My soul mate of 43 years passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, when his heart could not withstand the ravages of COVID.
He leaves behind his wife Dora, son Jim with spouse Kasey and Abby; his daughter Karyn with Sébastien, brother-in-law George, Cam, spouse Cheryl; Alain, spouse Roberta and sister-in-law Monique with spouse Marc. Lastly, the nieces and nephews; Kristine, Steven, Andrea, Genevieve, Darcy, Corey, Phillipe and Rachelle along with their respective spouses and children.
He had numerous family members between the DeGagne, Dupas, Mansell and Bartley families. He also had a bounty of friends throughout the years that we will always cherish.
Bob was an artist and played because he loved music. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of 8 and was diligent to perfect his knowledge of theory. He was fascinated with Chet Atkins and practiced LA Vie en Rose till he was satisfied. Throughout the years he played with various bands starting with friends; Comrie, Phil, Emile, Ken, Brent and Bob Martin.
He started with the Crudi Band in 1972; Shotgun, Sam and the Sparrows in 1978/1979. After a 20 year hiatus, he played Dirty Little Secret, Le Crazy and lots of jam sessions that included many talented friends along with his daughter Karyn as singer.
He was blessed with other lifelong friends, including; Victor, Dwight, Comrie, Bruce, Barry, Edgar, Annette, Kip, Val. Sooz, Kim, Susan, Sylvie, Rick and countless others.
He met Neal and the band The Backaches was created. Through Neal, Bob was introduced to Curtis and Joel and he became part of Cold Hard Cash.
His love of music was second only to his family and friends. He had honour, strong morals and helped those in need. Bob was a big man, with a big smile and an easy friendly demeanour. We hosted many parties, inside and outside and sometimes with the Backaches or Cold Hard Cash entertaining us.
He will be greatly missed by many coworkers from Garda(aka: Loomis and G4 Cash Services) where he worked 32 years
At age 67, Bob was looking forward to our retirement on June 30th so he could enjoy his ZEN garden, day trips and returning to his love of music with friends
We wait for the day we will be together. RIP my #1 derful !!!!
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences using the comment field below.
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On Behalf of everyone at Garda world, we are very sorry for your loss. we not only lost a co-worker we all lost a great friend
Dora and family: We were shocked to hear of Bobs passing.
We met Bob briefly when Cold Hard Cash played in Redvers, Sask. and also made the trip to Reston ,Manitoba to hear them again…
We did meet you Dora at your brother Alains birthday party ( our precious next door neighbors in Redvers) and Alain spoke often and so kindly of you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.. Joyce and Jackie George Redvers
Sending condolences to Bob’s family and friends.
I had the pleasure of working with Bob for almost 30 years, and had him as a partner a couple times. I always enjoyed our conversations while in the truck throughout the days and lately in the office before and after our shifts.
He was friends with everyone and always kind.
He will be missed by all of us
21 years ago, I remember stepping into the ‘Loomis’ garage feeling overwhelmed and intimidated. I remember Bob being one of the 1st to approach and welcome me, perhaps b/c of our family ties, but I believed it was most likely b/c of the characteristics that embodied his personality… considerate, compassionate, generous, knowledgeable and mindful of everyone that surrounded him… Heaven often picks angels for a reason… Rest easy Bobby, Dan Gordon
My heartfelt condolences to you and yours Dora. I’m still in shock from getting the news just a day or so after talking to him on the phone. Bob was one of the nicest and most talented guys I have ever met in my travels through life. It was a pleasure and a privilege to play alongside him in Le Crazy and just recently in the small group that we put together at my place. I will forever miss his patience, talent and pleasant demeanor along with our chats after practice. There’s a rather large hole in a lot of lives right now.
Our heart felt sympathies go far beyond the expression of any words. We have been solid friends with Bob and Dora for many years. We will miss Bob’s smiling face and good natured personality over many meals shared together. We were inspired by Bob’s love of music and his family. Rest easy dear friend.
I was absolutely shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was our Best Man at our wedding over 40 years ago, and Ken knew him years longer. So many happy stories and memories come to mind when thinking of Bob. So much laughter and fun. Thankfully I will always have these memories of all of our times together. My love and condolences go to Dora, Jim and Karyn, and the children, who have lost a good husband, father and grandpa far too soon.
