Obituary of Robert "Bob" Charles Ghidoni

GHIDONI: Robert Charles. It is with the fondest of memories that the family of Bob Ghidoni announces that our Dad and Grampa, at 105 years, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2018. He was born as Roberto Carlo Ghidoni in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 2, 1913 to Pietro and Giuditta (nee Copelli) Ghidoni. Pietro and Giuditta were originally from Brescia and Parma, Italy respectively. Robert, known as "Bob" was the third of six children and the last surviving. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Pierina, Angelina, Paolina and brothers Edwardo and Alberto and his wife Doris. Bob married Doris Bottomley on June 10, 1942 and were married for 50 years until Doris' passing on April 8, 1993. They had two children, Keith and James with grandchildren from Keith (Rebecca, Ethan and Levi) and James (Christine (Curtis) and Robert). Bob moved to Brandon in 1933 as a musician. He toured the surrounding area and played clarinet and saxophone with The Olympian Imperial Band. This band was one of the first bands to be broadcast live nationwide on CBC Radio Canada. As a professional musician he would stand in for visiting orchestras on tour. Bob was also a member of the Toast Scrapers Club Band that was popular around 1938 on CKX Radio, Monday and Wednesday mornings. Bob also worked as a freelance photographer landing some of his photos in area newspapers. He photographed Gracie Fields when visiting Manitoba. In May of 1935 he, brother-in-law Jim Bottomley and family friend, Bert Stamp, started the Brandon Musical Supply on the two hundred block of Sixth Street. The store soon branched into sales of many types of household appliances, radios and included a service shop. In 1942, he enlisted into the Army for World War II. In 1946, a building was purchased on Rosser Avenue for a grand re-opening of the Brandon Musical Supply and a full line of furniture was added at that time. In 1956, he became sole owner of Brandon Musical Supply and continued until 1969 when he divested of that and became a financial planner for Investors Syndicate. Bob retired from Investors Group after 26 years at the age of 83. Over the years he was involved with several service groups, Rotary Club, Scottish Rite of Free Masons, Brandon Lodge 19, and the Brandon Lions Club. He was on the Board of Directors of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce for a number of years. He was Chairman of the Better Business Bureau within the Chamber and also Chairman of the Entertainment Committee. Bob was a member of the Brandon Rotary Club from 1948 to 1969, club president for the 1956-57 term and served as chairman of several committees within the club. He was keenly interested in the Brandon Musical Festival and chaired both the membership and entertainment committees. Bob opened the family home to entertain guests from other parts of the world on behalf of the various clubs and groups. He and wife Doris were active within St. Matthew's Cathedral. He was in the choir and spearheaded the purchase and installation of the authentic pipe organ in St. Matthew's Cathedral. He enjoyed family times, woodworking, boating and the cottage at Clear Lake. Bob's family and friends were always his greatest interest and love. He was always grateful for the opportunities that came his way and for his good health. He remained in his own home until a couple of days before passing. Dad and Grampa will always be fondly remembered by his loving family for his unwavering support and unconditional love for family. The service to honour Bob's life will be held at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 403-13th Street, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.