Mr. Robert James Fardoe

After a full and blessed life our beloved father and grandfather, Robert James Fardoe passed away peacefully, with family by his side on Friday, September 22nd at the Victoria General Hospital.

Bob was born on February the 11th, 1938 in Rosser Manitoba to parents Alice and Edwin Fardoe.

He is predeceased by his wife Virginia in 2015, parents Alice and Edwin; sisters Muriel, Edna, Margarette and Janette and brothers Edwin, Archie, Clifford and Ronnie.

Left to celebrate his memory are his sons, Ted (Joanne), Ken(Marnie) and his daughter Heather(Dan) and his seven grandchildren, Alanna, Graeme, Emily, Maris, Carlie, Matthew and Violet, one sister Ruth Cook, brother Roy Fardoe(Betty) and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was the youngest child of eleven children. He grew up on his parent’s Prairie Rose Dairy Farm in Rosser, where the Prairie Rose School now sits. Their energetic farm life was filled with music, singing, and of course hard work.

In 1957 Mom and Dad married and began their lives together, while living most of their lives in Winnipeg, raising three children. They were a dynamic couple and their marriage was a beautiful example of unconditional love, grace, and partnership. Together they instilled strong values and lasting family traditions like Christmas open houses and cherished family recipes. Dad was an extraordinary family man and his devotion to his children and grandchildren was exceptional. He built a home camping trailer for the family and Steep Rock Manitoba became a lake place for many years. In later years with grandchildren the family continued to make memories at Big Whiteshell and Lac du Bonnet and winter family vacations. He was an avid water skier and taught his kids how to ski and had his last ski at age sixty. He also parasailed at age sixty five.

As a young man he played and coached hockey and football and in later years played with the Sir John Franklin Old Timers hockey league. His passions also included aviation which led him to successfully achieving his private pilot’s licence, including a twin engine endorsement. He flew his own aircraft, including a Beach Craft Baron B49 and a Piper Azstec plane, flying for both personal enjoyment and company business up north. Bob was also an auction fanatic. Over the years enough boats were accumulated to fill a boat yard.

Dad had a brilliant mind and was an ethical, successful business man who spent most of his life working in the construction industry. He established a number of companies over the years which led him to the development of Canotech Consultants, a successful three generation business. Dad was still actively and enthusiastically involved in its day to day activities until his recent illness.

Our father lived by example and was known for his compassion, kindness, generosity and his resolute determination to see the best in people, including the vulnerable and disadvantaged. Bob had a very strong faith and accepted the gift of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. His personal relationship with God was his moral compass. He believed in the power of prayer and trusted in God’s promises.

Our Dad was a tremendous blessing to his family and friends. He will be forever cherished.

The family would like to thank Dr. Val Gordon at Cancer Care and the medical team on four north and south at the Victoria General Hospital for their exceptional, professional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest that donations be made to Turning Leaf Inc at 2585 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3JOP5 or online at turningleafservices.ca.