ROBERT SPEERS VAN CAMP V50073 R.C.N.V.R.

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ROBERT SPEERS VAN CAMP V50073 R.C.N.V.R. With sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandpa and great-grandfather on September 28, 2014 at Deer Lodge Centre. Bob was predeceased by his dear Marge, wife of 66 years, parents Reuben and Olive (Speers) Van Camp, and sisters, Gwen Irma, and Arleigh. He will be greatly missed by his five children, Keven (Gloria), Joan (Lawrence), Wanda (Dean), Arla (Jim), and Laura (Brad). His grandchildren, David, Keven, Erin (Mark), Scott (Jessica), Deanna (Greg), Tyler (Ashlee), Jill and Troy will remember him lovingly, as will step-grandchildren, Armando, Laura, Irene and Lonnie. His great-grandchildren Charlie, Molly, Burke, Callie and Chloe were a source of joy and delight and he looked forward to two more babies joining the family in the coming year. Bob was born February 7, 1920, in Roblin. In 1924, the family moved to St. Vital, where Bob attended school until the realities of the Depression forced him to leave in Grade 10. In the fall of 1937, he trained and was hired as apprentice clerk for the Hudson Bay Company. February, 1938 saw him begin his career as a fur trader in Green Lake, SK. Later, Bob transferred to Lac la Ronge where he met the new public health nurse, Marjorie Proctor, in the spring of 1940. On August 19, 1940, he enlisted at Prince Albert, was selected for Navy Intelligence, and undertook training in Ottawa and St. John, NB as a Huff Duffer' (High Frequency Direction Finder). He began war service as a Leading Telegrapher, Special Operations, tracking submarine activity. On a weekend pass, he and Marge were married on November 7, 1941, at St. Mark's Anglican Church, St. Vital. Bob was stationed at Cap d'Espoir and St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, and in Churchill. There, in Northern Manitoba, he also worked for the National Research Council of Canada, studying the effects of the ionosphere on radio transmissions. In the last months of the war, he served on the H.M.C.S. Jonquiere in the North Atlantic. With a V.L.A. settlement, Bob began farming in Woodlands in 1946. In 1950, he secured a job with Rusco Windows and retired from the sales department of Accurate Dorwin in 1982. Bob and Marge raised their children in the home and on the quarter section originally belonging to Marge's parents, just outside of Woodlands. For 32 years, he commuted to Winnipeg for work to provide for his family. At home, Bob enjoyed gardening, picking wild berries and tending to the large yard. Late summer and fall saw him chopping wood to warm that chilly house. Winter days were long and he and Marge often passed the time with cribbage or Scrabble; no doubt, he holds the record for games lost to his wife. Bob was a voracious reader with a remarkable memory for what he had read. He loved poetry, particularly that of Robert Burns, and would often quote passages from memory. For so long, he would be turned to for answers to questions of general knowledge, history or literature. His children recognized in him a genuine sense of generosity and a spirit of compassion toward those less fortunate. Perhaps, he will be best remembered for his sense of humour, often irreverent, and his ability to create laughter. Bob and Marge's home had a feeling of warmth and acceptance enjoyed by so many visitors over the years, particularly the young. In 1994, Bob and Marge moved to Lions Manor, Stonewall, and enjoyed many happy years there with friends, old and new. With the loss of Marge and declining health, he took up residence at Deer Lodge Centre in 2011. Recently, Bob was the recipient of his 65 year bar from Masonic Lodge #12, joining in 1947 and serving as Grand Master in 1986. He was also awarded his 70 year service pin by the Royal Canadian Legion, having joined in 1943. Sincere thanks are offered to the Stonewall Home Care team and all those individuals who helped Dad maintain his independence at Lions Manor after Marge's passing. The family would like the staff and volunteers of Tower 5, Veterans' Wing at Deer Lodge Centre to know that the exemplary personal care they provided to Bob consistently has been noticed and appreciated more than they can know. They helped him retain the dignity that was so important to him in his last years of life. Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Bob's wishes, a private family service will take place at St. George's Cemetery, Woodlands, where his ashes will be interred beside those of his beloved Marge. Cards of condolence may be sent to the Van Camp family, c/o Box 333, Warren, MB, R0C 3E0 and they will be shared. Dad's Masonic membership was important to him. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Masons Care Program, Masonic Foundation of Manitoba, 420 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0N8 and will be used to purchase vans which transport patients receiving cancer treatment. MacKenzie Funeral Home mackhome@mts.net (204) 467-2525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 04, 2014