ROBERT BRENT GIESBRECHT

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ROBERT BRENT GIESBRECHT

August 28, 1956 - July 22, 2026

With heavy hearts and happy memories, we celebrate the life of Robert Brent Giesbrecht, who died suddenly on July 22, 2026, just short of his seventieth birthday.

Rob spent his whole life in Winnipeg and loved his hometown. He was a graduate of the University of Manitoba in Classics, where he was a Gold Medallist, followed by the Faculty of Law. He was called to the Bar in 1981. He joined Pitblado Law in 1987 and stayed for the rest of his career, eventually heading the firm's real estate practice and becoming widely known for his work in condominium development. He was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Canada from 2022 to 2026 and was also inducted into the Canadian Condominium Institute Hall of Fame. He accepted both with characteristic humility. Colleagues remember a man who could make a difficult file feel manageable, who mentored generations of junior lawyers, and who liked to tell clients he was semi-retired because he no longer worked on Sundays. He was the first to say good morning and enjoyed sharing his baking with the office. He led the firm’s Green Team and set an example by walking to work in nearly all weather.

He became a father in 1983 and had five children and one stepchild. He was calm, present, and entirely without judgment, always up for a family swim, a bike ride, or a walk in the evening. He is remembered for Saturday morning cinnamon buns, Sunday night dinners, and Christmas baking that became legendary. His bedtime stories were prolific and delighted multiple generations. His family will always picture him at Victoria Beach, feet in the sand, a book in one hand and Spitz in the other.

Music ran through everything. For Rob, the discipline of choral singing and the devotion of worship were one. He lived his virtues rather than discussing them: gentleness, generosity, patience, and a refusal to think badly of anyone. He was a violinist and lent his warm baritone voice to the choir at First Mennonite Church for more than forty years. He sang in the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, where he also served as Vice-President and then President. He was a member of the board of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, The Winnipeg Singers, and chaired the Church Council at First Mennonite. He was passionate about theatre and the arts and loved discussing the latest local production.

He was a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He came out in 2016 and was met by his church, colleagues, and community with the same love that he gave so freely to others. At Pitblado Law and First Mennonite Church, he spoke openly about his experience in hopes of making the journey kinder for those who came out after him.

He met the love of his life Craig Kremer in 2016. This marked the start of a decade together filled with laughter, adventures, and joy. They made a home together and shared it with Craig's son Jaron, whom Rob helped raise from the age of five and loved as his own. Their home was filled with colourful art, lush balcony gardens, plenty of music, and friends. Rob loved to host dinner parties, where close friends raved about his cooking and elaborate cocktails. Friday was Movie Night: pizza, chips, the end of the week marked properly. Long walks were standing practice, out through the neighbourhood and well beyond it. They loved to travel and enjoyed a wonderful family trip with Jaron in Mexico. Rob and Craig became engaged in August 2025. They had planned their wedding for August 21, 2026.

Rob is survived by his fiancé and partner of ten years, Craig Kremer, and by his stepson Jaron, who shared their home and their life. He is survived by his children, Rebecca, Kate, Ini, Elizabeth, and Lex, by his grandchildren, Una, Milo, and Sacha, and by his siblings, Karin and Randy and their families. He leaves colleagues, choristers, congregants, clients, and friends across this city with so many fond memories.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at First Mennonite Church located at 922 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg. It is the same day, hour, and church that Rob and Craig had chosen for their wedding.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainbow Resource Centre, the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, or United Way Winnipeg.

In care of arrangements

Tributes: friendsfs.ca

ROBERT BRENT GIESBRECHT

August 28, 1956 - July 22, 2026

Rob Giesbrecht of Winnipeg, age 69, left us suddenly on July 22, 2026. He leaves behind his loving and devoted partner Craig, along with his children, grandchildren, and countless relatives and friends who will miss him tremendously.

A celebration of his life is planned for August, and a longer obituary with details will follow.

Arrangements entrusted to Friends Funeral Service

Tributes: friendsfs.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2026, Aug 08, 2026