Obituary of Robert Harry "Bob" Loader

LOADER: Robert Harry (Bob), February 26, 1921 – October 16, 2012. Bob Loader passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2012 at the age of 91, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, surrounded by his family. Born in Winnipeg, Bob was one of seven children born to Emily and Francis Loader. His father died when Bob was still a boy, and his mother later remarried to Benjamin Morsette. That marriage added another four children to the family. The demands of helping to raise this family of 11 in the midst of the Great Depression meant that by the time he was 12, Bob had left school to go to work skidding lumber with his step-father and older brother. When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Bob enlisted within days of Canada's declaration of war. He was assigned to the Royal Canadian Artillery. By 1941 he was in England and in 1944 he found himself in France, where he was wounded in his right hand. As soon as that was healed, he was sent back to serve, and saw further service in Belgium and Germany, which is where he was when the war in Europe ended in the Spring of 1945. A decorated soldier, Bob was awarded five medals for his service to Canada. Returning to Winnipeg, he met the lovely Emma Muth and they were married in September of 1946. After working a number of jobs upon his return to civilian life, Bob took a position as a clerk with the Post Office. Throughout his remarkable 35 years with Canada Post, Bob would rise up through the ranks thanks to his hard work and intelligence. The culmination of that distinguished career would come in 1966 when he became the Postmaster of Brandon, and he remained at that position until his retirement in 1982. After retirement Bob and Emma made a point of living close to their children, sharing in regular and frequent social gatherings at each other's homes, as well as travelling together as an extended family. Bob and Emma enjoyed a number of cruises, winters in Texas and took many trips to visit his sisters in Thunder Bay. Many memories filled with love and laughter. Bob was predeceased by many dear family members, including his parents Francis and Emily, his brothers Frank (wife Vera), Dennis, Tommy, and Johnny Loader; and Joey (wife Darlene) Morsette. He is survived by his wife Emma and children Ken (wife Leslie) and Jackie (husband Bruce) Mackay; grandchildren Kylee (husband Doug Fountain), Bob (wife Sarah Otoupal), Aran (fiancé James Denis), Braden and Alissa; great-grandchildren Ruby, Luke and Finleigh; brothers Al (wife Diane) Loader and Mac Morsette, and his sisters Eva Green, June Shaw and Lily Tocheri (husband Joe), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bob's love and generosity will always be remembered by his children and grandchildren. A service to honor Bob's life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, October 19, 2012 with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Intensive Care Unit for their care and compassion. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Bob may be made to cancer care or to the Royal Canadian Legion.