Condolences to your family he was an amazing man! I worked with his wife Dora for years and had the pleasure of seeing Bob driving for Garda World lots. He always recognized me and said hello all the time. I believe the last time I seen Dora and him was at dinner at THE RED TOP a few years back. 🙏🙏Colleen Urban
To say my heart is shattered isn’t enough! Bob was not only our Best Man at our wedding 42 years ago, he was my partner while growing up in the Peg. I met Bob in my late teens through music. He was one of the guitarist in our band Shotgun. His calm, steadfast nature was the glue that held us together. Not only was he great guitar player he was always there for me when I needed advise or support. I have many fond memories of us cruising the streets in his green Monte Carlo blasting the Scorpions or Judas Priest tunes. When he met Dora I knew I had found another similar soul. How I cherish the evenings with Bob and Dora and, my wife, Susan. Staying up until the dawn, sitting around the dinner table, laughing, sharing stories and guzzling coffee! Recent years found us geographically separated and I missed being able to get together in person, but Bob will always be my “Best Man”. My heart goes out to Dora, Jim, Karyn and ther family!
Will always remember Bob’s sense of humor & his great zest for life.I have enjoyed listening to his band Cold Hard Cash as I have a CD of their music which is wonderful to listen to when I need a break from these days of isolation.Will miss him & to his family I send my prayers to you all.
You can publish my e-mail address.Andrew Murphy
Dora I was shock to hear Bob was a great guy and honour to have him has a friend while working at Brinks I would always see him and that good smile he would always have.take care
Bob was one of my best friends. I remember all the good times going to the band practices and parties and driving around the city and camping. He was so much fun to be around and I will never forget all the good times and how he was such a great friend. I will cherish all the memories and until we meet again! Keep on rocking in heaven! My deepest condolences to Dora and Karyn and Jimmy and your family! Love you!
My deepest condolences, thoughts, & prayers to Dora & the whole Cruden family and also condolences from the rest of the staff at Advance Electronics. Bob was always fun to deal with & we always shared a laugh or 2. He will be missed!
Dora I was shock to hear Bob was a great guy and honour to have him has a friend while working at Brinks I would always see him and that good smile he would always have.take care
I fell head over heels in friendship with Bob on Christmas Day in ’73, when – during the early evening – he (along with Phil) came to pick me and my drums up in his blue ’59 Pontiac for a jam session. The whole experience was a gift in itself. And, besides his great talent, nothing could stop me from admiring him for his everlasting smile and sense of humor. A giant of a man indeed, with a kind streak that knows no bounds — no doubt, he’s already got things rockin’ on the other side.
My deepest condolences to Dora and family.
Dora, I was so sorry to hear about Bob. I’m not saying that I have known him a long time, but I knew him when he had a full head of hair.
He was always smiling and made me feel like I was a friend.
I will miss running into you and Bob at the Red Top where Bob would make sure that the BS level was high
Please know that he was a great and talented guy and we will always miss him.
Take care
Dora, Jim and Karyn,
Our deepest condolences to you and your families. Bob and I worked together for many years and were partners on the trucks for years. We had many laughs and talks. He always had a good morning to all with a smile. Bob will be remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.
I am so sorry for the family’s loss, he will be greatly missed and his memories cherished.
My thoughts and prayers to all during this very difficult time.
Dora and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. Every time I saw him at the mall he had a big smile and was such friendly guy.
Thinking of you Dora . Call me sometime.
Ida and Ron
A husband, father, grandpa, friend…., Bob was all of these and so much more. Bob was such an outgoing, friendly soul, so easy to talk and laugh with, his keen sense of humour and easy going attitude always there, welcoming everyone who knew him. We will never forget you, Bob!
Dora, Karyn, Jim, and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on this sad occasion and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Over 20 years ago I was nervous for my first shift with a giant figure known as Bob. I was told “if you want to get on his good side, he likes chocolate and coffee” Our first stop was 7/11, when I put 2 chocolate bars on the dash in front of him he smiled and we were friends ever since. I did come to find later, Bob didn’t have a bad side!!
Dora. I am stunned and saddened at the passing of Bob. I have such good memories of the years we bowled together at Club Laverendye Bowling Lane. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I have also worked with Bob for a good amount of time (23 years). I have also had the pleasure of him being my partner on a few different occasions. However my fondest memories of Bob do not pertain to work.
I also started playing music although much later in life than Bob. I started playing bass guitar but wanted to tinker with writing my own songs. I felt the guitar would be more expressive in that regard.
