ROBERT W. (BOB) BALDWIN

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ROBERT W. (BOB) BALDWIN Peacefully on July 28, 2010 at the age of 85 years, Bob passed away at Stonewall Hospital. His legacy of good humour and wonderful music will be forever in the hearts of all who knew him. Dad was born on January 13, 1925 in Warren, Manitoba. His youth was spent on the farm until 1943 when at the age of 18, Dad enlisted in the Air Force serving overseas as an air gunner until his return home in 1945. He met, then married his love (Eileen) in 1953 and together made their home on the farmstead he had bought when he returned from the war. Throughout his years Dad farmed and was employed as an aircraft mechanic at Standard Aero Engines in Winnipeg. Pops had many talents - carpentry and woodworking being one of them, and his handcrafted pieces will be cherished even more. He was a musician - mostly fiddle, but could be seen at the piano, on a guitar, banjo, or tapping the spoons' he had crafted from wood. Dad absolutely loved an evening of music wherever and whenever it would happen. Many enjoyed and danced to his tunes in community halls, Legions, basements or garages. Anywhere was a good place for a jam-session ! The legacy of his music will continue in his sons and grandchildren. After Mom's passing in 2001, he remained on the farm until 2008 when he moved to Lion's Manor in Stonewall. Here Dad enjoyed the company of many good old friends and acquired numerous new ones. An afternoon or evening of music there with family and friends was always something special! Dad was proud to be a dedicated life member of the Woodlands Legion Branch #248. Dad is survived by Brenda and Ray Lesyk, Rob, Lyle and Lynne, Lonnie, and Joanne Baldwin; grandchildren Michelle and Amie Lesyk, Robert, Vicki, and Kyle Baldwin; Leah and David Bellew, Derek Baldwin; Jesse and Jake Derksen; sisters Louise, Bernice, Opal and Reta; brothers Cam, Kev, and Gary. At Dad's request cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service with burial will take place at the Warren Cemetery, 12:45 p.m., Thursday, August 5. Afterwards, a celebration of his life will be held at the Warren Memorial Hall, 2:00 p.m. for all his friends and family to take part. Thank you to the staff of Stonewall and District Health Centre and Dr. Kerr Graham, as well as all who called, visited, and supported him and his family so much during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion of your choice in Dad's honour. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2010