Obituaries

ROBERT (BOB) JAMES NEDOTIAFKO On Monday, August 5, 2013, Robert Bob James Nedotiafko passed away peacefully at Oakview Place Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. Bob was 82 years of age. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Grace Nedotiafko (Skwarek); daughters Terry Lapp (Rennie), Cindy George (Ron and grandchildren Araelya and Carrigan); and son Rob Nedotiafko (Rina and grandchildren Lukas and Dominick). On November 13, 1930 Bob was born in Teulon, Manitoba, and was raised on the family farm in the Armistice District east of Teulon. In his early years he attended Armistice School and later completed high school in Teulon. Bob was a true prairie boy, born and raised in rural Manitoba. It was in this environment that he developed his passions for farming and farm machinery, the land and nature. However, Robert’s real true love came along in Grace. He and Grace were married in 1955 and shortly after came to reside in Winnipeg. At this time, Robert obtained a Diploma in Automotive Mechanics, establishing a career as a mechanic. He spent his entire working career as both an automotive and heavy equipment mechanic, with the last 18 years of his career employed by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND). Through his working life he also continued to farm land east of Teulon. Following retirement in 1998 he found the time to pursue his great passions in life: fishing, hunting, travelling, gardening, carpentry, reading and time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. Bob’s most passionate hobby was fishing, a pursuit that took him to waterways across Manitoba and into northwestern Ontario. He was happiest in his boat, on the water, in search of his next big catch. Together Bob and Grace also enjoyed travelling; conducting many road trips to destinations across North America. He was fascinated by the majestic landscapes of the American Southwest and Rocky Mountains, the destinations for their many travels. Most of their planned excursions resulted from one of his favourite pastimes, reading National Geographic magazine and other travel information sources. Bob was a voracious reader and always had a desire to learn new things and expand his knowledge. In essence, he was an explorer always wondering and wanting to know more about the world. Bob will always be remembered for his twinkling eyes and flashing grin. He had a great sense of humour and wit, always at the ready to share a joke with family or friends. Special times were spent at their home kitchen table over coffee or dinner listening to Bob and being entertained by his story-telling and varied conversation and perspectives, such as why he believed Ford trucks were the best. That was our Bobby! In all, Bob had a great way with people and an ability to carry good conversation with people wherever he was. Bob, you will be forever missed and loved. In compliance with Bob’s wishes, the family will conduct a private service, in his memory, at a future date. The place of Interment will be in St. William’s Cemetery, R.M. of St. Andrews, Manitoba. The Nedotiafko family would like to extend a special thank-you to the excellent staff at Oakview Place. Really, not enough can be said to convey our gratitude for the great care and patience provided to Bob by the dedicated, caring staff. You all treated him like family and for that we are immensely grateful. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba: 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2 (Phone: 1-800-378-6699; online: www.alzheimer.mb.ca). Winnipeg Funeral Director, Richard Wojcik of Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, in care of arrangements wojciksfuneralchapel.com Ph. 204-897-4665Publish Date: Aug 10, 2013ROBERT (BOB) JAMES NEDOTIAFKO On Monday, August 5, 2013, Bob died at the Oakview Place Personal Care Home at the age of 82 years. No formal Funeral Service will be held. A private Family gathering will be held at a later date. A longer obituary notice will follow. Winnipeg Funeral Director, Richard Wojcik of Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, in care of arrangements, wojciksfuneralchapel.com, 204-897-4665.Publish Date: Aug 7, 2013   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on August 10, 2013