ROBERT (BOB) DUNCAN SPRAGUE

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ROBERT (BOB) DUNCAN SPRAGUE June 8, 1929 - June 24, 2008 Peacefully, on the evening of Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at the Health Sciences Centre, and after a difficult battle with cancer, Bob passed away at the age of 79 surrounded by his family's love. Bob will be greatly missed by his dearest wife of 45 years, Muriel, and their only son of 35 years, Trevor. He will be remembered fondly by the families of his surviving brothers, Henry and David, his surviving sister, Edith, his late sister, Edna, and by his dear sister-in-law, Dorothy. Bob was also predeceased by his father, Henry, his mother, Isabel, and his brother, Russell. Bob was born and raised in Neepawa, Manitoba, but he moved to Winnipeg in the early 1950s. Bob was first and foremost a salesman. Proud and independent, Bob was self-employed for most of his life and sold many different things, including dance and music lessons, fasteners, Robin's donuts and coffee, deli sandwiches and soup, registered education savings plans, and even memorials. Bob and his wife, Muriel, loved to dance. They met each other as professional instructors at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in 1957. Bob taught ballroom dancing to many couples over the years and counted them among his closest friends. Bob helped to found two dance clubs in Winnipeg, namely E.K. and Westview, and was awarded an honourary lifetime membership in Westview, which continues to operate today after 38 years. Bob was a dedicated Conservative. His volunteer service to both federal and provincial parties spanned more than 50 years. Bob worked on many campaigns throughout North Winnipeg and was well respected as a party activist whom candidates could count on. He was proud to manage his son's campaign for Parliament in 2000. Bob was awarded an honourary lifetime membership in the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba in recognition of his work. Bob loved clubs, and he was proud to belong to the Pine Ridge Golf Club, Carleton Club, and Manitoba Club. Golf and snooker were favourite pastimes for Bob. He will be missed by fellow members and staff alike. Bob's family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and support staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre, Manitoba Clinic, and Manitoba Home Care who provided both professional and compassionate care to Bob. A special thanks is extended to Jennifer Konwalchuk at CancerCare Manitoba. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2008, at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 730 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg. Private family interment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9, telephone (204) 787-4143. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2008