Bob was born December 9, 1945, in Gimli, Manitoba.  He passed away from glioblastoma on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.  His brother Ian, his father Ken, and his mother Rawny predeceased him.  Family left behind to mourn him include his wife, Bernice Bowley, sister Sharon Coote, cousin Dean (and Heather) McDonald, nephew Ian Coote (Jeannette), niece Colleen Steidl (Garth), cousins Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Ava, Reed and Jodi, Bernice’s family, and many close friends and respected colleagues.

Bob grew up in Pine Falls, Manitoba.  As a boy, he was intelligent and mischievous, troublesome with teachers, and ambitious and determined.  He ran one of the largest paper routes in Manitoba, netted and sold minnows, gathered empty beer bottles along the roadside and pumped gas.  As a youth, he worked in the paper mill, but knew he had other skills.

While excelling at baseball and most sports, Bob graduated with a B.A. from St. John’s College in 1967.  He considered a teaching career but decided he would be a lawyer.  He graduated from the University of Manitoba law school in 1970, articled at Fillmore & Riley, and was called to the Bar in 1971.  Throughout his 48-year career at Fillmore Riley, he was a formidable insurance litigation lawyer, renowned for his insightful analysis, thorough preparation, brilliant and devastating cross examinations, and absolute professionalism. 

In 1975, Bob bought a cottage on Shoal Lake, and found his paradise on earth.  He fished, explored the lake system, fixed and renovated, and was always happy to host a social occasion.  He was a competitive curler in his early years as a lawyer.  As a testament to his work ethic and energy, he also managed to become a good golfer, and golfed at Scotland’s historic courses and many other famed courses.  Watching golf and relaying all of the statistics for the last 60 years was an enjoyable pastime. 

Bob and Bernice began our romantic relationship in August, 2001, and made each other happy.  We married in August, 2011, and honeymooned at our favourite place, the cottage on Shoal Lake.  Throughout our glorious time together, we enjoyed the company of family, great friends, fellow travelers, and dogs.  In recent years, he became my eternally patient golf instructor and coach.

Bob was joyful and enthusiastic about most things and committed and caring to those in his inner circle. 

Sincere gratitude is owed to the many health care professionals who shepherded us through this struggle:  Dr. Colin Kazina, the HSC neurosurgery ICU, including Cathy, the neurosurgery ward, including Emmanuela and Ariel, HSC OT, Physiotherapy, Katy at Home Care, the Palliative Care team, the WRHA Palliative Care nurses, and Reliable Home Care personnel.

Donations in Bob’s honour may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Wpg., MB  R3E 0V9

There will be a celebration of Bob’s life on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at the Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Arrangements entrusted to:  Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services