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ROBERT LEONARD STANLEY VIPOND (BOB)
Born: Jul 25, 1952
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT LEONARD STANLEY VIPOND Surrounded by much love, Robert Leonard Stanley Vipond (Bob) peacefully left this world after a lengthy battle with many health conditions. Our hearts are broken at the loss of him, but we know he is no longer suffering and is reunited with his loving and much-missed parents. Bob was born on July 25, 1952, to Len and Cicely Vipond. He was the only son of five children. Bob was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth. Despite facing obstacles and prejudice, he lived a happy and fulfilled life. Indeed, his life reminded his family that finding joy is best accomplished when focused on the simple things. Bob grew up in Winnipeg's North End and attended both Kinsmen and Argyle Schools. He went on to work as a cleaner at West Kildonan Auto for many years. When his physical abilities changed, he moved onto participating at Work and Social Opportunities Inc. (WASO), which he enjoyed immensely. Bob was a talented bowler and successfully competed in the Special Olympics. He also spent Saturday mornings at the alleys with his friends. Bob loved his TV time. WWF/WWE, old martial arts movies, TV series like MASH, All in the Family and Little House on the Prairie; and cartoons, especially Pokemon, were among his favourites. He could always be found watching one of these with either a Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi in hand. Bob was the family prankster and joker. If he visited your house, you were bound to find coat hangers under your blankets or tissues stuffed into the toes of your shoes. He always had a joke to tell and loved to flirt, especially with his home care workers and hospital nurses. Two of his greatest joys were "taking the transit bus" and becoming an official senior when he turned 65. As a proud Canadian, he had a large collection of Canada hats, bags, stickers and flags. Bob is survived by his four sisters: Linda, Barb, Sheila (Chris) and Kathleen (Mike); numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews; Aunt Vivian and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brother-in-law Harold, great-nephew Corby, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Thank you to Dr. Nolan Finlayson and the staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital for their care of Bob over the last few years. Bob, it was a great honour to be your family. You enriched our lives in immeasurable ways and will be forever missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre at 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2019
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I knew and worked with Robert Vipond (Bob) through work. (WORK AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES). He was nice to me and showed me pictures that he colored. I always saw him cleaning his glasses with glasses cleaner. R.I.P. ROBERT VIPOND. (BOB) ⚰⚱🕯 - Posted by: Courtney Cook (co-worker at WORK AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES) (Co-worker) on: Feb 13, 2019
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I've known the Franczyk family for over a decade. I always looked forward to seeing "Uncle Bob" at family gatherings because he was always so happy to see me and made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. I now have come to realize that he made every girl feel that way :-). Uncle Bob was funny, kind and true to himself. I admired him for living his life on his terms in spite of his disability. I also admire and respect his family -especially his sisters who have always been there for him and selflessly took care of him all these years. I know Bob's parents would be proud of the love and care his sisters and the rest of the family shared with him. My dad used to work as a nurse in England with children who had Down's Syndrome. He said it was the most rewarding role he had ever had. I wish my dad would've met Bob. He would have enjoyed his jokes and would've loved to watch wrestling with him. I'm sure they would have been good pals! I am humbled by Bob's legacy. He was happy with family and those hobbies that gave him true joy. I aspire to remember the real things that matter in life and to appreciate the beauty in everything...like Uncle Bob. He will truly be missed. - Posted by: Sandra (Friend of family) on: Feb 13, 2019
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I remember Uncle Bob asking if he could have the first dance with me at my wedding (after the traditional bride & groom dance). He was nervous I would say no, and he was so thrilled when I said of course! And he was a great dance partner! Uncle Bob, you always made me smile and laugh. I love how you would call us funny nicknames, never forget our birthdays, always bought us Halls throat drops and Canada flags, and always asked how our kids were doing. Even when you were being a 'grumpy old man', you'd still try to steal a kiss and then laugh. I'll miss your humour and your laugh! - Posted by: Leah (Niece) on: Feb 09, 2019
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I have many great memories of Uncle Bob chasing me around when I was little wanting hugs and kisses. He was a great man, always saw him walking around or at the bus stop as I was getting older. I’d always stop and talk to him. As I got older he would call me little Bonnie (after my mom). My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. - Posted by: Aisha Dewald (Friend of the family ) on: Feb 09, 2019
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Uncle Bob was a hilarious man. It was a pleasure to know him. He will be missed by many. - Posted by: Norm (Nephew ) on: Feb 09, 2019
