Robert Stephane Sylvain Isabelle

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Robert, fiancé, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose life touched so many people. Robert passed away on August 9, 2026 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

Robert was born on December 31, 1971, and grew up in Prince Rupert, BC, alongside his younger sister, Celine Isabelle. They were raised together by their beloved grandmother, a strong single mother who gave them a loving home. Their grandmother passed away in 2000, but the home and family she created remained a special part of Robert's heart throughout his life. We will remember summers in Vancouver with our mother, Gloria Nelson, and the love they shared with her. He then settled in Kenora and met Shelley (Belly), the woman who became the love of his life. Together they built a home that reminded him of his grandmother's house – a home filled with love, laughter and memories.

Robert had a special knack for telling stories. He could take an ordinary moment and add just the right amount of humour, detail, and his own goofy personality to make everyone laugh. He had a way of bringing stories to life, and you could always count on him to make a memory even more memorable. He was known by his family as Ribbit and Robear, names that will forever bring back memories of his beautiful smile, his laughter, his stories, and the person he was.

Shelley was by Robert's side through everything, loving him, supporting him, and sharing in the life they built together. Robert was a proud man and didn't want his family and friends to see him in pain or suffering. He always tried to protect the people he loved, and that strength was part of who he was. We will remember Robert not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived and loved.

Robert's extended Kenora family was a huge part of his life. The Pemmican’s, especially Alice “Mother”, Dennise, Travis; the Seymour “aunties & uncles” and his Grand Council Treaty #3 work family.

Robert is survived by his beloved fiancé, Shelley; his sisters Celine (Smurf) Isabelle and Kory; his extended Pemmican/Seymour family and his uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews (especially Kaila and Austin) and friends who loved him.

Robert leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind pieces of himself in all of us—in the people he loved, in the home he built, in the family stories we will continue to tell, and in the countless lives he made better simply by being in them. Remember him with a smile next time you see a red or yellow Volvo; an e-bike; a scooter scooting by; your fishing line caught in the motor; a 5XL snowmobile helmet; walking on the beaches of Mexico and Cuba or having a smokie (or 2) at the bonfire!

His life was defined by his kindness, his hard work, his pride, his loyalty, his love for his family, and his ability to make memories that will stay with us forever.

Rest peacefully, Robear. You were loved deeply, and you will never be forgotten.

Until we meet again.

A private gathering will be held and should you want to honour Robert, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba.