ROBERT JOHN (ROBBIE) MACDONALD

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ROBERT JOHN (ROBBIE) MACDONALD Peacefully, at the age of 73, Bob MacDonald of OakBank, Manitoba, passed away at Concordia Hospital on October 27, 2012 and went to be with his Heavenly Father. Robbie will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 41 years, Margaret-Ann Charlie ; sons Jarrett and fiancee Debbie, Joel and wife Rachel; grandchildren Sydney, Grady and Macey; sister Maggie Smokal and family; nieces Laurie, Wendy and Charlene and their families; nephew Bob and family; cousin Bob MacDonald (Irene); sister-in-law Sharon Middlestead (George, Ward and Carmen); Sydney's mom, Lisa; and many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Mary (McStraw); brother Ken and wife Joan; infant sister Maureen; and Aunt Nettie and other family. Robbie was born in Winnipeg and grew up and attended school in Elmwood. He continued his education at Technical Vocational School and obtained his Plumbing/Pipefitting License and has been a member of Local 254 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for over 45 years. He worked out of the Union before operating R J MacDonald Plumbing and Heating. He was employed by the City of Winnipeg for 15 years, latterly as a Cross Connection Control Inspector and retired in December, 2004 (well, sort of retired)! He and Charlie were married in 1971, built their home outside OakBank in 1974 and were blessed with two sons, Jarrett and Joel, who kept them running with their swimming, hockey, soccer, baseball, etc. They enjoyed their country home and summers camping at Hilly Lake, Ontario. Robbie taught Sunday School with Charlie, coached hockey, soccer and always lent a helping hand to anyone who asked. He enjoyed gardening, golf, fishing, skating, skiing, swimming, reading and long soaks in the bathtub! He also enjoyed gospel music and travelling with Charlie across Canada, the States, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Hawaii, Caribbean and Alaska cruises. He was very proud of and treasured times spent with his sons and their families. His grandchildren were a great source of joy for him and he took much pleasure in visiting with his many friends. A celebration of Robbie's life will be held on Monday, November 5, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road, Winnipeg, with Don Harder presiding. Honourary pallbearers will be Bob Hartle, Richard Healey, Randy Rowe, Jack Kelly, Russ Roznik, Jeff Yarecki, Wes Hansell and Stef Hammerback. Robbie's family and friends would like to thank the medical team in ICU at Concordia Hospital , especially the many nurses and assistants who blessed Robbie with such tender, loving care and friendship over the past few months. Many thanks to hospital chaplain Amos and to Robert Bishop in ICU for being a bud to Robbie (thanks for trimming those bushy eyebrows)! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Amant Centre, 440 River Road, Winnipeg, MB, R2M 3Z9 We love you and will miss you so much Robbie, Dad, Grandpa, Pockie and good friend. We're sure all the plumbing in Heaven is working just fine, so now you can relax, Plumber Bob! Seasons Funeral Chapel - OakBank

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2012