Obituary of Robert "Bob" Lonsberry

For those unable to attend, the family invites you to watch the livestream of the Bob's Memorial Service on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (CDT). Please CLICK HERE 

Born in Oshawa,ON to Morley and Pauline Lonsberry. "Bob" was the middle of 3 children with older sister Norma and younger brother Ross. The family moved to Watson,SK when Bob was a young boy.

Bob attended elementary and high school in Watson, with a short stint at Notre Dame to play football and hockey and returned for graduation at Watson Collegiate in 1959.

From 1959 to 1960 Bob went to Regina Reliance Business College and worked at SaskPower, RCMP Depot (Regina), and the CO-OP refinery.

Bob met the love of his life Joan, through a mutual friend in October of 1961. They were engaged in December of 1962 and married in February of 1963.

From 1963 to 1964 he attended the Regina Teacher's College.

Bob's first teaching posts were at St. John's and St. Mary's schools in Estevan, SK for 2 years. He then went to Fort Simpson, NWT on an island in the Mackenzie river for 1 year, and to Whitehorse, Yukon.

They returned to Regina in 1968 and he attended the University of Regina to finish his Bachelor of Education Degree in 1970. After graduation the family moved to Rossburn, MB to teach physical education at Rossburn Elementary and Rossburn Collegiate. Bob finished his teaching career in Rossburn after moving into the Special Education program at Rossburn Elementary. He taught the Life Skills Program and TA supports.

Bob retired from teaching in 1996.

During their time in Rossburn Bob was involved in and coached many school sports including volleyball, wrestling, and field sports. After hours you would find Bob coaching his children's hockey and baseball teams. Many hours were spent organizing and attending tournaments and community events. Many of the teams that Bob coached reached provincial levels of competition.

Bob played senior hockey and was a member of the Rossburn Lions Club.

In 1985 Bob and Joan purchased a cabin at Rossman Lake after many years of having a trailer at the lake. Rossman Lake was Bob's special place. Many years of great times and great friends were had and made at the lake. Bob could be found driving the boat for his 4 children to waterski, on the golf course, or around the campfire in the evenings.

Bob, Joan, and family travelled coast to coast with a great many memories of family vacations and extended visits to spend time in California with Ross, Wahnita, and family.

Bob continued to connect with many of his students after retirement on the golf course, at community events, or having them included in family gatherings.

After retirement Bob and Joan continued to travel to be with friends and family. Many extended visits to California with Ross and Wahnita, European vacations both bus tours and cruises, and winters spent in Osooyos, BC.

In 1999 Bob and Joan retired to Brandon, MB and renovated a 1907 Victorian house.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years Joan; children Brad (Angela), Blair, Braden (Nina) and Jay Lynn (Kevin) and grandchildren Nicholas, Isabella, Raven, Jordan (Danny), Bailey (Sammy), Jordan (Blake), Lane (Brady) and Cole (Katie).

A  Memorial Service for Bob will be held at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, 327 4^th Street, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

For those who wish, memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the BRHC – Palliative Unit (150 McTavish Avenue, East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7H8) or the STARS Foundation (1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB  T2E 8M7)