ROBERT ALAN MCLEOD

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ROBERT ALAN MCLEOD 1930 - 2014 On Monday, June 9, 2014, at Deer Lodge Centre, a kind and loving man peacefully passed away, at the age of 83 years, surrounded by the love of his family. Robert Alan McLeod, or Bob as he was known to all, was predeceased by his father John Alexander McLeod; mother Emma (Streeton) McLeod; brother Lloyd and sister Joyce (Steinburg). Bob will be greatly missed by his wife Connie (nee Goodison), and their four children and families: Bruce (Debby - Heather, Cameron); Gordon (Debbie - Shawna, Paula); Glen (Barb - Kaitlyn, Christina, Graham); and Carolyn (Ian Sundby - Carla, Allan). Bob was also immensely proud of his four great-grandchildren, Jayce, Wren, Ethan and Charles, with his fifth great-grandchild expected later this month. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also treasure fond memories of Bob. Robert Alan McLeod was born August 12, 1930 at home on Roseberry Street in St. James, delivered by his midwife grandmother, Charlotte Streeton. Bob had a very happy childhood, delivering papers, playing hockey and attending Britannia and Assiniboine schools in St. James, while enjoying warm prairie summers at his grandparents' farms near Shoal Lake, MB, and Sheho, SK. In 1944 Bob joined the Army Cadet corps, preparing to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother and join-up for wartime service to his country. Thankfully, the Second World War ended soon thereafter. Bob graduated from St. James Collegiate in 1948, and later in the same year met the love of his life, Constance Grace Goodison. Bob and Connie were married in 1952, and next month would have been celebrating 62 years of marriage. Bob had a very successful career in the retail industry, during which time he made many long-lasting friendships. Bob worked for many years at Robinson, Little & Co., starting in the warehouse at age 18 and working his way up to merchandise manager. When that company was purchased by F.W. Woolworth, Bob continued on as manager of Woolco's regional distribution facility, retiring in the late 1980s. Bob was a man of great integrity who loved people, and who rarely spoke an unkind word about anybody or anything. He was outgoing in nature and made friends wherever he went. Bob was tireless in volunteering his time and energy to numerous organizations and community groups. When his children were young Bob coached hockey and served as president of the Deer Lodge Community Centre and the St. James Legion Track Club. Bob regularly served on the boards of the churches he attended, including Chalmers United, Silver Heights United and Deer Lodge United. In the 1980s Bob was the founding president of the Clan MacLeod Society of Manitoba, later becoming the Clan's vice-president for western Canada. Over the years Bob and Connie enjoyed four trips to the Isle of Skye, Scotland, attending the Clan Parliament and exploring the family's ancestral roots. Bob was also honoured to be a Mason and a Shriner, and served for a time as the Master of Ancient Landmark Lodge. Bob's love of people also led him to join the Kharthum Komedians where, as the beloved "Dozey the Clown", he brightened the day for countless children over the years, clowning until age 80. Bob was self-taught on the piano, and often relaxed by performing his creative arrangements of "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Scottish Soldier", among others. A special thrill for Bob was being able to attend Rainbow Stage last summer to see his granddaughter Paula (Potosky) excel in the lead role as Mary Poppins. Bob and Connie, along with all their children and grandchildren, enjoyed many summers at the family cottage at Laurentia Beach. We will all treasure memories of times at the lake with Dad and BBQ'd food either raw or burnt, early and extended happy hours, hard-fought horseshoe tournaments, spectacular sunsets and late-night beach bonfires. Above all else, Bob was a true gentleman who was selflessly devoted to his family, friends and community, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. (across from Brookside Cemetery). A private family service at Chapel Lawn will be held at a later date, with further information to follow. A heartfelt thank you to all the kind staff at Grace Hospital and the Salvation Army Golden West Centennial Lodge for their excellent care of Bob over the past seven months. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Shriners Burn Fund, c/o Shrine House, 1155 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3P 1B9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2014