ROBERT (BOB) OLYARNYK

Anyone that knew or spent time with Bob often heard his words of wisdom lovingly called “Bobisms”. Bob’s favourite “Bobism” was “Love is like Whoa, Don’t Say it Unless you Mean it”. A profound life lesson for us all.

On August 29th, 2025, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, Bob left this earth peacefully and with his wife Faith by his side.

Robert Duane Olyarnyk “Bob” entered this world on May 12, 1969.

Bob had an amazing impact on this world in many different ways. He was a son, brother, father, friend, coach and mentor. But mostly and most important to him, he was a husband. Bob married his best friend and love of his life Faith on December 4th, 1993.

Bob spent his growing up years in Rossburn, Manitoba, he graduated from Rossburn Collegiate high school in 1987. After high school Bob attended Brandon University where he completed his pre-veterinary medicine. After completing his time at Brandon University Bob chose to take another path and began the Medical Lab technologist program at Red River College. Bob graduated top of his class and was the class valedictorian. After graduation he was presented with many job offers. He chose to accept the offer from the Westman laboratory and began his career there in 1991. At the time of his death Bob was the Director of Diagnostic Services for Shared Health.

Bob celebrated many successes and accomplishments during his career in healthcare. He was a change maker and was always looking for ways to improve the healthcare system. Even in his final weeks, he was the catalyst for systemic change. He will be remembered as a man full of ideas with a work ethic and the determination to make them happen.

Bob met Faith in 1990 during his clinical practice at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Bob’s memory of meeting Faith for the first time was that he walked into the ER and there she was by the desk. He said she exuded an energy and light so bright that he knew instantly she was the one for him. For the next three years Bob and Faith built an amazing friendship and foundation to a long lasting partnership and marriage. They would have celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary this December.

Together Bob and Faith raised their three children Stephen, Jeffery, and Rachel on their acreage outside Brandon, Manitoba.

Although Bob excelled in his career his true passion came from his upbringing on the farm and his partnership with Faith training and showing horses. Together Bob and Faith celebrated many successes in their business training horses. Their accomplishments include many national and international championships. Bob was very proud but humble about all of their accomplishments, but what he was most proud of was that he and Faith did this together as a team. Bob and Faith also coached and mentored many students throughout their years training horses. Bob and Faith shared that together their greatest joy working with horses and people came from uplifting and helping others build confidence not only with their horses but also in life. Their favourite student was their daughter Rachel. Together they guided Rachel to many championships while enjoying time together as a family.

Bob was an active 4H member growing up, he competed in livestock showing (beef and dairy cattle) and also competed in judging. Bob was a member of the 4H Manitoba provincial judging team. This team went on to win the national judging championship at the 1986 Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan. During this competition Bob was the only competitor to win the confirmation judging in all divisions. To this day he is the only person to achieve this. Bob gave back to 4H by being a leader for numerous years. Bob also spent many days throughout his life judging livestock and horse shows throughout Manitoba.

A story Bob shared often was about the dairy cow that he had chosen from a herd of yearling Holstein heifers, halter broke and showed during the summer of 1987. The cow’s name was Rainyridge Tony Beauty, this cow went on to win multiple championships including the All-Canadian Mature Cow championship in 1992, the Royal Agricultural Fair Grand Champion in 1993, as well as the Supreme and Grand Champion at the World Dairy Expo in 1999. She is considered to be one of the greatest show cows of all time and her genetics have had a significant impact worldwide in the dairy industry. Bob took great pride in being the one she began her show career with.

Throughout Bob’s life he was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Bob loved the outdoors and some of his favourite memories were of spending time with his family in the boat catching pickerel.

Bob will leave a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife Faith, children Stephen (Crystal), Jeffery, and Rachel (Denton), grandchildren Lily and Olson.

Faith and Rachel would like to extend a special thanks to Pamela How and Coralee Bolton for their support and exceptional care of Bob during his final days at home. With their help Faith and Rachel were able to keep Bob comfortable at home until a day before his passing.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Bob Olyarnyk Memorial Scholarship fund. At this time donations can be sent to Rachel Olyarnyk.

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

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