ROBERT GARRY SCAMMELL

It is with great sadness we announce that after a 14-year-battle with brain cancer, Rob passed away peacefully on August 16, 2023 with family by his side. He was 49.

Rob is survived by his children and grandchildren, David, Tylor (Jillian, Dmitri), Kelsey (Aundre, Violet), Meghan (Elias) and Geoffrey (Arthur); parents Robert (Jim) Scammell and Hilda Holm as well as step-parents Judy Scammell and Richard Holm; siblings and their children Liza (Taylor, Gareth), Larry and wife Denise (Avery); godmother Edith Kirkham; best friend Robert (Bear) Bayer (Rose); and many aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends.

He was predeceased by grandparents Bert and Ruby Scammell, John and Dorothy Nawolski; step-brother Glen Morrison; Uncle Del Scammell, Aunt Sandra Kirkham, Uncle Larry Boroske, godfather Garry Kirkham; nephew Zach Scammell and good friends Paul Bergan and (Norman) Keith Morrison.

Rob was born October 7, 1973 in Winnipeg. He lived in Winnipeg most of his life. He attended Earl Grey, John Dafoe and Wellington Elementary schools, John M King Jr High, St John’s High School and graduated from St James Collegiate in 1991.

As a child, Rob spent summers in Kenora, Ontario and Airdrie, Alberta with his Nawolski grandparents. The time was spent camping with his siblings and cousins and spending time with Gi-Gi in the workshop. This was his foundation for his love of time spent with family, camping and woodworking. Kenora was a special place to Rob his entire life.

Growing up, Rob grew through the ranks as a sea cadet. It was only natural for him to join the Fort Garry Horse Reserve Unit as a young adult in the 90s. It was there that he met his best friends Robert (Bear) Bayer and Paul Bergan.

Rob held many jobs over the years.  Some of his more memorable jobs were; Winnipeg Roller rink where he was a bouncer and the short antic filled time at McMunn & Yates. He worked with Robert Bayer at both these jobs; Sierra Courier- he was working for Sierra when he was diagnosed in 2009. This company supported him in any and every way they could. He stopped working there because he could no longer drive for a living; Winnipeg Free Press- he enjoyed helping his friend Keith deliver papers and he did this off and on for 8 years. His last delivery was in June of this year.

Rob married Michelle Flockton in 1995. They had Tylor and Kelsey. He married Vanessa Everton in 2001. Vanessa’s children, Geoffrey and Meghan became part of Rob’s family. Although the marriages didn’t last, Rob was thankful for his relationships with all four of his children and was a very proud grandparent to all their children. Family was Rob’s priority. He would drop everything to be there for them. This included the friends he considered family. Rob loved deeply and touched all those that got to know him.

Rob was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer in 2009. His prognosis was 3 to 5 years. Rob never stopped defying the odds and fought hard to the very end. His efforts earned us many more years than the doctors had predicted and for that we are forever grateful.

We would like to thank Dr Marshall Pitz for never underestimating him and the amazing staff at Cancer Care Manitoba; Dr David Snyder at Seven Oaks Hospital, you made his last days so much better: all the dedicated nurses, health care aides and support staff at Health Science Centre, Misericordia, and Seven Oaks Hospitals that took such great care of Rob.

We will be celebrating Rob’s life and love of music from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 2 (1613 Logan Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba). All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to Cancer Care Manitoba.

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Rob'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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