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ROBIN GAYE CASSILS (TKACHUK)
Born: Apr 17, 1955
Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Health Sciences Centre Foundation
ROBIN GAYE CASSILS
(TKACHUK)
Born in Norquay, SK in the spring of 1955, on April 17, her mother saw robins singing outside the hospital window and was inspired to name her daughter Robin. The Tkachuk family moved several times during Robin's early years, eventually settling in Winnipeg. Her Ukrainian Baptist upbringing influenced her formative years, as she was surrounded with Ukrainian language, foods and culture. Family life centered around church and faith in God.
Family fun included sledding, skating on the backyard rink, playing with board games and Barbies, eating at A&W and listening to the radio. Summer included trips to Grand Beach and lots of relaxing in the sun. This close loving family enjoyed many vacations to Ontario to see Baba and Didi. They took trips around North America to Banff, Disneyland, the Grand Canyon and even to South Carolina to visit a special uncle. Holidays were always celebrated with elaborate meals joined by extended family.
Robin and her two sisters often wore special matching dresses made by their mother at Christmas and Easter. The three were always more than sisters; they were friends.
After graduating from Westwood Collegiate, Robin attended Baptist Leadership Training School in Calgary.
Robin met Craig on a trek to a world youth conference in the summer of 1974. Married in 1975, they made their first home in Gladstone, MB where Craig was a music teacher in area schools. They became very involved in school, church and community activities. It was here that their children, Jill and Michael arrived and were welcomed with great joy. In 1987, the family moved to Steinbach where they remained until the children completed high school. In 2002, Robin and Craig moved to Winnipeg.
Always willing to take on a challenge, Robin's work was varied and interesting – receptionist, school secretary, daycare worker, caregiver in a women's shelter, educational assistant, costume creator, restaurant cook, seniors' residence manager, recreation director and baker. She infused her work with humour, kindness and concern for others. Without a doubt, her most cherished "career titles" were Mother and Baba. Her love for her family was overflowing, and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she always treasured their time together.
Travel was always a highlight, including a European adventure, taking the children to Disneyworld, visiting relatives in Alberta, British Columbia and Montana, attending family reunions, enjoying several cruises and relaxing at friends' cottages.
Robin was predeceased by her mother Aura. She is being remembered with never-ending love by her husband Craig; her father John Tkachuk, wife Ada; Robin's daughter Jill Giesbrecht, husband Chris and grandchildren, Jordan, Megan and Ryder; her son Michael Cassils, wife Jacqueline Saurette, Robin's sister Leslene Cassel, husband Jay, children, Elizabeth and Catherine; brother Dan Tkachuk, wife Pat, and Robin's sister Sherri Reimer, husband Mel, daughter Madison. Robin is dearly cherished by the extended Cassils family as well as many cousins and close friends.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams and personnel on the GD6 Unit at Health Sciences Centre and at CancerCare for your dedication in caring for Robin. To family and friends – we thank you for visits, messages, phone calls, prayers, flowers, for your love and encouragement. All our lives have been woven together over the past days, weeks, months and years and we will never forget you.
A service to celebrate Robin will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at The United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota Avenue, Winnipeg.
Donations in Robin's memory may be made to Health Sciences Centre Foundation, PW112-700 William Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2020
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Hello, I just found this obituary while trying to find my old high school friend..this saddens me greatly as I went to high school at Westwood Collegiate back in the early 70s..we had a blast together, she lived two doors down from me on Barron Drive. We sure had fun dancing to our favorite music and talking about boys..I am so sorry that I never got the chance to re-connect my friend. I remember Sherri very well too and always had a secret crush on her older brother Dan (I remember his Mustang!) Bless you all, may you RIP Robin - Posted by: Connie Brown Kornik (Friend) on: Jul 08, 2020
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Craig, Jill, Mike, Hearing of Robin passing away brought back many memories of times shared with her in Gladstone. She was thoughtful and caring. Keeping you in prayers at this sad time. God Bless. - Posted by: Brenda Sklar (Former student, Gladstone) on: Feb 25, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Robin’s passing! Such fond memories of Robin and you, Craig! - Posted by: Martha Reimer (Coworker) on: Feb 22, 2020
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Dear Craig and family — so very sorry for your loss. Robin was a wonderful warm and caring person who will be missed by many. You will all be in my prayers. - Posted by: Karen (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2020
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Our family is deeply saddened by your loss Craig. The Gladstone and WMCI Community was blessed when you and Robin arrived in town. Yours and Robin’s talents left a mark that touched many lives. “Youth Group” and travels to BC and Minneapolis come to mind. Places that many of us, as young teens, would not have had the opportunity had you and Robin not taken the lead. Band and school musicals were extraordinary opportunities that you brought to “small town Manitoba” in the 1980s and Robin was a big part of that too. Thank-you. She will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Burnside family (Gladstone Community) on: Feb 14, 2020
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I will always remember Robin as a loving, caring individual. Thinking of you, Craig and family, with deep condolences. - Posted by: Don McLean (ex brother in law) on: Feb 13, 2020
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To Craig and family, my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. - Posted by: Kathy Stewart (teacher) on: Feb 06, 2020
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Comforting hugs Craig and family, on the early passing of ROBIN too young!!!! May precious memories comfort you. Jan Rochelle - Posted by: JAN ROCHELLE (FRIEND) on: Feb 03, 2020
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Craig, we were saddened to read of Robin's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers. - Posted by: Ed and Terri Mitchler (university friends) on: Feb 02, 2020
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I am so very sorry to hear about Robin’s passing. I remember a loving, welcoming woman. My deepest condolences to you, Craig, and all of Robin’s family. Love, Robin - Posted by: Robin Fast (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2020
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Craig and family. Our sincere condolences in the loss of such a wonderful wife, mom and grandma. We have many fond memories of her community spirit and amazing personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with. Bob and Eileen Clarke-Robert and Julie & families - Posted by: Bob and Eileen Clarke (Gladstone friends) on: Feb 01, 2020
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A beautiful, kind and respectful person. Always had a smile and a friendly comment. She will be missed by all whom she crossed paths with. - Posted by: Ralph J Cibula (Friend, coworker) on: Feb 01, 2020
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Condolences Craig to you and your family. - Posted by: Sandra Wetherill (teacher) on: Feb 01, 2020
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Craig. - Posted by: Becky (Stapansky) Webber (friend, retired music teacher) on: Feb 01, 2020