ROBERT GEORGE "BOB"

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ROBERT GEORGE "BOB" MacLAREN February 8, 1920 - June 9, 2004 Mid afternoon, June 9, 2004 at the Victoria General Hospital, in Winnipeg only six weeks after the love of his life Chaddie died, Bob followed. Though he prevailed with wit and an ability to make others feel good, his final liberation from the demoralizing, frustrating and frightening effects of Alzheimers was welcome. Born in Reston, MB, the youngest of six, he was predeceased by parents, Florence Isabel and Robert Alexander; brothers, Jack and Bill; and sisters, Helen and Marjory. He will be deeply missed by his surviving sister Florence Christie, who participated so selflessly in his care and well being as his health declined. Bobs family wishes to thank the Golden Door Geriatric Centre staff who took to him so readily, and shared laughter with him whenever possible. Also the nursing staff of Victoria General Hospital 4th floor South, for their compassion and respect to both Bob and his relatives. A member of The First Special Service Force in the Second World War, Bob, alongside other Canadians and Americans, put his life on the line to secure freedom for Europe and thereby security for those at home. Always to be honoured by stranger or friend. With a grin on their faces, Uncle Bob will be remembered by his nieces and nephews, but no more greatly than by Doug Christie (Patty) and Bruce Christie (Lori) who were the fortunate recipients of many a joke and jab. As a Manufacturers Rep., he travelled Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Lakehead for more than 25 years. He was held in the highest regard by every customer he dealt with and every salesman he travelled with. Summers at Clearwater Bay, golf and tennis enjoyed with friends, winters in Hawaii and more recently in Palm Springs, he and Chaddie enjoyed themselves and the people around them; for few who met them did not come away friends. Their sense of fun and joy was infectious. His son John will hold a memorial service followed by a reception starting at 3:30 p.m. on Monday June 14 at the Niakwa Country Club, 620 Niakwa Rd. Should friends wish, donations may be made to a fund established in memory of Robert MacLaren at the University of Manitoba. This fund will assist in the research and development of a cure for Alzheimer Disease. Mailing address is University of Manitoba, Department of Private Funding, 179 Continuing Education Complex, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 or by calling (204) 474-9195 or toll free 1-800-330-8066. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 12, 2004