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ROBERT VINCENT O'MALLEY
Born: Feb 01, 1926
Date of Passing: Oct 12, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT VINCENT O'MALLEY February 1, 1926 - October 12, 2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert O'Malley in Winnipeg, on October 12, 2017, at the age of 91. Robert was born in Detroit, Michigan to Beatrice Lachance and Vincent O'Malley, both deceased. He will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Catherine; his sons Michael, Brent and Jeffrey; his grandchildren Alana and Odysseus; his daughter-in-law Susan Swift and his son-in-law Patrick Sewell; his cousin Leona Cunningham; and his friends and caregivers. Robert grew up in Montreal and Ottawa before joining the Royal Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. After the Second World War, he attended the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Robert joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951, spending the next 19 years as a navigator and instructor, retiring in 1970. Upon return to civilian life, Robert became a manager with the Winnipeg Housing Authority until 1982. After meeting at a St. Mary's Parish dance in Winnipeg, Robert married Catherine in May 1955 at St Ignatius. They enjoyed 62 years of married life, in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and then back in Winnipeg. Many happy summers were spent at Falcon Lake but he also loved to travel the world with Catherine, visiting countries including China, Ecuador, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and much of Europe. He celebrated his 80th birthday in India and both his 90th and 91st birthdays in Cuba. Robert's kind smile and infectious laughter were a blessing for his family as well as the many people he reached through his community work, including as a volunteer board director for many years with both the Christmas Cheer Board and the Chinatown Non-Profit Housing Corporation. A memorial service will be held for Robert at St. Ignatius Church, Stafford Street and Corydon Avenue, on November 8, 2017 at 9:30 a.m., with a reception to follow in the church basement. Messages of condolence may be sent to Catherine, c/o Michael O'Malley, 145 Evanson St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 2A1. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory can be made to Rossbrook House, a youth drop-in centre in inner city Winnipeg, or to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2017
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I always appreciated sharing holidays at the O'Malleys for Bob's great mix of warm charm and hardened wit. His love of life and generous spirit always brought life to the table, and his deep joyful laugh and universal humanist spirit always brought welcome and a sense of shared purpose to the celebrations. He was fond of his line he'd shoot my way when the wine and words started to flow, telling me that "I was inebriated with the exuberance of my own verbosity." Er, I had better stop here, but may Bob's memory maintain in the soil of soul for eternity. - Posted by: Alon (friend) on: Oct 31, 2017
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Bob was always a great neighbor to have, with his friendly smile and never being too busy to stop for a chat. It was a comforting feeling for many years to arrive at the cottage and see that Bob (and Cathy) were there and keeping an eye on things. He will be missed by us. - Posted by: Ed & Ingrid North (Lake Neighbor ) on: Oct 24, 2017
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I worked with Cathy many years ago in the real estate business and have many good and happy memories of Bob - especially at the cottage at Falcon Lake. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and send my sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Margaret Taylor (Friend) on: Oct 21, 2017