ROBERT "BOB" MCCALLUM

Robert “Bob” McCallum was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a deeply kind and generous man who spent his life quietly serving others. Bob passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering support for all who knew him.

Bob was born on September 2, 1937, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the youngest of four children born to Myrtle and Andrew McCallum. His early years were shaped by both hardship and resilience. After the loss of his mother when he was just 12 years old, Bob was lovingly welcomed into the homes of his sisters and their husbands (Myrtle and Erwin, Joan and Don), where he experienced the strength of extended family and the importance of looking out for one another—values that would define his life. Bob was predeceased by his brother John, sister Joan, and brothers-in-law Don, Erwin and Roger.

As a young man, Bob was adventurous and resourceful. From living on a farm and riding horses to school, to moving across Western Canada in search of opportunity, he embraced life with curiosity and determination. Eventually, Bob settled in Winnipeg, where he built both a career and a family.

In the early 1960s, Bob met the love of his life, Aurore and they were married in 1965. Together, Bob and Aurore built a life rooted in love, partnership, laughter, and deep family commitment. They raised three children—Jim (wife Pam), Tracy (husband Jeff), and Cathie (husband Greg)—whom Bob supported unconditionally, always present, always encouraging, and always steady.

Bob (Dad) was immensely proud of his children and later his grandchildren (Keenan, Mac, Kaelee, Graham, Amanda, Aaron and Nick) and great grandchildren (Paisley, Noah and Lucy), rarely missing a game, performance, or milestone. He was our first coach, teaching us to ski, waterski, play sports and even driving lessons. Dad spent endless hours at hockey rinks, ball diamonds, soccer fields, and gyms, quietly supporting from the sidelines as well. He had a special gift for making each child feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Professionally Bob spent his entire career in the steel and construction industry, working primarily in supervisory and management roles, while also pursuing entrepreneurial ventures along the way. He was known for his experience, integrity, and leadership, and retired in 2000 as a manager with Robertson Building Systems. But it was through volunteering and community service where Bob’s heart truly shone. He generously gave his time wherever there was a need—often without recognition and never seeking praise. Whenever and wherever he was involved, Bob quickly became the person everyone relied on—the one who fixed things, solved problems, and showed up whenever help was needed. From building restoration projects to small acts of care, Bob embodied service in its truest form.

From early on, Bob gave his time where needed, with local organizations, at church, with his family and with other families that needed a helping hand. He played pivotal leadership roles at Gateway Recreation Centre, giving many years of service during a time of significant growth and expansion, including serving as President from 1986 to 1987. Dad was the first recipient of the Anne Witkowski award for community service.

In the early 2000s, Bob and Aurore joined Kildonan Community Church, where Bob was the go-to guy for many years, happily pitching in to do everything from taking care of an unwelcome mouse in the area to participating in a major restoration of the historical building.

To his family, Dad was a rock. He showed his love through presence, patience, and action—whether driving countless hours whenever needed, renovating homes and cottages, building decks and benches with his own hands, teaching his children and grandchildren how to use tools, or simply placing a reassuring hand on a shoulder and saying, “It will be okay.” He welcomed everyone warmly, took time for people, and remained genuinely interested in others right to the very end.

Dad found great joy in the newest members of his family and was especially touched to have a grandson named in his honour. His kindness, humility, strong work ethic, and deep sense of family will live on through the generations he leaves behind.

Bob will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, served quietly, and made the world around him better simply by being in it. Above all else, Dad’s greatest legacy is his family. He taught us—by example—that showing up, supporting one another, and putting family first is what truly matters, and that lesson lives on in all of us.

Our heartfelt thank-you Dr. Quan, Vinnie and the team at the Geriatric Day hospital for their exceptional and dignified care and to the MAID team for your true compassion and kindness. You helped to make his final journey so peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kildonan Community Church in memory of Bob. (2373 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2V 4H8).

A celebration in honour of Bob’s life will be held Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Kildonan Community Church (2373 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba). For those unable to attend in person, live streaming of the service will be available at:

 https://youtube.com/live/hIYr91o-QI0?feature=share

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comments section on this tribute page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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