Obituary of GARWOOD ERNEST LESLIE ROBB

Garwood Robb
December 5, 1947 – April 27, 2025

Garwood Ernest Leslie Robb passed away on April 27, 2025 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Garwood was born on December 5, 1947, the only child of Melvin and Christina Robb of Grandview, Manitoba. He was educated in Grandview and later attended the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg. He began his teaching career in 1968 in Thompson, Manitoba, where he spent four years before moving to Winnipeg. He earned his Bachelor of Education degree in 1974 and his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978.

Garwood devoted 34 years to education, serving as a teacher, principal, and vice principal within the Seven Oaks School Division. Throughout his career, he was actively involved in educational leadership—serving as President of the Seven Oaks Teachers’ Association and as a long-time member of its Executive. He was a passionate advocate for professional development and mentored many new teachers from the Faculty of Education, proudly following their accomplishments. He retired in June 2002.

On November 11, 1972, Garwood married Marilyn Sobie. They had two sons, Trevor David and Lauren Conrad. Garwood was a supportive and steady presence in their lives—never interfering, but always encouraging. He took great pride in their successes and the men they became, cherishing not only his role as a father but also the friendship he shared with each of them.

He was a life-long learner with a deep love of reading, writing, history, and geography—particularly drawn to biographies and non-fiction. For eight years, he volunteered at CancerCare Manitoba (2004–2012) as payback for the wonderful care they gave to his late wife, Marilyn.

Garwood wrote a weekly column for over twenty years for the Grandview Exponent, and later for The Plain View. He was the author of two books, Paper Boy Chronicles (2019) and My Brother Was An Only Child (2021), and loved traveling through Europe, seeing places he’d only read about in history books. He visited his favorite city—New York—seven times. In his retirement, Garwood enjoyed photography, writing, following the news, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. He was also an active member of his condo community, serving on the Board of Directors of the South of the Border Condo Corporation for seven years, including four years as President.

He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Christina (Teenie) Robb in 1985; his wife Marilyn in 1997; his cousin Audrey Cooper; several close friends including David McVey, Brian Ames and Ernie Burdeniuk, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Garwood is survived by his second wife, Judy (née Olearnek), whom he married in 2001; his son Trevor (wife Sonia), and son Lauren (wife Andrea); his grandsons Quentin, Brayden (significant other Melissa), Xander, and Caiden (significant other Marina); and his cherished granddaughter Kylann Elizabeth (significant other Michael). He is also survived by his cousin Carol Davidson of Kelowna, BC; and second cousins Sandra Reimer of Gimli, MB and Barb Olmstead of Edmonton, AB.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, Garwood would appreciate donations in his memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room 1204, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or to the Grandview Personal Care Home, Box 130, Grandview, MB R0L 0Y0.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, on May 5, 2025, at 1:00pm with a private family interment at a later date.

Special thanks to the dedicated and compassionate staff at Grace Hospital for the care they provided throughout Garwood’s final days