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ROBERT JOSEPH FITZPATRICK
Born: Nov 08, 1926
Date of Passing: May 08, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT JOSEPH FITZPATRICK November 8, 1926 - May 8, 2013 It is with deepest sorrow the Fitzpatrick family announces the death of Robert Joseph (Bob) Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Bob is survived by his loving wife Kathy; his three sons Jack (Bev), Blake (Shelley), and Mike (Cheryl); his grandchildren Mary Ann, Rob, Erin (Randy), Garrett (Laura), Jacquie, and Meghan; his great-grandchildren Kael, Payton, Charlotte, Nevada and Brody; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Bob was predeceased by his parents Laura (Chapman) and Jack Fitzpatrick, his brother Elmer, and his sister Avonne. Bob was born on November 8, 1926, in Ninga, MB. He grew up in Fraserwood and Sandilands, MB, where his mother was the local school teacher. Although he was always proud of his mom, he found it quite difficult being the teacher's son and soon his ambitions got ahead of his education. Bob was never afraid of hard work. He joined the army at 16, worked on his uncle Eb's farm in Ninga, hauled coal, and cleaned engines at the CPR railway yard, before finding his calling in road-building. He was hired on at Maple Leaf Construction, first driving a truck, then as an asphalt foreman, later as a superintendent. In 1967, Bob and a couple of partners decided to take a risk and buy the company. He spent 38 years working for Maple Leaf. He was very proud of how the company grew and prospered, and when he retired in 1984, passing his job to his sons, he was glad to retire but he couldn't quite let go entirely. For many years after, Bob was known to pop into the office to visit and check the books. Decades later, even with dementia, Bob asked daily about the business and marveled over how road construction had grown and changed since he started. After Bob retired, he and Kathy spent winters travelling. They had wonderful vacations in many places including Ireland, Hawaii and, in their later years, Victoria, BC. But summers were always spent in their favourite spot, their cabin at Gull Lake, MB. He built everything from garages to decks to doll houses, and the little tool-room attached to the cabin was where all the kids could find their gramps working away, and sometimes sneaking a cigarette. The Fitzpatrick cabin was a gathering spot for family, friends, and neighbours. Their 3:00 p.m. "happy hour" lawn parties were well attended and Bob was always a great host, even if he complained no one seemed to bring as much liquor as they drank. Having three active sons, Bob got very involved in Winnipeg sports. He coached little league, managed hockey, was one of the partners of the Fort Garry Blues, and was one of the men who started Manitoba Major Juniorleague hockey. He curled at Deer Lodge, the Wildwood Club, and the Grain Exchange. He was also the arm wrestling champion of Maple Leaf. But Bob's greatest love by far, was his wife Kathy. He always said he sure got lucky when he met her. He was playing a game of baseball with a guy named Tommy Scott when Tommy's younger sister arrived to watch. Bob said it was her red hair he fell for first. They were married in Brandon on November 6, 1948. The couple immediately moved to Winnipeg, where they eventually settled in Fort Garry, a neighborhood they would live in for decades. Bob and Kathy would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Dementia stole much of Bob's memory in the last few years and in the last few months a stroke took his mobility. He may have thought it was 1983, and maybe he couldn't quite place your name, but he always seemed to remember that he loved you. Even in the last weeks of his life, when he could, he would do his best to squeeze your hand. The family wishes to give great thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Grace Hospital's 3rd floor. Their kindness, sense of humour, and their ability to give their patients dignity in tough situations, was so appreciated. In accordance with Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 830 North Drive, Winnipeg, with a reception at the church hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the charity of their choice, or to St. Paul's Anglican Church.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2013
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Andy and I were so sorry to hear about Bob. We were so lucky to have met Bob and Kathie through my late mother, Doris. We have many happy memories of Bob at gatherings at Tuxedo Estates and Gull Lake. God Bless Kathie, we are thinking of you. - Posted by: Leslie and Andy (Friends) on: Jun 20, 2013
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I remember Mr Fitz as always being a bit mischievous. He convinced me that the wasp sting I had just received as a boy while playing baseball at the age of 10 was going to be way more serious than I thought. Bob being who he was, could not keep a straight face for long though. I recently lost my father and I believe Bob was the last of my parent's generation male figures from the old Waterford days of the 50's and 60's. Sad. Those memories however still live on. - Posted by: Bob Bachman (friend and former neighbour) on: May 26, 2013
