ROBERT (BOB) (POP) OLIVER WESTMACOTT

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ROBERT (BOB) (POP) OLIVER WESTMACOTT August 16, 1920 - July 28, 2007 With sorrow, sadness and regret, and after a brief battle with cancer, Bob passed away on Saturday with family both at his side and in spirit. Bob is survived by his loving wife Brigitte; his sons, Rod (Carolyn) and Bob; and daughter Robin; his grandchildren, Garrett (Laurie) and Jason (Heather); great-grandchildren, Gavin and Aiden; his sister Catherine; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Delmar (Elaine). After his parents Arthur and Phyllis emigrated from England, Bob was born and raised in Winnipeg (West Kildonan). In 1943, he started a family in Winnipeg where he lived all his life except for his service years in the Second World War, when he served with the RCAF. After the war, in 1946, Bob founded Westmacott Paint Glass where, with his entrepreneurship, enthusiasm, and craftsmanship, he built a sister company, Westmacott Art Glass Studio. The company's stained glass artwork is installed and recognized in Canada from coast to coast. In 1954 the business was moved from his residence and garage on St. Anthony Ave. to 1721 Main St. where courtesy and service was his highest priority. Through continued success and subsequent growth, in 1964, the business was moved to 2110 Main St. and the name changed to Westmacott Glass Ltd. Here, many memorable years were spent working with his sons. Bob met Brigitte (nee Hoffman) and they began a second family in 1979. Bob was very community minded and received several awards from the City of Winnipeg honouring his community service achievements. He was a key figure in the origin of the West Kildonan Community Centre and its ensuing minor hockey program. A longtime member of the West Kildonan Kiwanis Club, as president, he chartered the first Canadian No. 1 Little League Baseball. He owned and operated three junior A league hockey teams: the Winnipeg Monarchs, West Kildonan North Stars and Kenora Muskies, from which several players were drafted to the NHL. Bob was a sportsman in every respect. He loved to hunt and skeet shoot at Swannie Farm with his brother, sons, and his dogs; fish; and attend football, hockey and baseball games at venues throughout North America. He loved to travel by car and did so extensively, mostly in Canada and USA with Brigitte and family, especially to Las Vegas; he later made many trips to Ottawa to visit Robin at university. A cherished part of his life was his summer home at LacLu, Ontario. Bob was one of LacLu's early pioneers, beginning with a first visit with his parents in 1930. Consequently, five generations of Westmacotts have made it their summer home. Physically and mentally fit from 55 plus years of daily swimming at the YMCA, he water skied until the age of 79, and each summer was sure to find him working tirelessly at various small feats of engineering including the construction of a bridge on his beloved Highwire property. Bob's fondness of poetry began in his childhood and his many favourites were often recited throughout the years, especially the one that seemed to emulate his passion for life: Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings, Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-lit clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Bob's personality was dynamic, bold, and unapologetic. His passion for living was infectious and he lived life large in everything he did. His abiding love and commitment to family are ours to keep forever. Special thanks to Drs. Banerji and Humphreys and staff of GH-4. Memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2007