BOBBIE KNOWLES

Bobbie died peacefully at home on her 79th birthday, April 23, 2026, held by her love Cathe, with PK and Ruby her beloved Yorkies by her side. She was a truly unique and remarkable woman, a masterful storyteller with a wry sense of humour, especially known for her legendary animal stories.

Born Barbara Ann Knowles in Winnipeg in 1947 to Margaret & William Knowles, Bobbie survived major surgery as a newborn, beginning a life marked by resilience and curiosity. She and her mother went overseas for a year in 1950 to Galashiels in Scotland, her mother’s homeland, where she loved meeting and being with her relatives. Throughout the years, Bobbie’s Scottish accent showed up whenever she was tired or had a bit too much Drambuie, her signature drink.

The best parts of her childhood were spent on Ottermere Lake during the summer, where she and her parents took the train every weekend to build their cabin on the CN rail line. Her love of animals began in the wilderness of the lake community where she talked about spending her days out in the bush, meeting and caring for various creatures and fishing with her dad. This was also the beginning of her interest in woodworking and building, as she helped her dad build their cottage from a very early age.

She attended Sargent Park Junior High and Daniel Macyntire high school. Bobbie credits her teachers with giving her the kindness, the care and support she needed to thrive while growing up. Her childhood friend Kathy stayed connected over the years and Kathy, who now lives in Ottawa, came to Winnipeg in April to say goodbye in person.

Bobbie trained as a teacher after high school and was quickly recruited to teach up north at Garden Hill School. She was a creative and engaged teacher. This northern community was also where she met her future husband. They had three daughters, Bonnie, Heather and Robin and together they built and operated a tourist lodge, a general store and operated a plane service to the community. Wanderlust led them eventually to Alberta, where they farmed and raised Highland cows, and then to Grosse Isle Manitoba where the family settled. She was always proud of her daughters as they grew into themselves, discovering their individual interests, talents and loves. Over the years Bobbie delighted in her relationships with each of them and especially loved being a Grandma to her grandchildren Will, Ethan, Malcolm and Nyah. Bobbie and Cathe loved them all and had such fun times with them as they grew up. How fortunate she was to also meet and love three great grandchildren, Nash, Liv and Darcy.

Coming out as gay in the early 1980s was both liberating and deeply challenging. This time of self-discovery led her to a career in helping others. Bobbie worked for decades in many child and family service-related organizations, as a family intervention worker, foster parent for high risk youth, group home coordinator, counsellor, and therapist. She earned her BA in Women’s Studies in her 40’s and her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology in her 60’s. She was deeply respected for her ability to really “see” people, meeting families where they were at and help them move forward with honesty and care.

Bobbie shared her life with her beloved wife, Cathe Umlah, whom she met in Beausejour in the early 1990s while they worked in the same social services office. Bobbie always said it was love at first sight—though Cathe took much longer to see the possibilities. They were married in 2008 in a ceremony and party that included their wide circle of family and friends. While blended families are never easy, Bobbie and Delaney and Jarrett developed a relationship over the years based on honesty, mutual respect, and eventually love. She delighted in the addition of grandchildren Hudson, Logan and Emmett and loved them “to bits”.

Together Bobbie and Cathe built homes, blended families, and nurtured a wide circle of friends, many of whom began as colleagues and became lifelong companions. They loved to travel on their own and with family and friends, enjoying cruises to Norway, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, and trips to England, Scotland, Ireland, Hawaii, Tofino, Disneyworld and Vegas and others. Hawaii held a special place in Bobbie’s heart, where she communed with the humpback whales. At home, they created joyful traditions, especially around their much loved swimming pool. Pool parties with friends and family were always a delight; dinners, lots of snacks, outdoor movies, special libations, music, dancing, pool toys, games, swimming lessons, diving contests, among some memorable activities.

In her final years, Bobbie continued counselling until the symptoms of Vascular Dementia took a toll on her brain and body. Always true to herself, she chose medical assistance in dying (MAID). She knew that she didn’t want to lose herself completely to this disease, nor cause her family the devastation of caring for her as she further declined. She bravely shared her experience publicly to raise awareness. Bobbie believed a white wolf (her spirit animal) would guide her into the afterlife. A wonderful thought.

She is survived by her loving wife Cathe Umlah; her daughters, Bonnie Brotherston Bagley (Jon), Heather Brotherson (Troy) and Robin Brotherston all of Winnipeg, as well as step-children Delaney Ellis (Jon) and Jarrett Miller (Carlie); Grandchildren, Will Sikora (Larissa), Ethan Harris (Florence), Malcolm Harris (Katelyn), Nyah Elliott, Hudson Ellis, Logan Ellis and Emmett Miller. As well as great grandchildren, Nash, Liv and Darcy. For someone who was lonely as an only child, she was so fortunate to create and be part of such a large and loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Cres. Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, Bobbie asked you to reach out to loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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