ROBERT FRANKLIN PARKER

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ROBERT FRANKLIN PARKER Peacefully, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, Bob passed away at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 77. Left to cherish and honour his memory are his wife Marianne of 53 years; his children: Bob (Kim), Sharon, Barry (Lori) and Bruce; granddaughters: Ainsley and Samantha. He is survived by his sister Yvonne (Dennis) Kehler, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Charlotte in 2005 at the age of 94. Bob was born June 19, 1933 in Winnipeg, MB. He attended school in Percival, SK and Winnipeg. He earned his certificate as an Aircraft Technician and belonged to The Winnipeg Flying Club where he obtained his pilot license. Around this time he met his future wife Marianne Lester at Victoria Beach. He worked in Frobisher Bay and Vancouver, BC, then returned to Winnipeg where he earned his certificate as a Master Automotive Technician. He worked at Burnell Motors and various Ford dealerships, retiring in 1998 from Aero Recip Canada Ltd. He was highly respected for his hard work ethic and honesty. Bob began racing cars at the age of 27 starting with drag racing, sport car, stock and sprint car. He was a member of the Winnipeg Sports Car Club and Northern Racing Association. In 1963 he built his own stock car picking the No. 33, he raced at Brooklyn and Winnipeg Speedway along with various tracks in Manitoba and USA. Bob hung up his keys in 1974, but was soon coaxed back to drive for other car owners until 1978. His passion and knowledge earned him many top awards, championships, fans, and many friends throughout Canada and USA. His wife and family never missed a race and hold many fond memories of his racing years. Bob also liked going on hunting and fishing trips with his buddies. During the winter he enjoyed snowmobiling and going on weekend snowmobile trips with his wife. He was one of the founding members of the Snow Stompers Snowmobile Club and a member of the Victoria Beach Snow Drifters. Bob loved travelling in his motor home, each year he looked forward to packing up his motor home with his family and friends and heading to the States for various racing events. He had a love for all animals and nature, after retiring he spent most of his time with his wife at their cabin in Lester Beach, along with his family. Bob was a well-respected man who lived life to the fullest, was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for all their help and support. All are invited to a celebration of Bob's life on May 17, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Inc., 3030 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg, MB, across from Brookside cemetery. NEIL BARDAL INC. (204) 949 2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2010