ROBERT G. CARRUTHERS

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ROBERT G. CARRUTHERS June 25, 1929 - May 22, 2013 On Wednesday, May 22 - exactly nine years - to the day - after the passing of my mom, Selma, Dad passed away quietly at Grace General Hospital. He will be forever cherished by daughter, Selma (Henry) and the absolute joy of his life, grandsons, Blake and Adam. Also left to mourn his passing are sisters Verna Boakes, and brother Alvin Carruthers of Winnipeg, and Vanda Frick, Ina Dusang and Doreen Clark, all of Kelowna, BC. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Selma, parents Florence and Walter Carruthers, and brothers George, Ken and Don. Dad was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, the sixth of nine children, June 25, 1929 - a special gift to his parents whose wedding anniversary was that same day. Dad's early life was typical of a large farm family. As such, close family ties developed and school and farm chores occupied most of his time. He developed a remarkable work ethic at an early age and as a young man tried his hand at various jobs. One of his first "paying" jobs was at a bowling alley, setting up bowling pins for a penny a pin. He worked in a dairy for a short time and a local grain elevator. During the summer of 1958 while both were working as camp counsellors at "Camp Wannakumbac" in Riding Mountain National Park, Dad met Mom. About this time Dad recognized his true calling and took over the family farm. Mom and Dad were married on February 6, 1960 and made their home on what was now their farm. In December of 1961, daughter Selma was born. An unfortunate farm accident in 1962 cut short the dreams of farm life. Upon recovery, Dad explored various other careers, taking a course in TV repair, and trying his hand at real-estate. If one can have a second true calling, his came in the fall of 1970 when a position at Headingley Correctional Institute opened up. He spent the next 21 years in various positions within the correctional system, retiring in the summer of 1991. Although not having the opportunity to pursue a formal higher education, Dad loved to learn and was always expanding his skills and knowledge. He embraced technology like a teenager developing computer skills that surpassed the level of many people years younger. An avid reader, he became knowledgeable about many topics, all the while keeping his true passion alive as year after year he produced one of the best gardens in the neighbourhood. Retirement brought new joys - freedom to enjoy his two favourite toys, grandsons Blake and Adam - but also sorrow as he watched his wife of 30 years fall victim to Alzheimer's Disease. Dad's involvement in Blake and Adam's lives kept him going as he watched Mom deteriorate. He spent countless hours playing whatever games they came up with, challenging them at Nintendo 64, reading bedtime stories and laying with them "just til they fell asleep". Later on he was kept busy attending soccer, basketball and hockey games and was often called upon to act as chauffeur. The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of Grace Hospital, Unit 3North for their kindness and care, especially over the past five weeks. A celebration of Dad's life will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Reception to follow at Dad's favourite haunt, the Army, Navy & Air Force Unit No. 283, 3584 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2013