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Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Jack, Blake, Mike and families I regret that I cannot be at the funeral to convey our deepest sympathy on Robert's passing in person. He was a good man and I always respected him and sincerely liked him as person. Sincerely, Reg and Monique Graboski - Posted by: Reg Graboski (Friend of the Family) on: May 16, 2013
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I miss his daily calls to the office. He would call at around 2 o'clock everyday to make sure I was still working for MLC. Once reassured that I was still here, he would say, "that's all I called about" and would hang up. This always put a smile on my face. He was such a sweet and elegant man. He loved to sit and tell me his stories and we enjoyed many laughs together. I don't think I will forget the sound of that chuckle of his, anytime soon. His memory will live on in the hearts of everyone at Maple Leaf who knew and loved him. - Posted by: DarleneLanning () on: May 14, 2013
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You will always be missed. I love you grandpa. - Posted by: Robert Fitzpatrick (Grandson) on: May 14, 2013
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Bob was a great man to everyone. He always stopped to talk to you as he was passing though the shop. He said to me Lloyd do you still roll your own smokes and he would say roll me one then Bob would be on his way. He will greatly be missed. - Posted by: Lloyd D Sylvester (Retired employee of Maple Leaf) on: May 13, 2013
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Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Jack, Blake, Mike and families, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Fitzpatrick inspired us all to work hard and play hard, exemplified by the way he lived everyday. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and his company during my university days. - Posted by: Dave Adams (Former Employee "Maple Leaf Construction" 1975-1979) on: May 13, 2013
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We shared the love of construction (Subterranean)and interacted on many job sites. Bob and many of our friends in the construction industries share a wonderful trip to Italy thanks to Fiat. I remember the tour bus rides in Rome. We were fortunate to have Professor be our tour guide. A trip we will never forget. God bless you Bob - Posted by: Don Mackenzie (Friend) on: May 13, 2013
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I spoke to Blake last month at my father's celebration and Blake said that Bob was failing and was not long for this world. I would like to pass along my deepest sympathy to the Fitzpatrick family. I worked 15 seasons for the 3 boys, Jack, Blake & Mike. Bob (Mr. Fitzpatrick) as the junior employees always addressed Bob, was a very humble man and the respect when he came around the office or jobsite was second to none. My thoughts are with you Jack, Blake & Mike. Mike Adams - Posted by: Mike Adams (Past Employee @ Maple Leaf Contruction) on: May 13, 2013
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My sincere condolences to Jack and Blake and the entire family - Posted by: Jamie Kraemer (Friend to Jack and Blake) on: May 13, 2013
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It was with much sadness today that I heard from brother Sid in Brandon of the passing of Bob. We have very happy memories of their visits to Ireland. My Mum and Dad really enjoyed their company. Much sympathy to Kathy and Family. Love From Ruth - Posted by: Robert and Ruth Ferguson and Family (Kathy is my late Dad's cousin [Willie Patterson]) on: May 12, 2013
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I grew up with Bob and Kathy and their sons 2 doors away. Jack in particular was a friend when we were all small. The Fitzpatricks and the Rocks and our family would have picnics at Gimza Hut, swimming at Palm Beach, and generally were a major family on Waterford for us. I have wonderful memories of him - always full of fun with a sparkle in his eye. He lived a rich and fulfilling life. My condolences to all in his wonderful family. My mother Marion sends her heartfelt sympathy as well. - Posted by: Cathy Bachman (friend and former neighbour) on: May 12, 2013
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So sorry to hear about Bob, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Murray & Phyllis Coolidge (Friend) on: May 11, 2013
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Mr. Fitz was an amazing person. The times and friendship he had with my parents will always stay with me. I wish I could come and see all the boys from down the street. A good life !!! . - Posted by: David Rock (Friend) on: May 11, 2013