ROBERT JOHN COLLENS,

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ROBERT JOHN COLLENS, Ph. D. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Bob Collens on May 24, 2009 at St. Boniface General Hospital. Bob is survived by his beloved Pamela Percy, and by son Dan Collens, daughter-in-law Joanne McKinley, granddaughter Alice, and first wife Phyllis Didur, all of Waterloo. He is also survived by his mother, Muriel Collens, of Guelph. Bob was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario and attended the University of Waterloo where he pursued a Ph.D. in mathematics and computer science. Bob taught at York University and in 1969, along with his mentor Dr. Ralph Stanton, moved to Winnipeg to establish the department of computer science at the University of Manitoba. By the age of 38, Bob was a full professor who was well-loved by his students. He brought wisdom and fairness to all his academic work, especially on the Student Standing committee. Bob was a voracious reader and loved to travel. He was an avid birder, enjoyed riding his bicycle ( The Millenium Falcon ), and cross-country skiing. He also enjoyed theatre, the ballet (especially Evelyn Hart) and the opera. We thank the compassionate, intelligent and witty staff of 7A West, including Erin, Fran, Rebecca and Shauna, among others, for their wonderful patient-centered care. This terrific Unit is run by charge nurse Tracy and Dr. Clifford Yaffe. In addition, we thank doctors Garcia, Gingerich, Rusnak, Louridas, Suderman, Kentab, Raimonde and Diaz for their equally wonderful care. Father Roland Lanoie and Ms. Joanne Mills gave us sensible and loving guidance for which we are truly grateful. Bob was funny and smart and in the last four years met some wonderful people at the Winnipeg Group who will truly miss him. A memorial service will be held in the Prince of Peace Chapel at St. George's Crescentwood Anglican Church (at the corner of Wilton and Grosvenor) on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), the St. George's Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2009