ROBERT “BOB” MONKMAN

Robert Monkman, “Bob”, was born in Minniwaken, Manitoba on March 2nd, 1942. He had 2 sisters, Mae and Rose, and one brother Lawrence. He worked on a mink farm near his home as a youth and later moved into Lundar with his family. He met and married Eileen Butterfield on August 7, 1965 and shared 49 years of marriage before her passing June 13th, 2014. 

Together, Bob and Eileen raised two daughters Tracy and Karen in Transcona. Dad was always so proud to belong to the Transcona community where he contributed to many service projects as a long-standing member of 54 years with the Transcona Kinsmen and later the K-40 club. We are very grateful for the ongoing friendships Dad made through the Kinsmen that have continued to support him. Many weekends were enjoyed in the Kinsmen Stonewall Campground, where laughs were had around the fire, mostly from the “Corn Master” himself. Those who attended the Kinsmen Barn Dances will never forget the amazing singing duet of Johnny Stash with June Gardener (Dave Kraus) at the Kinsmen barn dances. 

Dad had a great sense of humour and always had a one liner, an ongoing “lie” he was trying to convince people was true, or a trick he would play on people all day never breaking character. He called his niece, Nichole “Denise” all day, almost bringing her to tears thinking Uncle Bob forgot her name. Then he said, after Auntie Eileen came to the rescue, “Right, you aren’t Denise, or De’nephew.” I am sure he started the era of bad Dad jokes. Then came the story he told to his unsuspecting neighbour that the brown eggs he brought her from the farm were rooster eggs. She felt so special that she had these very unique and valuable eggs. Oh, Dad! Poor, innocent, Mrs. H.

Dad worked for Texaco on Regent and Plessis, then moved into sales with Hudson Bay Wholesale, then onto Pratt’s Wholesale. He loved life on the road meeting and talking with people. His best run was up #6 highway through the Interlake area where his customers became friends, often staying overnight at someone’s house instead of a hotel on the long trips and attending family weddings. Dad was very personable, fun to be around, and very kind-hearted. 

Dad endured many health challenges having a stroke at the age of 60, then breaking his hip at age 78 in which he was in a wheel chair. Even with these set backs, he tried his best to get his favourite joke out, continue his trips to the Transcona Legion for crib on Tuesdays and the meat draw on Saturdays, and entertain when friends would come over to have a rye with him.

As Dad’s world became smaller with his restrictions, and like everyone else, with COVID, he was so grateful to become a part of the PRIME program at Misercordia. He would attend twice a week to socialize, have lunch, and once again build a community for himself. We, as a family, are so grateful for the amazing people in the program who always made Dad feel so welcome, and the support you gave us all right to the end. Many heartful thanks!

Dad struggled with heart and lung problems and came home with oxygen in March. His goal was to maintain as much independence as possible, and staying in his home as long as he could with the help of daughters Tracy and Karen. With his family with him his last hours, and the support of Michael from Indigenous Spiritual Care at St. Boniface hospital, Dad passed peacefully on August 16th, 2024 in the Palliative care unit. 

Our family would like to thank the amazing people working and managing the Palliative care. What a beautiful way to support people on the final part of their journey of life. A huge hug also goes to the PRIME team staff and Coordinator, Angela who always had a smile, a patient moment while he got a joke out, and a warm hug. 

Also, Dad’s long time friends from the Transcona Kinsmen who have stood by him through everything, his friends at the Legion, and his neighbours, Irene and John. Irene made sure he had daily visits, lots and lots of food, and friendship. Many thanks go to his homecare team who made it possible for Dad to stay in his home safely. We appreciated the care you gave him. 

Dad was grateful to be a Grandpa to Miranda and Matthew, and a Great-Grandpa to Nevaeh, Natalie-Skye, and Kinsley. He was very close with all his nieces and nephews, remembering everyone’s names, their kids names, and the latest news. His only remaining sister, Rose, was happy to spend this last Christmas with Dad and a beautiful visit in July with her brother even though he called her and her late sister, Mae the “Sisty-Uglers.” 

Robert, Bob, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, we will all miss your laugh, your corny jokes, your crazy costumes, your kindness, your gentleness, your stubbornness, and your charm. 

A celebration of life will take place at 3:00pm on Friday, September 6, at the Transcona Legion (117 Regent Ave E, Winnipeg). Everyone is welcome.

Bob’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page. 

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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