ROLAND (RED) ROBERT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROLAND ROBERT
(RED)
October 28, 1940 ~ December 21, 2019

With extreme sorrow, we announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather and friend Roland Robert. With loved ones at his side, Roland passed away peacefully at the age of 79, at Concordia Hospital on December 21, 2019.
Born in Saint Boniface on October 28, 1940, Roland was the only child of Paul and Laura (Bourbonnière) Robert. Roland married the love of his live, Bernadette (Jolicoeur), on July 10, 1965. Together, Roland and Bernadette raised daughter Charmaine (Cliff) and Richard (Joanne). With the exception of a brief relocation to Québec in the late 1960s, Roland and Bernadette always proudly called Saint Boniface and Norwood home. They often frequented their favourite neighbourhood establishment 'Mrs. Mikes'. Following a short career in sales, Roland refocused and dedicated the remainder of his career to teaching and education. He graduated from Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface and University of Manitoba. All the while striving to better his students, he held numerous roles throughout many years: high school teacher, curriculum resource developer, principal, teacher librarian, board and committee member, consultant, public servant. Impassioned by literature, arts and culture, he also played key roles in extracurricular and fundraising activities with students at Ecole Précieux-Sang in drama/theatre, band, logo design and years of pancake breakfasts in conjunction with Festival du Voyageur.
With a larger than life personality and laugh, Roland (or 'Red' as known to those close to him) had the uncanny ability to befriend essentially everyone with whom he came into contact. Roland held extremely close friendships with others, in numerous instances spanning multiple decades and reaching as far back as adolescence.
Roland's love for his children and family extended to new generations. His love, dedication and sheer presence in the lives of his five beloved grandchildren is nothing short of remarkable. The lives of Chantale, Codey, Sara, Félix and Ella are enriched and inspired by the example set forth by their cherished 'Pepère'. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law George Jolicoeur (Lynda) of Seattle.
Aside from the tremendous support of family and friends, the immediate family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all staff, medical and otherwise, at Saint Boniface Hospital and Concordia Hospital for the care and compassion extended to Roland.

ROLAND ROBERT

Né à Saint-Boniface le 28 octobre 1940, Roland fils unique de Paul et Laura (Bourbonnière) Robert. Roland a épousé l'amour de sa vie Bernadette (Jolicoeur) le 10 juillet 1965. Ensemble Roland et Bernadette ont élevé leur fille Charmaine (Cliff) et leur fils Richard (Joanne). À l'exception d'un bref séjour au Québec à la fin des années soixante, Roland et Bernadette ont toujours fièrement appelé Saint-Boniface et Norwood leur chez-eux. Ils ont souvent fréquenté leur établissement préféré du voisinage : Mrs Mikes. Suite à un court passage dans le domaine de la vente, Roland a réorienté et dédié sa carrière à l'enseignement et à l'éducation. Il a gradué du Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface et de l'Université du Manitoba. Toujours en vue d'améliorer le sort de ses élèves, il a occupé plusieurs fonctions au cours de sa carrière : enseignant au niveau secondaire, coordonnateur de la production de matériel pédagogique, directeur, enseignant bibliothécaire, membre du bureau divisionnaire et de différents comités, consultant et fonctionnaire. Passionné de littérature, des arts et de culture, il a joué un rôle prépondérant dans l'organisation d'activités parascolaires et de prélèvement de fonds avec les élèves de l'école Précieux-Sant soit en théâtre, harmonie, dessin de logo ainsi que plusieurs années d'organisation de déjeuners aux crêpes en collaboration avec le Festival du Voyageur.
Muni d'une personnalité plus grande que nature et d'un rire communicatif, Roland (ou Red tel que connu de ses amis les plus proches) avait une extraordinaire facilité à se lier d'amitié avec les gens de son entourrage. Roland a su maintenir de franches amitiés avec beaucoup de gens s'étallant sur plusieurs décennies remontant même jusqu'à son adolescence.
A celebration of Roland's life will take place on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Église Précieux-Sang, 200 Kenny Street, Winnipeg, MB.
A private interment will be held summer 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Saint Boniface Hospital and/or Concordia Hospital.

Merci cher père.
Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai…

Family and friends may sign a
Book of Condolence at
www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Desjardins Funeral Home
204-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2020