Obituaries

ROBERT (BOB) TIGG

     Bob departed this planet on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Though we have heavy hearts, we find solace in knowing that he is in a better place.

Bob (Robert James) Tigg leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Bernadette (Bernie), their son Brad Gross, granddaughters Sabrina and Vanessa, his mother Grace Tigg, sister Margaret Brandson, brothers Brian (Elaine) and Bruce (Trina) as well as his in-laws, Goddaughter Chelsea Combot, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was predeceased by his father James Tigg, on June 2, 2007, his mother-in-law Rose Ross, his brothers-in-law David McKay and Bruce Brandson, and his sisters-in-law Pauline Beaudin and Jeanne McKay.

Bob was raised in Dauphin, Manitoba until he was 6 years old and then the family moved to Swan River.  He attended public school until grade 12 where he exceeded in sports and academics. Bob liked to tell the story of how when he was captain of his basketball team, they won the provincials. When Bob was in high school, he was selected to be the Greek delegate for the Model United Nations Forum. He spent 2 days in Winnipeg at a mansion on Wellington Crescent and participated in the conference. This may have been the beginning of Bob’s thirst for knowledge.

Bob attended Sunday School for one year and was presented with a bible for never missing a single class, he was very proud of this accomplishment. Bob was a man of many stories; he was extremely knowledgeable on many subjects. There was never the need to Google when Bob was around.

Nothing made Bob happier than to be around those he loved and those who loved him, and to share his many stories with a few tequilas or glasses of wine. Bob and Bernie’s home was always open to everyone to visit or stay, which is why he became ‘Uncle Bob’ to so many.

Bob told us he always had a job. From delivering papers, to working in the movie theater, working as a janitor, and working at Co-op. In the summer of ’65 he started at MTS. Bob began working for MTS in Swan River and transferred to Winnipeg the fall of 1965. He moved into the Courts of St. James and told the story of how he lived in every apartment building tower in the complex. He said that once the carpet got too dirty in one unit, it was time to move to a new apartment there. Bob worked in many MTS central offices over the years and ended his career in the support area in March 1997. It was at MTS that Bob forged many lasting friendships.

After Bob’s retirement, he accepted a contract with Nortel and travelled all around Europe. This position gave Bob and Bernie the opportunity to visit many different countries over the span of two years. Upon returning to Canada, he put his ‘jack of all trades’ talents to use by doing renovations and minor house repairs.  There was no job that Bob couldn’t handle or figure out.

Bob got his ‘Be Prepared’ personality from his days in the Boy Scouts.  In March of 2020, before the COVID pandemic outbreak and mandatory mask requirements, Bob packed masks for their trip to Mexico. When Bernie asked why, he replied, “you have to ‘Be Prepared.’” While in Mexico on that trip, Bob could be found handing out masks to everyone in their hotel as there were none to be found in Guayabitos.

“You made me laugh when I was sad, picked me up when I was down, cheered me on through all our days together, I am forever grateful to have had a special man in my life…You were one of a kind and I will love you forever…You will always be with me…till we meet again Bob!!!”

Donations may be made in Bob’s honour to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Service of Remembrance will be held Friday, September 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Wojcik’s Chapel of Memories, 1020 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.