ROBERT ALEXANDER SMILLIE

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ROBERT ALEXANDER SMILLIE September 28, 1926 - May 11, 2008 Peacefully, at the Selkirk General Hospital, Robert passed away. Leaving to mourn him are his wife of 55 years, Martina, daughter Alexandra, grandchildren Brenna, Cailia and Kieara Herold, and daughter Tina and son-in-law Ron Sigurdson, grandchildren Karli and Maria. Robert also leaves his sisters Margaret Chapman (Winnipeg), and Mary Tait (Scotland). He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Charles, in-laws Catarina and Lambert Souljé, siblings, Betty, Etta, Joe, Jimmy and Charlie. Robert was born in Kilwinning and raised in Ardrossan, Scotland. He served in the Second World War with the British Army and was posted in many countries. It was during his post to liberate Rotterdam, Holland that he met Martina. They married in 1952. They started their lives in Canada in Vegreville, Alberta, and then moved to Winnipeg when Robert was employed with the CNR. Robert then accepted a position with Revenue Canada, where he retired from in 1985. It was in Winnipeg where Robert and Martina started a family and moved to St. Andrew's in 1971. Robert loved his home. Although his profession was accounting, he was a jack of all trades. Whether it was installing a water purification system, building a utility trailer, or fixing one of his daughters' cars, he was always able to handle the task. Robert also loved a good joke, either telling one or listening to one. A discussion of world politics or history was always welcome. He enjoyed laughter and music and had a special affection for animals, particularly the family dogs. His grandchildren brought him much joy and allowed him to retell stories, sing songs and tell funny jokes that made all those around him laugh. A special thank you to the kind nursing staff on the Surgery Unit at the Selkirk General Hospital. Also, special thanks to the Home Care nurses, especially Sandy and Sandra. We will miss you dad, we love you. A celebration of Robert's life will be held on Friday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave. Rm ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2008