ROBERT LEONARD BIRDSELL (CHUB)

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ROBERT LEONARD BIRDSELL (CHUB) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, father, grandpa, friend, and mentor. Chub , as he was affectionately known by many, passed away peacefully around 4:00 p.m., May 31, 2010 at St. Boniface Hospital, the same place that welcomed him into the world 78 years ago on March 27, 1932. He was surrounded by immediate family who were present with him every moment since he suffered a rare brain stem stroke 12 days earlier. Chub will be remembered by all who knew him and came in contact with the wonderful cottage/home that he built at West Hawk Lake. The cottage is central to the theme family for all who know the Birdsell's, which is nothing more than realization of the vision Chub had over 37 years ago when he purchased a small, no-frills cabin on the lake we all call home for the summer. The cottage quickly became the gathering place for family and friends, and whether there were five or 25 sleeping over, there was always plenty of food, drink, blankets, water skis, fishing rods, and most of all love... for them all. Chub was a successful businessman who spent over 30 years in the farm implement manufacturing business at CCIL, before concluding his career as one of the owners of Behlen Industries in Brandon, Manitoba. Whether as a mail boy, factory worker, plant manager, salesman, vice-president, or owner... Chub approached work with the same vigor and sense of pride of seeing a job done, and done well. A meticulous carpenter with a it isn't done until it's perfect approach, Chub would often be heard telling his working apprentices (mainly family and friends), we need to do this again to chants of Re-work again? . Whether working in the garden, polishing his antique car, tinkering with the cottage, or helping others with their home renovations, cabin repairs, and life quest contemplations... Chub always leaned in and provided a helping hand with the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of a best friend. Besides his love of family and in particular his eight grandchildren and their spouses (Jennifer/Ryan, Jayson/Stacey, Derek, Brett, Matthew, Cody, Joshua, and Melissa), Chub loved golfing. This lifelong sport was enjoyed and shared with virtually all of his friends and family whether golfing in Winnipeg, Alberta, Georgia or his favourite Falcon Lake. Golfing companions would often get stimulating discussion, swing/putting tips, and life lessons all while enjoying the great outdoors. These times will long be remembered by all who shared this experience. Cremation has taken place and a casual reception (as Chub would have wanted), will be held between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at Green Acres Funeral Home on Highway #1 East, between Winnipeg and the Floodway. There will be no official service, just a come-and-go gathering to share memories of the wonderful life led by this extraordinary man. The family extends a huge expression of thanks to staff at the St. Boniface Intensive Care Unit, who provided Chub with an exceptional level of care through management of a very traumatic Locked-In Syndrome condition. In particular we wish to name the compassionate nature and care of Kim E., Kim M-E, Julie, Margaret and Drs. Dunsmore, Olafson, and Bell. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations in his memory may be made to either The Canadian Military Casualty Support Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2010