Robert Howell Jones

Robert Howell Jones died peacefully on April 15, 2012 at Deer Lodge Centre. He was the beloved husband of Thelma Winnington Jones who predeceased him on December 24, 2008, and he is survived by his daughters Diane Jones (Jim Ripley and their children Robert, Thomas, Douglas and Jane), Barbara Jones, and Lorraine Stone (Ken Stone and their children Lauren, Jamie, Michael and Stephen) and his sister-in-law Ann Jones and nieces and nephews, including his godson, Douglas Jones.

Bob was born on January 31, 1925 to Daniel and Nellie Jones and was raised in Winnipeg with his elder brother Danny (January 31, 1989). He attended Victoria Albert, Hugh John McDonald and was a proud past president and graduate of Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He enlisted in the RCAF in 1943 and trained as a navigator. He returned to Winnipeg at war’s end and enrolled at the University of Manitoba, graduating from the Faculty of Commerce in 1948 at the age of 23. Bob joined Investors Syndicate, as it then was, in 1948 as securities analyst. Thus began a career with Investors during which time he held the positions of manager, Vice-President, President and Chief Executor Officer and Chairman of the Board, retiring in 1991. He played a significant role in the development of the mutual fund industry in Canada.

Bob also served as a director of Investors Group, Power Corporation, Great-West Life, TransCanada Pipelines, Inspiration Resources, United Canadian Shares’ and a number of other Canadian public companies.

Bob’s commitment to the community was reflected in his support of many charitable endeavors and his service on the boards of the Health Sciences Board and its Foundation, on the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents and as Chair of the Sinking Fund Trustees of the Winnipeg School Division, and others.

Bob was a member of the Manitoba Club and St. Charles Country Club. A southpaw, he loved to play golf, although he always said he was never any good at it. The time he and Thelma spent in Sarasota, Florida gave him the opportunity for much needed practice.

Bob and Thelma met on a basketball court when he coached a ladies team at Great-West Life. Their 58 year marriage was grounded by an abiding love and respect for each other that created a wonderful family life for their grateful daughters. The importance of treating others with kindness, respect and generosity was shown in the quiet example they consistently set.

Bob has been the beneficiary of outstanding care and continuing compassion since July, 2009 while on Tower 7, “the Veterans’ Floor” at Deer Lodge Centre. His family remains ever grateful for the kindness, respect and generosity shown to Bob and them by all members of the Tower 7 staff.

The funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street, Winnipeg on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Flowers are gratefully declined, and in lieu thereof donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, 2109 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0L3.