CPL. ROBERT (BOB) BROSSART

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CPL. ROBERT (BOB) BROSSART March 9, 1958 - May 5, 2004 Bob died peacefully, in the presence of his wife and children, at Neepawa, MB, eight months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. He was born in Saskatoon, SK, and raised in Allan, SK, spending his early years helping on the family farm. He was studious throughout his school years, and was honoured with the Governor General award upon his graduation in 1976. He worked at the Allan Potash Mine until he was accepted into his chosen career, a peace officer with the RCMP. In 1978, following six months of training, he was posted to Cranberry Portage, MB, and spent most of his service in detachments throughout Manitoba, The Pas (1979), Russell (1982), Morris (1989), and in 1993, he took a promotion to Corporal in charge of Pukatawagan. He worked well with the aboriginal people and was well respected in the community. Upon his departure, he was awarded an Eagle Feather by the Pukatawagan First Nations, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual. In 1995, he was offered a position as an instructor at the RCMP depot in Regina, SK. There he served on the Police Driving Unit and in Applied Police Science, where he trained cadets, incoming facilitators, and developed training programs. He was rated by his peers and cadets, as a very dedicated, hard working, meticulous individual, with a direct approach to teaching. His time and talents were used actively volunteering on committees, and organizing functions to promote positive public relations between the police and the general public. He was proud to serve as President of the Regina Area Cpl.s Mess, and was instrumental in allocating funds for the opening of the RNWMP Boomtown Detachment at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. Bobs desire was to return to operational policing and he chose to transfer back to Manitoba in June 2000. He was presently serving at the Spruce Plains Detachment in Neepawa. As with any rural detachment, a dedication, above and beyond is required, Bob had that sense of duty and applied many hours to his work. He was an active member of the local Citizens on Patrol Program and served on local committees for the betterment of the community. He mostly enjoyed the everyday duties of his work, spending time with the people, the comradery of his peers, the teamwork, the laughter and work that went with it. He had a good sense of humour and a way of joking that put people at ease. He was proud of what he did and who he was. In December 2002, he was the recipient of Queens Jubilee medal for commendable service. He represented the Force well and was recognized with letters of acknowledgement and appreciation through-out his career. Bob celebrated 25 years in the RCMP in October 2003, and his career legacy will be his professionalism, strong leadership skills, and a man with high standards who led by example. Above all, Bob was a loyal devoted family man. He met his wife Patricia in 1980, while serving in The Pas, and in 1984 they were married. While stationed in Russell their two children, Stacey and Steven were born. Bob worked hard over the years to provide a comfortable life for his family and gave his time and talents to the houses he had built in three of his postings. His skills were matched in his public and private life, being very well organized, putting the extra effort in all tasks, believing that nothing should be second best. He supported his children by teaching his values of daily living and being a part of the cheering section at their soccer and hockey games. Over the years, it was his love of driving that he developed in his children, many hours were spent touring around with them. He had strong family values and he believed that each one should take an active part in working together as a unit and certainly his faith was an important part of that family life. Bob was a collector, stamps, coins, RCMP memorabilia, and cartoon clips that mirrored his life. Every occasion and special moment was captured by his photography and video skills and we are left with a treasure of albums illustrating our lives together. His career enabled his family to meet people, travel, and have experiences that will last a lifetime. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Patricia; children, Stacey and Steven of Neepawa. He is also survived by his parents, Theodore and Anita Brossart of Saskatoon; three brothers, John (Nadia, Ryan and Travis), Winnipegosis, MB, Ron (Celine and Marc), Brandon, MB and Ernie (Brenda, Jordan and Luke), Saskatoon. Patricias family, parents, John and Mary Kobelak; sisters, Georgina Elstad, Julie Henderson, Sherry Kobelak-Cameron, Doreen Kobelak; and brother Steven Kobelak as well as their families. Bobs numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins are deeply saddened by his death. He leaves many friends in the RCMP and their families, as well as close friends outside the force who he enjoyed spending time with. We will miss his strength as a husband and Dad, and the little quirks that were so much a part of him. We are grateful he was here to see Stacey graduate, and she was home with us during this time. He was able to watch and give Steven some tips while he learned to drive and chauffeured us around. The time we spent in Winnipeg, just the two of us. There was the chance to spend time with relatives, touch base with old friends, and make new ones. We were able to go for drives, visit local coffee shops, and spend quiet time together. We held a small celebration at our home in honour of his 25th anniversary in the RCMP. Bob exemplified the utmost strength and bravery throughout his illness, certainly tolerating many painful days. He did his best to participate in family outings whenever he could just to be with us. Our family is grateful that God gave us the time to make more memories, to be with him, and for him, through it all. We deeply appreciate those health professionals who gave so much of themselves, at CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre, and Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, Neepawa and Winnipegosis Hospitals, you are amazing people who saw his strength and courage. He was a hero to the end. Bob was laid to rest at the Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, on May 11. If you so desire, donations may be made to Bobs charities of choice, War Amps, CancerCare Manitoba, and the Canadian Porphyria Foundation. Whites Funeral Home, Neepawa, MB were entrusted with arrangements and messages and remembrances may be placed at w.f.h@mts.net

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 19, 2004