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ROBERT JOHN DOWNIE Obituary pic

ROBERT JOHN DOWNIE

Born: Nov 19, 1938

Date of Passing: Oct 24, 2015

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ROBERT JOHN (BOB) DOWNIE It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bob Downie, while asleep at home, on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Bob is survived by his loving family: wife Myrtle, daughter Marita (Marty), son Rob, and their spouses Al Klassen and Fernanda Gomes, and his sister Elizabeth. He was predeceased by his parents Eleanor and Jack, and siblings Louise (Vern Butterfield), Thomas (Edith), and Donald. Bob began his life on November 19, 1938 in Gladstone, MB while his father was away serving in the Canadian Military. He was reunited with his father in 1945 following the end of the Second World War. This instilled in Bob a great respect for all things military. He participated in Cadets as a youth and joined the R.C.A.S.C. (Militia) at McGregor Armories as a young man where he met his wife Myrtle. Remembrance Day was always observed in the Downie household and he was a longstanding proud and active member of the John Osborne ANAF #1 in Winnipeg, visiting there the evening before his passing. Bob was employed at MTS for 38 years. He was a good cook and to support his young family, he used these skills catering at the Minto Armouries, and helping Myrt run their lunch bar on Selkirk Avenue after his working day was done. Among Bob's many interests were bowling, curling, crossword puzzles, and cards, especially Cribbage. The highlight of many Christmas Days was the very rambunctious game of Hearts with his Grandpa Critchlow, various uncles and cousins, and his two brothers. He also loved fishing, golfing, having a few beers with friends and, in his retirement, enjoyed frequent casino bus trips. He was a past Blue Bomber season ticket holder and remained an avid CFL fan and a passionate armchair quarterback. He was very interested in politics and loved nothing better than a spirited debate on the topic. He loved music, loved to dance, and was blessed with a wonderful tenor singing voice. Among his favourite artists were Ray Price, Johnny Cash, and Georgie' Jones. The family and his karaoke fans will greatly miss hearing his renditions of the old country classics. Bob loved children and especially loved handing out treats on Halloween. He loved animals and spoiled many pets over the years. The family will always remember how he couldn't walk by a plate glass window without checking his hair; that he always had a pocket full of peppermints (and dog treats); how pineapple made him pucker; and that he especially loved Myrt's homemade perogies. He will be dearly missed. In accordance with Bob's wishes, no service will be held. If you so desire, donations in his honour can be made to your favourite charity.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2015

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I got to know Bob when he was at the Vernon Telephone exchange. Bob was great to be around with. Good sense of humour. Rest in Peace Bob! - Posted by: Andrew Dolenuk (Fellow MTS employee) on: May 20, 2016

  • May Beautiful Memories give you strength in these difficult hours. V. Sichewski on behalf of the MTS Volunteers - Posted by: MTS Volunteers () on: Nov 08, 2015

  • It is with great sadness that I see that my late fathers good friend has passed. As a youngster and growing up around Bob, Myrte,Marty and Rob we shared many wonderful moments at family gatherings along with my bothers and mother. Stories were shared about their many trips to Grand Forks, Bomber games, and holiday gatherings. Later on in life I was able to golf with Bob and my dad at South Interlake and Tuxedo, great times. On behalf of my family, I would like to say that Bob was a great influence on us, and will always be remembered as Uncle, he truly was one of the good ones. - Posted by: James Aird (Friend of family) on: Nov 06, 2015

  • Marty... Sorry to hear about your loss, your dad lived a full life... And you have his "Joie de vivre ". Savour the moments, as you celebrate his memories... - Posted by: Guy (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2015

  • I worked in a couple of the MTS Central Offices that Bob took care of. Also curled in the MTS Curling League during some of his curling years. I always enjoyed Bob's company either at work or in the curling rink. Sorry to hear he has passed away. - Posted by: Murray Mulligan (former co-worker) on: Nov 01, 2015

  • Marty, Your dad was a cheerful guy who would share cheer with whomever would accept it, and I'm happy to have known him. You are in my thoughts as you go through this sad time of missing him. His big, blustery cheer will prevail in all of our memories. - Posted by: Harvey Fetterly (friend) on: Nov 01, 2015

  • I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a kind man and Domino and I will miss him. - Posted by: Debra Akister (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2015

  • Marty and Myrtle sorry to hear about your Dad/Bob. It was nice to meet him and he will be deeply missed as he was a nice person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Big Hugs to all of your family. - Posted by: Bernie and Harry (Friend ) on: Oct 31, 2015

  • Saddened by the loss of yet another family member. I will always carry with me his days of singing and guitar playing in the front room of their house, as a kid, at family visits. Love to you all. You're in my thoughts! - Posted by: Teresa (Niece) on: Oct 31, 2015

  • Mrs. Downie, Marty, Rob so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Downie. Our deepest sympathies, you are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Denise Neudorf (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2015

  • We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. No words can express our feeling of sadness for you and your family. May you find comfort in knowing we are thinking of you and praying for you at this time. Take care. - Posted by: Marilyn & Stan Goosen (Friends) on: Oct 31, 2015

  • Marty, please accept my sincere sympathy for the passing of your Dad. Keeping you in my thoughts. - Posted by: Susan Rogers (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2015

  • Myrt My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your friends and family bring comfort to you. - Posted by: Helen Piche () on: Oct 31, 2015

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