ROBERT NISBET BLAIKIE

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ROBERT NISBET BLAIKIE Robert Nisbet Blaikie, (Bob), beloved husband of Kay for 55 years, passed away on July 3, 2003, at Concordia Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born at home on May 22, 1926, in Biggar, SK., along with his twin brother Bill, with whom he would have a special relationship all through the years. Bob was predeceased by his parents, R.N. Blaikie Sr. and Helen Blaikie; his sister Agnes Bangartt; his brothers, John and Bill; his youngest son Robert James Blaikie; and his grandsons, Robert Sean and Dylan Blaikie. He is survived by his wife Kay; his sons, Bill (Brenda), Don (Allison) daughter Kim (Pat) grandchildren Rebecca, Jessica, Daniel, Tessa, Michelle, Katrina, Aquila Reyna, Liam, Terri, Korey and Justin; sister Bea of Biggar; brother Archie of Vancouver; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifetime friends. Bob started with the C.N.R. in 1942 shovelling coal in Biggar, came to Transcona as a machinist apprentice in 1943, and retired in 1986, after 44 years of service as Assistant General Superintendent of Equipment, Prairie Region. He had a strong work ethic, never missed a day of work in his life, and was known for his integrity and his tough but fair and egalitarian approach as a supervisor and senior manager at CN. In March 1944, while yet seventeen, he and his brother Bill joined up with the Royal Canadian Navy in Saskatoon, and ended up serving overseas in the Fleet Air Arm as air engine mechanics. Bob was one of the last surviving members of his squadron #803 and enjoyed many years of comradeship as a member of the Canadian Naval Air Group. In the 1950s and 60s Bob was active in the Boy Scouts, serving as Cubmaster for 3rd Transcona Rama Pack, and for many years as District Cub Camp Chief. A member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he was pivotal in the construction of Transcona Place, the rebuilding of Transcona Legion #7 after a devastating fire, and in the annual Poppy Fund drives. He was honoured for his Legion work with a lifetime membership. He was also involved in his church, Transcona Memorial United, serving on the Official Board for 12 years, and was one of those who helped to put the roof on the church and build the pews when the church was built 50 years ago in 1953. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge #81 and was a Past Noble Grand. Bob loved to be at the lake, to be in a canoe, to be with family and friends in the outdoors. Many happy days were spent camping and canoeing in various places, in the fall hunting at Lone Island, in the tent trailer at Big Whiteshell, at Brerton Lake, and finally at the cottage at Lee River, where he was a founding member and treasurer of the Lee Side Recreational Co-op. Many of his older grandchildren will always treasure memories of Grandpa at the lake, or his patience in teaching them how to drive a car or the boat. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. W., with Rev. Jeff Cook and Rev. Carol Fletcher officiating, with interment to follow at Transcona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Vern Peterson, John Cochrane, Neil McIntrye, Jim Lewis, Richard Greenaway and Curtis Miller. Donations in Bobs memory may be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Concordia Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Viewing for friends and family will be held Sunday evening (tonight) between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day St. Transcona. Bob was proud of his Scottish heritage, and is aptly memorialized in the words of Robert Burns: "An honest mans the noblest work of God." His grandchildren, Daniel and Jessica Blaikie, will play the pipes. Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2003