Obituaries

ROBERT IAN BULL

After a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis, it is with deep sorrow we announce the  passing of Robert Ian Bull on November 12, 2025, at the age of 91.

Bob is survived by his soulmate, Judy Wakeford and her son Craig. Also daughter Tracy Rees and her son Mitchell as well as grandchildren Ryan and Ashley Bull and their mother Brenda.

Bob was predeceased by Hazel Bull and son David.

He was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on April 19, 1934 and raised by his grandmother. Bob left Dauphin in 1952 to work in Winnipeg but always enjoyed his visits back home!

He had several jobs before beginning a 39-year career at Manitoba Telephone System. Bob started in the mailroom in 1953 and had many progressively responsible positions throughout his long career including an installer, a repairman, and then a field manager as well as a manager of special projects. Many of the friendships from MTS were long standing.

Bob spent many happy hours coaching and chauffeuring Dave and Tracy to their many activities and sports. He coached Tracy with girls softball and ringette and Dave’s soccer and hockey. Another favourite activity was playing board games and outdoor sports with the kids.

He enjoyed spending time with grandson Mitch especially going to his musical productions. Many hours were spent watching grandson Ryan play hockey and granddaughter Ashley playing soccer. As the kids got older, lots of family time including playing board games.

Once retired, Bob was very active with the Telephone Pioneers volunteering with many organizations including Multiple Sclerosis, CancerCare Manitoba, CNIB, the Pan Am Games and the Christmas Cheer Board. He won many awards for his service and commitment. He was very active in Craig’s Special Olympics programs, coaching his soccer, and with the Family and Friends Program, travelling all over Canada, the US and China.

Many winters were spent in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas where time was enjoyed with many  new friends.

Bob was very happy to have found his cousin (on his father’s side) Elon, who lived in Bristol, England. He ventured to visit him on two occasions and truly enjoyed them and catching up on many years of history.

29 wonderful years were spent at their cottage just outside of Kenora, Ontario. Bob enjoyed fishing, and was the ultimate handyman. He always found the time to help friends with their repairs and projects. Many pleasant days were spent entertaining friends and family both on and off the water.

Once the cottage was sold, sitting in the condominium was not the way he wanted to spend his  weekends so a seasonal campsight in St Malo MB did the trick.

Bob was an avid sports fan and spent many hours watching and cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, especially the view from the Press Box at the old arena. He enjoyed watching the Blue Bombers, the New York Rangers, as his father’s hometown team, and watching soccer.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held on November 27th, at the Norwood Community Centre located at 87 Walmer Street in Winnipeg, from 1:30 – 4:00 pm.

Special thanks to the staff at the Grace Hospital as well as Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service for their care of Bob.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bob’s favourite charities – the Salvation Army or Special Olympics Manitoba.