ROBERT JOHN MICHAEL (BOB) JASKA

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ROBERT JOHN MICHAEL (BOB) JASKA

September 1, 1944 – November 21, 2025

Robert John Michael “Bob” Jaska was born and raised in Brandon, living in Brandon his whole life except for hockey stints in Fort Frances, ON and Cranbrook, B.C.

Bob’s hockey journey began with the Brandon Wheat Kings at the start of the 1963–64 season, before he finished the year playing in Fort Frances. He returned to the Wheat Kings for the 1964–65 season, and in 1966–67 his path led him to Neepawa, where he joined the Neepawa Natives. Bob spent the next nine seasons with the Natives, a team and community that became especially meaningful to him and where he formed many lasting friendships. His hockey career continued when he played with the Brandon Olympics in the CASH League for the 1975–76 season, after which he joined the Molson Pioneers—a team that felt more like a family and brought him on memorable hockey trips to places such as Victoria, San Diego, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Beyond hockey, Bob had a deep love of sports. He played fastball in the Major Fastball League, where many of his lifelong friendships took root, and he also raced stock cars in Chater. Later in life, he took up golfing, a sport he found both challenging and rewarding, and he cherished the camaraderie and support he found among his fellow golfers.

By the time Bob was 16, he had joined his father’s construction company, spending his summers working alongside him and learning the trade. In 1977, he and his siblings purchased the company from their father. Bob later embraced a new chapter in 1990 when he began working for Manitoba Housing, a role he proudly held until his retirement in 2013. Over his 22 years with Manitoba Housing, Bob formed many meaningful and lasting friendships that he deeply valued.

Bob was an avid gardener who took great pride in his yard. He especially loved his canna lilies, caring for his fish pond, and growing a vegetable garden. His homemade pickles became legendary—always a sought after treat for family and friends.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, John and Stella; sister, Dianne; brother-in-law Paul and niece, Barb.

Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Chris; son, Rob (Erin); son, Ryan (Carrie); grandchildren, Moe, Matt, Meagan, Kate and Sean; sisters, Irene and June (Arnie); nieces, Pat, Tammy, Andrea; nephew, Dale; brothers-in-law, Barry (Sue) and Ken and his forever friends, Ron and Val.

Dementia is a very unpredictable, frustrating and scary disease. We have been blessed to have some amazing people during Bob’s journey. Mackenzie and Phil from Seniors Mental Health are treasures. They are really the best in their field. Dr. Yaworski helped us as well. The staff at CGP are a very special group of people. Their care and compassion did not go unnoticed. Thank you to the first floor at Fairview, they have been nothing but professional. Bob has been treated with care and kindness and we will always be eternally grateful.

A special special thank you too Ron and Val Panchuk, John and Rita Rowley and Barry and Sue for all their wonderful visits.

I want to especially thank my family for all their love and support. I feel your Dad knew you were visiting. A special mention to my amazing and wonderful grandchildren. They never treated their Grandpa Bob any different, than before his disease took over. They loved him just like he was the Grandpa that loved them more than words can say.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 361 Russell Street, Brandon, MB on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 457 9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 1K2 or to Fairview Personal Care Home – Orchard Lounge Improvement Fund, 1351 13th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4S6.

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 29, 2025