ROBERT SOLVIN SOLMUNDSON

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ROBERT SOLVIN SOLMUNDSON March 25, 1939 July 11, 2011 We lost our Bob after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Left to mourn him is his loving wife Mary, his children Teri (John), Darren (Karen), Nicole (Dan), Jo Anne (Gordon), his stepchildren Elizabeth (David), Robert and Kelly (Shelly). He also leaves eight grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by his parents (Einar, 1978 and Sigurborg, 1976) and two brothers (Einar, 1991 and Johannes, 1980). He also leaves to mourn his brother Herbert (Moira), his sister Sharon (David), his mother-in-law Victorine and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was born on March 25, 1939 (on the beach) at Hecla Island, MB and attended the Hecla School from grade 1 to 11. He then attended the University of Manitoba where he received his degree in Civil Engineering in 1963. Bob's first paid job was helping his Uncle Oli build the lighthouse at Grindstone Point close to Hecla Island. During his years at university he worked for the Province of Manitoba in the Water Resources branch where he completed the survey of the Churchill River. Early in his career, Bob and his family moved to Fort Frances, ON where he held the position of Town Engineer. In the 70s the family relocated back to Winnipeg where he worked as an Engineer with UMA. Bob's great career aspirations and strong work ethic led him to launch a successful company, Solmundson Engineering Group (SEG) where he worked on improvements and expansions to Winnipeg's infrastructure until the late 80s. He then relocated to Vancouver, BC. Among other achievements on the West Coast, Bob spent several years working as Band Engineer for the Tsawassen Indian Band. He finished his career as an Engineer for the Federal Government, where he continued to work even as his illness progressed. Through these years, Bob was instrumental in helping to launch and inspire many young careers. Bob had a great love of family and went out of his way to help both his immediate and extended family. He instilled his strong work ethic and zest for life in all who were close to him. He was very proud of his family, his Icelandic heritage, and his roots on Hecla Island. Bob was very active in Kinsmen in Fort Frances, ON and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Winnipeg, MB. He was a very adventurous person and took every opportunity to travel the world with his wife Mary. They were looking forward to many more adventures together. A celebration of life will be held at First Memorial, 602 Kingsway in Vancouver on Friday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. An additional service with interment to follow will be held at the church on Hecla Island, MB on Saturday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m. Donations in Bob's name would be gratefully received by the Canadian Cancer Society or any other charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2011