carol) and Lori Lamb (Mitch); and his 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A memorial service to be held at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Ave., Friday, July 14, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or any other charity may be made.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2006