ROBERT ANDREW ROBBIE

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ROBERT ANDREW ROBBIE March 6, 1938 July 22, 2011 Surrounded by a family that loved him, Bob passed away on Friday, July 22, 2011. While we are greatly saddened by his passing, we know that the suffering and pain that he endured for so many years is over. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, daughter Laura (Henry), sons Michael (Angela) and Peter (Melanie), grandchildren Ben (Kelly), Eric, Isabel, Genevieve, Rowan, and Jasper. Bob has one sister Jackie Rafferty (Jack). Bob was born in Winnipeg on March 6, 1938 to Jacques Robbie and Irene Bayer. Bob grew up on Carmen Avenue in Elmwood. He attended The University of Manitoba where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1960. He furthered his education with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1964 then later completed his Master of Education degree in 1975. Bob's first teaching job was in Sanford, Manitoba. He then moved to Winnipeg School Division to teach at J.B. Mitchell Junior High School. In pursuing his Masters, he found his way to working with the Department of Education in the Guidance department. Bob travelled throughout the province and his thesis work led to a trip to Guyana to help set up a guidance program for their education system. After returning to Winnipeg, he eventually moved to the St. James Assiniboia school division as a teacher, principal and guidance counselor. Bob retired in 1994. Bob had a lifelong love of music. In high school and in university he participated in musical theatre. It was there he met his future wife, Marilyn, whom he later married April 3, 1961. Later in life, his children would often find him relaxing after work listening to Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, and Carol King, just to mention a few. Bob enjoyed the family cottage at Matlock where he could be seen puttering in the garden, trimming trees to improve his lake view, and moving plants to new homes every weekend. He took great pride in their summer home. It was there in Matlock that many potlucks, happy hours and get togethers were enjoyed with good friends The Balls, The Hodges and The Markhams. In 2002, Bob was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy. He was still able to do the things he liked such as biking, walking, coffee at Starbucks and travelling. He and Marilyn travelled to Mexico, cruised through the Panama Canal and experienced New York City. In 2007 Bob moved to Lions Personal Care Center. He danced and sang his way into the hearts of many Lions. We are so thankful for the great care and support they gave Bob during his time there. As per Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Life will take place Monday, August 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home. Formal program to begin at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Alzheimers Society, 10-120 Donald Street R3C 4G2. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2011