Obituary of ROBERT WILLIAM VANSTONE

ROBERT “BOB” WILLIAM VANSTONE

 

 

In the early morning of December 17th, 2020, with his family at his side, Robert Vanstone passed away quietly in his own home at the age of 83 years old.

 

Robert was affectionately known as Bob by his immediate family, and lovingly called Rob by his siblings. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his loving wife Joan of 61 years, their children, Ross who is in Heaven; Laurie and her children Riley, Mitchell and Julia; Lorne (Cara) of Calgary, Alberta and all of the grandpuppies Daisy, Milo, Byfuglien, and Kahlua . Bob’s family was his pride and joy, and the children meant the world to him.

 

Bob was born on March 14th, 1937 in the family home on Beverly Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the youngest of six children and is survived by his brother Marty (Joan) of Vancouver, British Columbia, brother in law Lorne (and family) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, plus numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his oldest son Ross William Vanstone, parents Samuel and Ellen Vanstone, siblings Bert, Emily, Muriel and Verna.

 

Bob started working for the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission as a young adult and finally retired after working there for 52 years. He shared many amusing stories about the people he met along the way and was interviewed by the Winnipeg Free Press about his many years with the MLCC.

           

Bob loved spending his summers at the family cottage that he built in Lakeshore Heights, Manitoba. Together with his family they spent every summer there, sharing laughter and memories with close friend Lloyd Southam and family. Driving the boat, teaching all the children how to water ski, golfing in Pine Falls, playing football on the gravel road in front of their cottage and puttering around the cottage on his riding lawnmower.

           

After retirement, Bob and Joan celebrated many vacations and family holidays in Hawaii, Florida and his son’s wedding in Mexico. Nothing meant more to Bob than just spending time with his family.

           

Bob’s home away from home was always the hockey rink. Minor hockey was his passion and he was very involved with Winnipeg Minor hockey for over 45 years as a dedicated timekeeper, assignor, and mentor to many young officials. He spent many evenings timekeeping for the River East Royal Knights, and was a household name around all of the arenas. He most recently received the Hockey Manitoba Regional award for Most Deserving Official.

           

The family would like to say special thanks and gratitude to the Palliative care team, nurse Anita and the Home Care assistants David, Murray and Alan. Their expertise and extra loving touch made Bob’s last few days at home a comforting and peaceful transition.

           

Bob personally wanted to say a special thank you to all of his family, friends, and lifelong hockey pals for giving him such a full and blessed life.

           

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

           

No formal service will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at later time in the summer of 2021.

 

Bob, we love you, rest in peace.

God has you in his keeping

We have you in our hearts.