Robert Loewen

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ROBERT RATZLAFF LOEWEN

Feb. 23, 1932-May 23, 2020

Surrounded by the love of his family, Bob (born on Feb. 23, 1932) ascended into heaven on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Mary, his wife, and James, his son, were at his bedside at Rest Haven Nursing Home; Lois, his daughter, and Gerald, his son, were with the family via video. His grandchildren, Olivia and Iz, were able to say good-bye via video shortly before he passed away.

Bob is survived by Mary, the love of his life and wife of nearly 67 years; daughter Lois and partner Andrea (Halifax); two sons, James (Winnipeg) and Gerald (Minneapolis); and two grandchildren, Olivia and Iz. He is also survived by three brothers, Ray, Lavern and Waldy; sister Rachel; foster sister Violet; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Abraham (“A.T.”); his first mother, Helena Ratzlaff; his second mother, Elizabeth Loewen; five brothers, Levi, David, Henry, Leslie and Glenn; and two sisters, Evelyn and Mathilda.

Bob loved the Lord and the main goal of his life is shown in one of his cherished Bible verses: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6b). He was very actively involved in the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church. Family life was important and Bob was overjoyed when the arrival of Olivia and Isabelle made him a grandparent.

He devoted over 25 years to the family firm, Loewen Funeral Chapel, and later worked closely with the developmentally delayed, ending his professional career as a vocational rehabilitation counsellor. Bob loved playing and watching sports, especially coaching and managing his son James’ hockey team. He also loved music, especially playing the piano and singing in the choir.

Bob spent the last two years at Rest Haven Nursing Home and the family is filled with gratitude for the many kindnesses the staff extended to Bob, Mary and the family.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the HavenGroup Foundation, 185 Woodhaven Ave, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1K7, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rest-haven-foundation-inc/.

Family is also grateful to Birchwood Funeral Chapel for handling the arrangements.

A public online viewing service will be held on Friday, May 29 from 7-8 p.m. with a devotional beginning at 7:30 p.m. To join the family via livestream, please visit the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8YekZwMTIuyg_fy2tIBQg/live.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

To read the complete obituary and offer your online condolence, please visit www.birchwoodfuneralchapel.com.

As published in The Carillon on May 27, 2020