ROBERT GEORGE CASSIDY

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ROBERT GEORGE CASSIDY January 15, 1924 - June 29, 2015 It is with the utmost sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Robert George Cassidy, affectionately known as Bob, at 91 and one half years of age. Born on January 15, 1924 to George and Alice Cassidy in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he was the eldest of three sons. He enjoyed playing hockey with his brothers Roy and Russell on the outdoor rink. Fresh out of school, Bob began a fulfilling career with the CN Railway. Following his mother Alice, into the Jehovah Witness organization, Bob became an elder in his early twenties. At the Kingdom Hall, Bob met Pearl Zayachkowski, a newcomer to the truth. Falling hopelessly in love with his little spit-fire, they married on July 13, 1946. Together they faithfully served Jehovah and eight years later, they were blessed with a son, Terry Robert Cassidy. Soon after Terry was born, Robert was transferred to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where they spent several years growing as a family. In 1972, CN bumped Robert to Winnipeg where Terry, now 18, followed his father into employment with CNR. Bob was also an active member of the East Kildonan Congregation where he, as an elder, both encouraged and brought many into the truth. He was a good public speaker, giving many talks at the Kingdom Hall and assemblies. Robert even participated in dramas at the conventions. Bob greatly enjoyed attending curling bon spiels, and Winnipeg Blue Bomber football games with Terry. In 1976, Terry married Shirley Braschuk and they gave Bob and Pearl two precious granddaughters, Christina Dawn and Tanya Lynn who became the lights of their lives. In their early teens, Christina and Tanya both spent a period of time living with Bob and Pearl who unselfishly cared for them. Bob retired from the CNR at 55 and went on to Akman Property Management, where he became the superintendent of the Hampton Green Condo at 323 Wellington Cres. for 20 years. Then as he was getting up in age, he was moved to 160 Tuxedo Ave. for a slower paced position as a door man. He didn't stop working until he was 85 years old. Bob consistently went out of his way to care for Christina and her three children Mykaela, Brody and Evan Daniels, with love and affection in the form of advice, counsel, and countless surprises and treats. In addition, Bob remained faithful to Jehovah for the entire duration of his adult life. At the age of 86, Bob fell victim to Alzheimer Disease and was placed in the Misericordia Nursing Home at the age of 87. A year later, Robert was placed back into his neighbourhood of East Kildonan in the Concordia Place nursing home. It would be here that he would spend his last three years being very well cared for by such and amazing nursing staff. On June 29, 2015 he suffered a stroke at 11:00 a.m. and peacefully fell into a coma, passing away at 6:00 p.m. where he had his granddaughter Christina and great-granddaughter Mykaela by his side. The last words he heard were "I love you Grandpa." Robert has left to cherish his memory, his wife Pearl, granddaughters Christina and Tanya (of Vancouver), great-grandchildren Mykaela Jade, Brody William and Evan Robert. He was predeceased by his mother Alice, father George, both of his brothers Roy and Russell and tragically his only son Terry Cassidy 11 years ago, which was quite hard on him. Robert "Bob" truly lived an amazing life caring for others before himself. We will look forward to seeing him again in the paradise on earth. A celebration of Robert's life will be held on August 8, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the East Kildonan Congregation, 937 Gateway Rd.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2015