W. ROBERT MACKIE

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W. ROBERT (BOB) MACKIE It is with heavy hearts and sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend on the evening of Wednesday, May 25, 2016. He will be lovingly missed by daughter Cindy (Renald) and son Brent (Bev); grandchildren Justin (LinLin), Trevor (Cindi) and Dennis (Jessica); great-grandchildren Chloe, Tristin, Dominic and Alex; and brother Dale. Also missing him are sister-in-law Lynda (Gil), brothers-in-law Ernie Orpin and Dennis Sutton, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and too many friends from his life's travels to mention. Dad was predeceased by the love of his life and our mother Joyce in 2013, after 59 wonderful years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents Harry, mother Annie, stepmother Eva, mother-in-law Gertrude, sisters-in-law Tillie Jewsbury, Eyvonne Templeton, Cecile Sutton, Mae Orpin, and brother-in-law Fred Trumbley. Dad was born on August 19, 1933 in Winnipeg and spent his early years growing up in Oak Bluff, MB. At the age of 18, Dad began his career with Canadian Pacific Railway at the One Spot in Winnipeg. Dad was a goal setter, and after a few years of learning his trade set his target to become a Master Mechanic. He was transferred to Thunder Bay, ON where in 1981 he was appointed General Car Foreman. His career blossomed in Thunder Bay and he became a very respected Manager. Dad treated all his employees as his own family, he was a mentor, friend, and confidante. Four years later he was transferred to Saint John, NB where he was appointed to that dream position of Master Mechanic. A career advancement then resulted in a relocation to Toronto and the position of Manager, Car Maintenance based in Union Station. Dad retired in 1993 after 42 years of loyal and dedicated service. Dad was loved by all the people he had the pleasure to work alongside and that will be his legacy at CP Rail. In retirement and throughout life, Dad and Mom loved to travel. There were numerous car trips across Canada to visit relatives and friends, to Albertville, MN, and Amish country, to New Zealand, Australia, and of course, their beloved Maui, Hawaii. Above all else Dad was a dedicated family man. Aside from all his career accomplishments, family was number one. Dad was always there to attend all of our activities, even while working the swing shift in our early years. As well, Dad was a jack-of-all trades and always there with tools in hand. No job was too small or unachievable. Dad was a perfectionist to a T and when he finished we knew he had put all he had into whatever project we asked him to help us with. All of this while completing Mom's many projects due to all of their moves. If there was a job needing completion, Dad would be there to lend his expertise and get the job done to perfection. He would do anything for his immediate and extended family, and friends. Dad was also fiercely competitive. Win or go home was his mantra. Whether it was fastball in his younger days, Oldtimers hockey with his friends at Sir John Franklin CC, club curling, Master's curling in Ste. Anne, MB, or a game of cards, you had your hands full with Dad. Dad was a huge fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Goldeyes and Winnipeg Jets. If there was a game on TV, Dad was in his chair watching. Dad's smile lit up every room he walked into, along with his ability to make friends with everyone he met. He was a compassionate, loving, friendly, approachable, caring and wonderful man. Dad we love you and will carry you in our hearts forever. Reunited with Mom, watching over all of us. Happy and treasured memories will be entrenched in our hearts always. Mom and Dad had a favorite saying: "Across the years I have walked with you in deep green forests, on shores of sand and when our time on earth is through, in heaven too you will have my hand." We would like to thank all the nurses, health care aides and all the staff of Charleswood Care Home for their wonderful care of our Dad the past three years. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 171 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1M4 in our father's memory, or to a charity of your choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2016