ROBERT (BOB) OWEN HARWOOD

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ROBERT (BOB) OWEN HARWOOD We regret to announce that on Monday, November 29, 2010 Robert Owen Harwood, B. Arch. MAA Ret, gentle and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 91 years. Bob was born in Winnipeg in 1919, and grew up in the North End of the city. Married to his beloved wife Mabe for 63 years, he is survived by his sons Randy (Sue), Malcolm (Lora) who reside in Winnipeg, his daughter Nancy who lives in Vancouver, and by his sister Betty Podjan and her family, also of Winnipeg. Bob loved life and family life was his greatest joy. He and his father constructed the inaugural family cottage at West Hawk Lake in 1955. Since then, besides family celebrations and travels throughout the world with Mabe, Bob's favourite times were spent at the Lake with the family and cherished pets. Bob took special pride in his work as an architect, the career he chose after serving with the R.C.A.F from 1942 to 1946. He graduated from the University Of Manitoba School of Architecture in 1952 with the Gold Medal in Architecture, and was with the firm of Smith Carter Partners for 42 years. He was project architect on many Winnipeg landmark buildings including, the Centennial Concert Hall, the Planetarium, the Museum of Man and Nature, the Pan Am Pool, the Monarch Life Building, and the Fairmount Hotel and concourse at Portage and Main. In 1978, Bob and Mabe spent a unique two years in Moscow while he was on assignment for the planning of a new Canadian Embassy there. Bob was active with many avocation interests. He liked to design, build or fix most anything, and especially enjoyed wood lathing. Fitness and health were important to him, and he engaged in variety of activities over the years. He served as a volunteer and on boards of many organizations, including the Western Canada Aviation Museum and the Westworth United Church. Bob had lifelong friends, including a special group of fellow adventurers in the Pisces group. Many good times were shared during trips to the fishing lodge which the eight of them built on their secluded island in the Lake of the Woods. Being a member of the Masons, the Scottish Rite, and the Shrine Khartum were other important commitments. Bob joined the Capitol Lodge #136 in 1958, becoming Master in 1970. Also a member of the Scottish Rite from 1966, he was awarded the Walter C. MacDonald Medal for service, was inducted into the Royal Order of Scotland in 1983, and received the 33rd honorary degree in 1988. Serving with the Khartum Ritualistic Unit for over 37 years, including as President in 1984, Bob was just recently made Director Emeritus of the Unit in recognition of his many years of devoted service. Bob will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He'll be remembered for his quiet steadfastness and humility as well as his commitment to his profession and to the service of others. Mostly, Bob will be remembered and missed as a wonderful partner in life and as a great Dad. On Thursday, December 2, 2010 Bob's Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m. in Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue. The family wishes to thank the staff on the third floor ward of the Grace Hospital for their special care and kindness to both Bob and the family. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to please donate to the charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2010