ROBERT LINDSAY WALDER

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ROBERT LINDSAY WALDER The family and friends of Robert Walder sadly announce his death at the age of 44, on November 30, 2004. Robert won a battle with Hodgkins Disease when he was 17, but when it recurred in April of this year, he lost the struggle despite using all of his fighting spirit, which was a vital part of his life. Deeply mourning Roberts death are his beloved partner Tammie Vautour; his son Benjamin Lazar Walder; his mother Marilyn; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sheree Walder Morantz and Richard Morantz and Lori Walder and Sandy White; his nephews and niece, Ethan, Sean and Emily Morantz, and Elijah and Samuel White; his devoted uncle Howard Cohen; and cousins, Joshua and Matthew, aunt Marsha Cohen; close friend/brother Norman Voth; and Jason and Maria, who provided such support. Robert will also be missed by Wendy Walder and the Barker family. Robert was predeceased by his father Larry (Lazar) Walder; and his grandparents, Sidney and Edythe Cohen. Robert lived life with a passion, which infused every aspect of his being, whether it was music, his artistic creativity, sports, politics or his thirst for knowledge. Robert was a football player from a young age and was proud of his accomplishments as a Fort Garry Lion. His love of football continued into his adult life as an ardent Bomber fan and armchair analyst. His later pursuits included skiing and golf. Robert fancied himself a music maven and spent much of his 20s declaring, "The Clash is the only band that matters." Roberts education was interrupted by his first bout with Hodgkins Disease but this gave him the opportunity to find his vocation when he became a childcare worker. His passion for the child welfare field led him to begin attending university in 1987 and, while continuing as a childcare worker, graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1996. The greatest miracle of his life was becoming a father at the age of 43 with the birth of Benjamin and while Robert will not be here to watch Benjamin grow up, he will always be watching over him. A graveside service conducted by Rabbi Lawrence Pinsker was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on December 1, following which family and friends joined in a celebration of Roberts life at The Fort Garry Hotel. Much appreciation and gratitude is extended to the staff in Ward 6 GD and the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Health Sciences Centre. An education trust fund is being established for Benjamin. Those wishing to contribute may contact Sheree Walder, Myers Weinberg, 926-1519.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2004