ROBERT GRANT MAGEL (BOB)

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• I recently heard of Bob's passing yesterday while trying to give him a call I decided to send an email. I then got a call from a colleague of his through Marchants. Bob helped me for the past 4 years I worked as a School Finance clerk. Bob always helped with finding the best products and price for the school. He was always so helpful and excited to order basketball equipment. He helped me when I started a project in my First Nation (basketball court) I always teased he had a radio voice. He will be missed. - Posted by: Brandi Woodhouse (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2022

• As a young boy, I used to watch Bob play basketball for the University of Winnipeg for all those great years. A lifetime later I would meet Bob at the Rehab Hospital where he was Rehabbing his amputation and I was dealing with Spinal damage. I recognized him right away and went over to introduce myself as one of his young fans who lined the front row in the university basement. I watched him for five years and told him that for me he was my NBA star, He was taken aback but very appreciative to have a fan from back then reach out so many years later. We would encourage each other when we would see each other at the hospital and his positive spirit was always something to look forward to. Our paths crossed again when he was a Marchants and I was looking for some equipment. I fanned all over again. We had a great reunion. So sorry for your loss. He was a beacon of positive energy that everyone should experience in their lives. God Bless. - Posted by: Conrad Peters (Fan) on: Dec 21, 2021

• I am deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. My deepest condolences go out to everyone in Bob's family. I first met Bob while employed at Marchant's School Sport in a supporting role about 15 years ago when Bob, as office manager, was dealing with some major health issues. A friendship quickly developed and though I was only at Marchant's for a couple of years, we made a point of staying in touch. I especially looked forward to Bob's invitation, every year for the past decade, to the semi-annual office luncheon; good food and good times with lots of laughter and reminiscing of our past sports highlights . . . and lowlights! As I got to know Bob I came to realize, beside his background as a great athlete, what a special person he was. Bob was an inspiration; I have never witnessed an individual with such courage, resiliency and strength of character. No matter how many times he may have been knocked down due to health problems or other difficult circumstances, he never failed to rise up, reset his positive attitude, and get back at it. It was an honour and a privilege to have Bob grace a small part of my life. He will be missed. God bless. Rest in peace Bobby. - Posted by: Dave Gillis (friend and former Marchant's colleague) on: Nov 15, 2021

• One of the most dedicated of my friends has been Bob Magel, a longtime (brother) whose friendship goes back to 1961 when we came to settle in Canada on Mountain Avenue. Yes, Bob, was my first next door neighbor. When we moved to Aberdeen Avenue guess who my neighbor across the back lane, Bob Magel! We attended Margaret Scott and Isaac Newton during our Junior High School. Then there was the Sisler High School experience that needs no explanation. Our university years were spent at the University of Winnipeg, where Bob excelled. When I finally left for Switzerland, Bob was always in touch with me to ask when I’ll be in town so we could eat something with friends. He was always the ‘go-to-guy’ who would organize stuff to continue the Sisler Spirit reunions. Yes Bob was my neighbor, fellow teammate but most of all he was my brother that I never had! Next time I’m in town, there will be something missing…thanks for the memorable 60 years that will never be forgotten. Peace be with you. - Posted by: Les Sikora (Friend ) on: Nov 15, 2021

• I knew Bobby growing up in the North End. His family was my backlane neighbor and friend. He was good friends with my brother and I was the little sister that tagged along. We had lots of fun with both Bobby and Brian and for a added treat the Magels used to have a carnival in their garage with tickets and prizes and we never paid a cent. That was very memorable to me. The few times I had seen Bobby to pu my brother when he was in town, he had the most positive attitude even though he had some tough times in his life. Bobby I will think of you often and the hardships you endured and how great your attitude was. - Posted by: Liz Greenhalgh (Friend) on: Nov 14, 2021

• Heartfelt condolences on your loss. He was one of the good ones. - Posted by: Ashley Chubaty (Friend) on: Nov 13, 2021

• Bob was a people person. Respected by all not matter what time in his life. Bob was a tremendous athlete from high school on throughout University days. After his playing days were over he went to referee basketball at many levels. He was an official who took time to make the players feel that they were the most important part of the game. He always admired younger athletes and there progression not matter what the sport. As a representative a Marchants he always looked to please all his customers. Be it in the city or in rural Manitoba he left his mark with coaches and schools and was always there to accommodate their needs. I admire Bob as a teammate, athlete, an official, and especially as a friend. RIP - Posted by: Benjamin Szymkow (Friend) on: Nov 13, 2021

• I met big Bob referring High school basketball tournaments as well as Provincial basketball games. Bob was a great friend. Rest in peace big guy. We will meet again at some point. Dear friend fellow referee Leo Carriere. - Posted by: Leo Carriere (Fellow Basketball Referee ) on: Nov 13, 2021