Robert Benedictson – July 18th, 1939 to March 16th, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband and father. He died peacefully with his family by his side.
Bob is survived by his wife Rose, daughters; Tanis (Cam) Scott and Trina (Jarett) Reid, grandchildren; Tanner MacDonald and Jenna Reid, siblings; Ernie (Eva) Benedictson, Judy Monkman, Elwyn (Sharon) Benedictson, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Bob grew up on his parents’ farm east of Lundar where he learned his strong work ethic. He started his career as a mechanic at Danielson’s Garage where he met his wife of 55 years when her Dad sent her to town with a flat tire. She rolled it up to the shop and Bob dashed out to meet this tall woman who was obviously meant for him. They married in ‘67 and started their family a few years later while living in Winnipeg.
He spent many years as a diesel mechanic before shifting gears in ’78 and becoming a teacher in Portage where he taught Power Mechanics at Arthur Meighen High School for 20 years until his retirement…but Bob didn’t really know how to retire. He continued to work for many years doing odd jobs for people needing a hand with a new roof or renovation, and even dusting off his Class 1 license to drive truck for over a decade. He also sold and installed central vacuums as a sideline for most of his working years. One full time job was never enough to keep Bob occupied. He could often also be found working in the garden or on DIY projects when he was at home. He didn’t have a lot of down time, so it was very fortunate that he possessed a magical skill to fall asleep anytime, anywhere, within minutes of finding a comfortable spot to stretch out. When asked if he was sleeping he would reply, “I was just checking my eyelids for cracks!”
Despite his busy life, Bob was always willing to lend a hand no matter what you needed. He was generally the first to step up, often without being asked, even if he didn’t know you from a hole in the ground. There were many occasions he stopped to MacGyver a solution for someone broken down on the side of the road, or a “neighbour” in whatever campground he was staying at. Bob would talk to anyone and try to make a friend. It didn’t even matter if they could understand English or not.
Music was huge in Bob’s life, starting out playing at stags in Lundar with childhood friends. He didn’t have any formal training and didn’t read music but played by ear and could figure out any song or instrument he tried. He loved to play one of his many guitars every chance he had and would spend hours playing in the basement or pickin’and grinnin’ with good friends at the school, at a dance or in a campground. Bluegrass was his number one hobby.
Bob was also an avid sports fan. He loved to follow curling, the Bombers and the Jays, but he was most passionate about the return of the Jets. When the phone rang at the end of a game, it was a sure sign the Jets had won and Bob was keen to celebrate with some post game analysis.
Bob was one of a kind, salt of the earth, a favourite teacher and uncle, a friend to all who knew him, an all round lovable guy. He will be dearly missed by many.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob’s name to the St Boniface Hospital Foundation, 409 Tache Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 or to the charity of one’s choice.
A Memorial Service will be held at Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Rd. S, Portage la Prairie on Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:00 p.m. Lunch and fellowship to follow the service at the Herman Prior Centre, 40 Royal Rd. N, Portage la Prairie.
Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com
Omega Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.