ROBERT DARWIN DAHL

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ROBERT DARWIN DAHL October 20, 1928 - August 1, 2012 Suddenly, at the age of 83, Robert Darwin Dahl departed this world to join his beloved wife Elsie Dahl (née Popko) who passed in 2008. Darwin will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his children Gaylene, Debbie (Bob), Tammy (Afzal), Darwin (Adriana) and Lorri; grandchildren Jennifer, Michelle (James), Laura, Sage, Matthew (Jacinte), Joseph, Alyssa, Nicholas, Mikaela; and great-grandchildren Tyler and Spencer. Darwin is survived by his dear brother Ken and his wife Helene, brothers-in-law Johnny Popko, Mike Bodnar, John McDonald, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Darwin was predeceased by his sisters Marcille, June, Nadene, Patricia and his brother Bill. Darwin was born to Homer and Hazel Thomas on October 20, 1928 on a homestead in the Greencourt district of Alberta, near Mayerthorpe. After the death of his father, Darwin and his family moved to a small log house near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba in 1940. Growing up fast, Darwin had to quit his schooling in 1943 at the age of 14 to support his mother and siblings. He toiled at any work he could find, putting up hay, bagging grain, working for various small contractors building bridges across ditches, moving houses, demolishing old buildings, sawing logs and wheel-barrowing concrete. He also worked as a day labourer and kitchen assistant at the air force base. To keep this job, he had to travel 24 miles (round trip) by bicycle every day. In 1948, Darwin joined the Canadian National Railway as a summer relief tower man in Winnipeg. He then transferred through various positions and locations during his career with CN Rail. He became a Signal Gang member in Portage La Prairie and North-western Ontario and then a Signal Helper in Fort William, Ontario. While in Portage La Prairie, he met the love of his life, Elsie Popko, whom he married in 1953. Together, they grew their family and followed his work with the railway, as a Signal Maintainer in Huronian and Atikokan, Ontario to Leading Signal Maintainer back in Fort William. In 1958, he was promoted to Signal Inspector and the family moved to Winnipeg where, in 1961, he was promoted to General Signal Foreman and placed in charge of signal installation at the new Symington Yards. Upon completion of the project in 1962, he was promoted to Supervisor of Signal Maintenance and in 1965 he received his final promotion to General Supervisor of Signal Construction for the Prairie Region. After 38 years with CN Rail, Darwin retired early in 1986 to take care of his beloved Elsie who was then suffering with Multiple Sclerosis. Darwin had many, many family, friends and co-workers who looked up to him as a solid, steadfast, dependable man of great character and integrity who said what he meant and meant what he said. He was known for his generous nature, dry sense of humour, strong will and an even stronger handshake. He enjoyed researching his family's genealogy, had a talent for tinkering and an enviable ability to fix anything broken. Darwin took care of Elsie, their children and grandchildren with a special love and devotion that was nurtured within him while supporting his mother and siblings so long ago. He will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know and be with him. A memorial service will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Boulevard in Winnipeg on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Manitoba or the Transcona Trails Association. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550
Publish Date: Aug 4, 2012

ROBERT DARWIN DAHL It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear father Robert Darwin Dahl, beloved husband of the late Elsie Dahl, on August 1, 2012. Longer notice to follow in Saturday's edition. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550
Publish Date: Aug 2, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2012