Obituary of Robert "Bob" Aaron Vrooman

VROOMAN: Peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2019, Robert Aaron Vrooman (Bob) passed away at the Assiniboine Centre, having felt much family love. Bob was born on October 24, 1933 in Glenboro, Manitoba and was raised on the family farm six miles north of Belmont. Being the youngest of five children and growing up during the 'dirty thirties', he learned at an early age to take responsibility and to share. He and his brother Clare, being only a year apart in age, were great buddies. As youngsters, they had many eventful times sharing a bike, working and playing together, raising their prize calves in 4H and travelling to school in the van. It was a long school day, since they were picked up first and then were the last ones to arrive home. Bob was a gentle person with a great sense of humour, fun loving in a quiet way but always ready to help others. After grade 12 graduation, Bob found his niche in the Bank of Montreal where he excelled; becoming a bank manager in his early thirties. He loved his job right up to his retirement in 1995 after 40 years with BMO. Of note, he received an award of Excellence and travelled to Toronto for the presentation. In 1957 Bob married Irene Elizabeth (Liz) Gamble. They raised two children: Mark and Lisa. In spite of many bank transfers (a common practice in those days), the family made new friends easily, enjoyed camping and boating, along with community involvement in various locations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northern Ontario. Their last move with BMO was from Dauphin to Brandon in 1983. Bob and Liz built a lovely new home on Viceroy, where they resided until Liz took ill and passed away in 1989. Curling and golfing were lifelong activities, highlighted by a 'hole in one' twice (1967 and 2011) and curling in the Provincial Masters Championship in 1997. Bob also took pride in his yard…a hard worker! It was curling that brought Bob and Donna together and after their marriage in 1991, Bob introduced Donna to the game of golf. (He was a patient man!) They soon found that they shared many interests including travelling, caring for their big yard, cottage life, casino trips, playing cards with friends and above all spending time with family. Grandpa took pride in his grandchildren and was always there for them! At the time of his passing, Bob was a member of Trinity United Church, Wheat City Golf Course and Brandon Curling Club. Bob was predeceased by his first wife Liz; parents Cecil and Vera Vrooman; brothers Clare and Ross; sisters Shirley Lukiw and Gwen Loewen; brothers-in-law Walter Loewen and Harry Lukiw and nieces Terry Myers and Janice Vrooman. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Donna; son Mark (Heather Janik); daughter Lisa Letain (Bryan); stepsons Bob Dagg (Brenda) and Shawn Dagg (Lisa) and nine grandchildren: Bradley and Rudy Letain; Vaughn and Quin Dagg; Devon, Jordan, Nolan, Jessica and Derek Dagg. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Peggy Vrooman; Kay Holland (Gord); Gloria Jean Warkentin (Jack); Beverley Layh (Harvey) and Jacqui Rowland (Jim). Having a blended family, Bob is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at Trinity United Church, 1515 6th Street, Brandon, MB on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev Doug Neufeld officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob may be forwarded to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation "Palliative Care" at 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.