ROBERT DAVIDSON COUTTS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROBERT DAVIDSON COUTTS October 12, 1917 - October 13, 2015 In loving memory of Robert Davidson Coutts, beloved Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Bob passed away peacefully on October 13, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Bob will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters; Betty Bisson, Lynne Nix, Heather Collingridge (Jim), Robyn Curtis (Martin) and his grandchildren Jamie, David, JJ, Sharda, Lindsay, Christopher, Jennifer, Heather, Robert and Andrew and his great- grandchildren Robert, James, Katie, Ben, Kayleigh, Alyster, Sadie, Emma, Dylan and Ashleigh (he was thrilled to learn of the 11th on the way); many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Edith Mary Coutts, brothers Charlie and Jack and son-in-law Gerry. Bob was born in Winnipeg on October 12, 1917, and lived with his parents and brothers on Larsen Avenue (formerly Montrose Avenue) in Winnipeg. Bob attended East Kildonan Collegiate and excelled in his classes. His natural curiosity made him an avid student. Bob left school in 1935 at the height of the Great Depression to take on odd jobs to support his family. From delivering lunches on his bicycle to delivering cast iron stoves to homeowners. Bob's work ethic quickly became apparent to those who employed him. Bob's love of and involvement with a ham radio club led him to join the Canadian military on October 6, 1941. Bob joined the signal corps and achieved the rank of Captain. Following 25 years of service to our Country, Bob retired and was honourably released from the military on April 16, 1969. Bob's career then led him to the civil service in the communications field with MTS and SaskTel, where he spent the next 13 years. Following his retirement in 1982, Bob and Edith spent many years travelling the world but especially cherished their summers spent with family at Victoria Beach. Bob will be most remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and the unconditional love he showered us all with. Bob had an avid interest in the world around him and loved to discuss anything he found interesting from current events to politics and the latest in mechanical innovations. Although Bob was never online he was fascinated by the advent of the internet and the progress computers had made leading him to take a computer course in his mid-80's. Dad had a dry and witty sense of humour some may have called corny. "It is healthy and honourable to weep at the loss of someone we love. Healthy because such passion must be released. Honourable because it is respectful to admit the importance of people who have loved and supported us people whose footprints cannot ever be matched" - Maya Angelou Our family would like to thank the many family members and friends who were so kind to our Dad during the last year including Wilbert, Ray and Bob and in particular Bob Phillips, a longtime friend. We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Colin Fletcher and Dr. Richard Haydey; Dr. Hartley and the entire palliative care teams, both community based and Grace Hospice, for their care and kindness towards Dad and all of us in his last weeks. We deeply appreciate the care and companionship shown to him by his caregivers; Olga, Janet, Tessie, Galina (Halyna) and Inna, as well as his Homecare support staff. Without all of these incredible people, we would not have been able to keep Dad at home as long as we did. A memorial service will be held at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive, at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob's name to the Grace Hospice Foundation. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2015