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ROBERT (BOB) PUBLOW Obituary pic ROBERT (BOB) PUBLOW Obituary pic

ROBERT (BOB) PUBLOW

Born: Jan 02, 1926

Date of Passing: Apr 05, 2020

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ROBERT (BOB) PUBLOW

Robert (Bob) Publow, beloved husband of Joan Publow, passed away peacefully April 5, 2020, at Oakview Place.
He was predeceased by his wife Joan; his parents Flora and Ray Publow; and his sisters, Doreen Hogins and Verna Melanson. He is survived by his sister Muriel Loeppky; daughter Shelagh (Ned Basher); son Jon (Lisa); grandchildren, Miranda (Matt), Rob, and Evan (Sanna) Publow, Brett Basher (Irina); and brother-in-law Michael Beck; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was born January 2, 1926. He graduated from Gordon Bell before he enlisted in the navy. After the war he returned to Winnipeg to study pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1950 at the start of the great flood.
He worked in the pharmacy of Grace Hospital before moving to the Manitoba Health Services Commission. After serving 15 years there and additional courses in hospital administration, he was recruited to be the business administrator at The Cancer Foundation under Director Lionel Israels with whom he had a good working relationship and close friendship.
After a four year engagement so Joan could complete her nursing degree, they were married on May 31, 1952. They raised their two children in a loving home.
Bob had a deep love of music and a beautiful bass baritone voice. He was a soloist at Knox United Church. He sang the lead in "The Most Happy Fella" at Rainbow Stage with his young co-star, Len Cariou.
Bob also sang at The Hollow Mug with many of the city's best singers. His rendition of "Old Man River" rivalled Robeson's.
He sang oratorio for the CBC, notably "Messiah" with the Edmonton Symphony.
He and Joan were blessed to spend the last years of their 70 year relationship together at Oakview Place where they were given exceptional care and love by the wonderful staff there. We thank the staff for their special care during Dad's last days when we were unable to visit him or say goodbye.
A private family internment will take place when we are again able to gather to pay our last respects.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2020

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • Heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family. I was so sorry to learn yesterday of his passing. This is such a tragic time to lose a loved one, too. Bob was a member of my family’s musical universe and I remember his performances at the Hollow Mug. He was a super person and a wonderful singer! I’ve been away from Winnipeg for a long time but there are always people you think about and smile. Bob is one of those people and I will cherish my memories of him. - Posted by: Carla Lother (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2020

  • When Knox church still had a choir my husband and I loved to hear him sing. When he retired from the choir I would always sit behind him and Joan so that I could hear him sing and follow the hymns. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and not be able to pay my final respects to him and your family. - Posted by: Doreen Amadatsu (friend) on: Apr 19, 2020

  • Shelagh, our thoughts be with you. we had many happy memories of Mr. Publow and Joan, at Knox United Church. thank you for Bob's memories of sending flower to me at Xmas time. Grace be with you. Yoshi and Hiroko - Posted by: (Rev) Yoshi,Hiroko Masaki (Knox Minister) on: Apr 14, 2020

  • Jon: Sorry about your dad's passing. Condolences from our family. - Posted by: Neill Thompson (School friend.) on: Apr 13, 2020

  • Please accept my condolences Shelagh and Jon and family. I'm grateful for having had the chance to visit back in 2017 with mom. Uncle Bob always seemed "larger than life" to me when I was a kid, so jovial and happy. He spread it around. I so admired his devotion to Aunt Joan. Eric - Posted by: Eric (Nephew) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • Shelagh and Jon our thoughts are with you. Seeing your fathers picture and obituary in today's paper brought back so many fond memories of growing up next door on Bruce Avenue. His smile is so memorable. Our family was fortunate to hear your dad practicing in the basement when the windows were open- what a booming voice. Attending the Hollow Mug and Rainbow stage to watch his performances was a great treat. The ultimate however was our wedding gift, your dad singing Ava Maria at our ceremony. What a wonderful life well lived, memories do last forever. God Bless from Dan, Loretta and the entire Carpick family. - Posted by: DAN CARPICK (Neighbour) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • Uncle Bob's smile and deep voice are fond memories I have of him. I always enjoyed our family visits to Winnipeg. I wish there had been more. He and Aunt Joan were lucky to have had such a loving and long relationship together. Treasure the memories. Condolences from Ontario. - Posted by: Nancy Beck (niece (in-law)) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • Shelagh,Jon and familys.Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your Dad.As a next door neighbor for many years growing up I have many nice memories of you guys andyour mom and dad.Your dad's voice booming out of the basement windows when he was practising his singing,your mom's always cheery smiles,epic croquet games in your back yard.It was nice to hear your mom and dad got to spend their later years together. - Posted by: dave carpick (family friend) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • Helen and I remember with fondness our friendship with Bob and Joan at Knox Church and in the health care field. Special memories are of the booming baritone at HSC Christmas celebrations filling the huge room with "O, holy night". On one great occasion, Bob joined the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in the Centennial Concert Hall with "Behold, the sea itself" - Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony. One could almost visualize the sea from the middle of the prairies. - Posted by: David Lyttle (Friend and colleague) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • Bob and Joan both sang in the Knox choir where my husband,Barry Anderson was the organist and choir master. Barry also worked with Bob at the Hollow Mug and many other musical events. I sat beside Joan in the choir for many years. Bob was the soloist at our wedding. Nobody could sing the Lord's Prayer like him! We spent many happy times together at their home and at our cottage. I send my love and prayers to all the family. - Posted by: Alexis Anderson (Family friend) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • As a young part-time caretaker in 1975, I first met Bob and Joan at Knox Church, when Bob came to practice a solo on a Saturday morning. As I dusted the pews, I sat and listened. What an amazing voice! Bob and Joan were an absolutely amazing couple and I miss them both! - Posted by: Eugene Dahl (Acquaintance) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • My parents were friends of the family, especially Muriel. Mo arranged for Bob to sing at my wedding in 1974. His voice was truly a gift and a highlight of that day. Condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Karen (Jensen) Dewar (Acquaintance of family) on: Apr 11, 2020

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

3030 Notre Dame Ave (Map)
Ph: 2049492200 | Visit Website

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