ROBERT (BOB) MONKMAN

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ROBERT (BOB) MONKMAN

July 27, 1955 - December 5, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Monkman after a difficult battle with cancer.



He will be lovingly remembered by those he leaves behind, wife Kelly; children Cole (Courtney), Kyle, and Dana; granddaughters Devon, Aiden, and Aylen; brother Bud (Gail); sisters Belle (Art), Marie, Peggy, and Kathy; in-laws Ron and Sophie Zenchyshyn; brother-in-law Brent (Lori); numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.



Bob was predeceased by his parents Garfield and Gladys; sister Eileen; brother Curtis, and brothers-in-law Bill (Peggy) and George (Marie).



Bob was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, while his parents were living in Loon Straits on Lake Winnipeg. Over the years the family lived in Island Lake, Stonewall, and then Grand Rapids.



Being the son of a commercial fisherman, trapper, and bush pilot, Bob learned to love all things outdoors at an early age. In the late 1960s, their dad flew Bob and his brother Bud into Washahigan Lake, leaving them there to cut logs to build their fishing lodge. Once the lodge was running, Bob would spend his summers there guiding American guests.



As a teenager, Bob attended Charleswood High School in Winnipeg. It was there that he excelled in sports, playing hockey for the Charleswood Hawks, Brandon Travellers, St. James Canadians and Brandon Wheat Kings. In the summers, he also pitched fastball for various teams.



He was very proud of his 40-year career at Manitoba Hydro. Starting as a Station Operator Trainee at the Kettle Generating Station in Gillam, he advanced over the years holding many training, supervisory and management positions in both Gillam and Winnipeg.



While living in Gillam, Bob enjoyed the life of a real outdoor enthusiast; tending to a trapline, spending time at the A-frame cabin on Stevens Lake; canoeing up the Kettle River or boating down the Nelson River to York Factory were just a few of the things he liked to do.



Like his dad and many of his relatives, Bob had a keen interest in aviation and obtained his private pilot's license. Shortly after, he purchased a Super Cub on floats and experienced many flying adventures in Northern Manitoba.

In the early 1980s, Bob, along with his dear friend Andy Johnson, started Monkman Outfitting at Stupart Lake. Over the years, with the help of close friends, Bob grew the camp and has guided many moose hunters to a successful hunt.



After spending many years in Gillam, Bob and Kelly built a home in Oakbank. While living there, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting, often spending weekends in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. He looked forward to annual fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, caribou hunts in South Indian Lake, and spending time at the deer hunting camp near Badger. He loved going out to Loon Straits, spending time on the lake, relaxing at “The Shack,” and helping relatives with their projects.



Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, proud father and grandfather, caring brother, and a true friend.



The family would like to thank friends and neighbors for all their support throughout Bob’s illness. Also, a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and health care providers for their care and compassion.



Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends desire to honor Bob’s life, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba at www.cancercare.mb.ca.



As per Bob’s wishes, a graveside service will be held at Loon Straits at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 10th.

So when tomorrow starts without me

don’t think we’re far apart.

For every time you think of me

I’m right here in your heart.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 09, 2023, Dec 09, 2023