When I found out Bob played guitar I would constantly bombard him with questions every time I’d see him. He later told me he enjoyed this as he said it “made him stay sharp.” Bob finally said “with these particular questions it sounds like you have more than a passing interest in guitar. Why don’t you learn how to play?” I told him “because I have no one to teach me.” Now Bob could have easily said something along the lines of “well there are tons of lessons on the internet!” But instead big hearted Bob said “why don’t you come over and I’ll show you a few things?” He didn’t have to give me his spare time but did anyway, because that’s who Bob was.
I still remember us sneaking down to his office for my lessons and hearing Dora say “have fun!”. This along with our conversations at work about guitar and other topics will be greatly missed. I still play guitar (although not well). But that is the failings of the student not the teacher, I assure you. But as Bob use to tell me, “as long as you are having fun playing.”
My sincerest condolences to Dora and the family. I will miss you Bob, thanks for everything!
We send our love and condolences and we will hold you all in our hearts. Much love, Mike and Natalie Bonneteau.
Dora, Jim and Karyn,
Bob left y’all much too soon and we are so sorry for your loss. He was
a nice man. I will always remember him smiling!
He will be missed…
Marie, Melissa & Kaitlyn
Dora, Jim(Kasey & Abby) and Karyn(Seb),
We are so very sorry to hear of Bobs sudden passing. All our heart felt condolences to you and your families!
Just remember all the bright memories you were able to cherish with him!
May God Bless & We will keep you all in our prayers.
Phil, Andrea & The Boys
Dearest Dora and family. To say shocked is a bit of an understatement. Amanda and I are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a fantastic person and will be missed. Our sincere condolences and love.
Dora, OMG, I am still deeply saddened and in shock. I had the great pleasure of meeting you, Bob and the kids over 20 years ago through mutual friends Vic and Fay Scarlett. We partied hardy and had some great times, especially in your hot tub (lmao). I will always cherish those great times and memories with your family. Bob was one of a kind, a big teddy bear and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Undoubtedly he and Vic are together now in heaven, keeping watch over us all. Sincere condolences to you Dora, Jim (Kasey & Abby), and my dear Karyn (Seb)💞
Dora & Family, I am very sorry for your loss.
Friendship by Dick Innes
Whether by strange coincidence or divine guidance,
in the course of our life we cross paths with many people.
Some move towards us, others move away.
some we choose to remember: others to forget.
But with a special few we seem to have no choice
for each has made an impact on the other
and their memory will live on forever:
these people we call friends-
you, to me, are such a one.
I moved to Winnipeg in 1976 from small town Saskatchewan. I moved here to get married.Bob took me under his wing and we became amazing friends. Going to the movies, cruising around and going to Mrs. Mikes for burgers.He kept me strong 💞He is the kindest person I have ever met. When I would see him in his work truck he would lock up and come give me a huge hug.Heaven has gained an angel. You will be missed.
I got to know Bob through my brother-in-law Ken when they both decided to coach our Agriculture girls base ball team. They were great coaches and we had so much fun. That was 40 years ago. I remember at Ken’s & Susan’s wedding and Bob was their best man. For some reason we couldn’t get into a room and someone decided to climb from one balcony to another to get into the room. I believe Bob was that person. I kept track of Bob through my son Dan who also worked for Garda.
Having lost my husband a month ago my heart goes out to you. My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
Bob was my cousin. My mother (Florence Bartley formerly: Tremblay) was his aunt and our family adored Bob Cruden and his wife Dora and their children. I have lived away from Winnipeg for 36 years, however when I would see Bob at a family function, he was always the same big friendly and happy soul.
I want to say how sorry I am to Dora and her children and extended family. This should not have happened and words cannot express how painful it is for everyone who ever met Bob to hear of his passing.
Dora and her kids have lost one of the finest people one could possibly meet. Please take as much comfort as you can that the memories and love of Bob live on forever in anyone who ever met him, and he lives on through his children and grandchildren.
We will all meet again. I want to hear Bob play La Vie en Rose again someday.
Murray & Joann Bartley
I had the honorable privilege of meeting Bob through GardaWorld. Bob was a gem of a human being who embodied the words “likeable” and “approachable” and was easy to get lost in conversations with. Whether the convos be light and aloof comical nonsense or deep passionate convos about the world we live in and our chosen forms of expression within it Bob had a conversational answer for me at every turn. Due to a serious injury I sustained myself I never did get to have one more comical or musical convo with him, but I hope to in the next life. RIP Bob