With heavy hearts, we announce that Robert Laurance Christle passed away September 22nd, 2021 in the Riverview Health Centre at the age of 82 years.

 

Bob was born July 17, 1939 to Thomas Christle and Kathleen Christle (Wallace). He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Audrey; children, Dan (Pam), Kathy (Stuart), and Erin (Mark); as well as grandchildren, Sara, Joshua, Keegan, McKenzie, McKyla, Annabella, and Carter.

 

Bob grew up in Winnipeg and graduated from Daniel McIntyre High School.  He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1962 and then Bob joined the Children’s Aid Society. In 1966, he obtained his Masters Degree in Social Work and returned to the agency where he served in a variety of supervisory and administrative capacities until 1978. He then joined the Social Planning Division for the City of Calgary.

 

The family moved to Brandon in 1981 where Bob worked with Western Child and Family Services as the Program Director of Family and Support Services until 1995 whereby he moved to North West Child and Family Services as a Director of Services. He then chose to work as a supervisor until he retired in 2005 with Winnipeg Child and Family Services.

 

After retirement he went on to work with the Office of the Children’s Advocate and did a variety of work with other agencies and completing assessments.

 

Throughout his career, Bob served on a variety of boards and played a significant role in many social services organizations. He enjoyed his “acting career” with the Standardized Patient Program though the University of Manitoba and many years as a member of a few curling communities.

 

Bob was well known for his caring and supportive leadership. He was always there for those who worked for and with him and had a gift for drawing out their best qualities. Bob provided guidance and knowledge freely.

 

Bob and Audrey were married on September 14, 1963. They celebrated 58 wonderful years together. Bob and Audrey had three children and seven grandchildren. Anyone who knew him, could see how much Bob loved his wife, and his dedication to his family was obvious. Bob took immense joy in being a grandfather and his grandchildren were the light of his life. His children and grandchildren are the first to tell anyone that he had endless patience, kindness, affection and was an amazing listener, no matter how small the issue.

 

Bob will forever be remembered for his gentle guidance, and his quiet contributions to his community. He was a gentle, kind, patient soul who avoided recognition and attention.  He will be heartbreakingly missed.

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

 

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, a private celebration of Bob’s life was held amongst close family and friends.

 

Bob’s family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.