Obituaries

ROBERT (BOB) MAJOR

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our Dad, Grandpa, PapaGG, Uncle Bob at Deer Lodge Centre on June 13, 2022 at the age of 99 years.

He is survived by daughters Janet (Dennis), Margaret (Dennis) and Ruth (Jim); Granddaughters Sara (Daren), Shannon (Larry); Great-grandchildren Lexie (Matt), Olivia, Riley, Laine and Grace; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends. He will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife, of 62 years, Thelma and his sisters Marie, Kay and Betty.

Bob was born and raised in St. James. He enlisted in the XII Manitoba Dragoons and proudly served until the end of WWII. In 2014 as one of a few remaining members in Manitoba he was interviewed for the MTS documentary “The XII Manitoba Dragoons Then and Now” and was able to view the finished production; it was very fulfilling for him to be able to pass along a small portion of his army life.

Dad met Mom, they married June 5, 1947 and settled in Charleswood where they remained for 60+ years. They raised us with good family values and were so happy for us as we left to begin our careers and marry the future sons-in-law, finally some boys! Then came the grand and great-grandchildren, more boys!! It became a family joke when Grandpa could always remember the boys’ names, sometimes not so quick with the girls.

He was employed at Eaton’s and Deer Lodge Hospital as a painter. When we were younger Dad did side jobs to make extra money so we could take road trips for summer holidays. He converted TravelAll into a camper for the 5 of us, there wasn’t much he couldn’t build or fix, well before the days of Google. Off we would go, memorable trips to Disneyland, Niagara Falls and B.C. to visit family to name a few.

Dad was a bit of a daredevil, either painting the highest outside windows at Deer Lodge, Paragliding in Kelowna or Tandem Skydiving. His last jump at the age of 91 with his 19-year-old great-granddaughter.

After retiring he took pleasure in finding and restoring stationary engines then building trailers to transport them to Agricultural Shows in Man., Sask. and Minnesota. Mom and Dad would have lots of stories and ribbons or trophies to show for a successful show.

In 2016 illness required that he move to Deer Lodge Centre. He came to call his room his home and the Tower 5 staff were so good to him, making his life as enjoyable and comfortable as they could, right to the end. He told us of a few of his favourites, (You know who you are) and to them we are especially and eternally grateful.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.