Robert "Bob" Sylvester Kindrachuk

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Robert “Bob” Kindrachuk, of Saskatoon passed away at the age of 86. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Karen (Doug) Greenwald and son Gord Kindrachuk, grandchildren Tyler (Tracy) and Megan Greenwald, Jaxon and Gracie Kindrachuk, and his very special great granddaughter Makenna Greenwald. Robert also leaves behind his sister Shirley Prince, sisters-in-law Sheila Schmick, and Margaret (Wally Bazarkiewicz).

Even though we will miss him greatly we know that he is once again with his wife Edie (nee Morrice), his parents Mike and Alice Kindrachuk, Edie's parents Edward and Chrissie Morrice, and many brothers and sisters-in-laws.

Robert was born to Mike and Alice Kindrachuk on March 26, 1937, in the Sokal District near Wakaw SK. He spent his youth growing up on the family farm. He often proudly talked about his dog sled team and how he drove them to school during the long cold prairie winters. To complete his high school education, he took grade 9 correspondence at the Sokal school. He had to board in the town of Wakaw to complete his grade 10, 11, and 12. After high school he tried his hand at teachers college but that was not for him, it was finding a job at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Prince Albert that he started a long successful career. He often talked of how he, a country boy, had to take an envelope of money in one pocket, and a gun in the other and walk down the streets to make a bank deposit.

While at a CIBC staff Christmas party Robert lost his shoes in the back of a closet. A very pretty young lady, Edie Morrice, who also worked at the bank found them for him. Robert and Edie were married on June 5, 1965. They spent a short time in La Ronge before Robert was transferred to Saskatoon.

While in Saskatoon both Karen and Gord were born. His job eventually led to transfers to Dinsmore, Maidstone, Regina, Unity, and Wadena. Making Sunday morning waffles, trips exploring the countryside, weekends spent in Wakaw and Marcelin, and even a couple of trips to the USA kept him and his family.

It didn't matter what small town he lived in, he believed in giving back to the community whether it was with the Kinsmen, Lions, Elks, or Chamber of Commerce to name a few. With his involvement in these organizations, he was able to cultivate friendships that lasted a lifetime. Many of these friends, especially from Unity became more like family.

In 1993, Robert and Edie retired to Saskatoon. Napping after lunch, helping Edie with the yard, wine making, coffee row and organizing golf with the CIBC Fun seekers, Saturday evenings spent listening to Old Time music on CJWW, watching the Blue Jays, Riders, NHL, or curling, or cruising in the countryside with Edie to check out the crops kept him busy. Retirement also meant that he could pursue his favorite hobby, golf. Spring, summer, and fall revolved around golf. He was able to play at many courses around Saskatchewan. At the age of 82, while golfing with Tracy in Estevan, Robert shot a hole in one. Even last summer he was still golfing three or four times a week.

Friends were important to Robert, but he most cherished time spent with his immediate and extended family. Their house on Hogg Crescent was a hub for family. Robert and Edie loved to entertain whether it was a small gathering or 20-30 people. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

In 2013, Robert’s life changed when Edie was diagnosed with brain cancer. Family and friends were concerned about how he was going to care for her. We need not have worried. For the next six years he cared for and devoted his time to her. When the time came for her to move to St Anne's, he faithfully visited her three times a day for two years. In February of 2013 his wife of 53 years died. The last four years were difficult without Edie, but he occupied himself with Sunday night suppers with Gord and the kids, trips to Estevan, visiting family and friends, and of course golfing.

We will miss dad and grandpa more than words can express but we know that he is once again with mom. Maybe after 18 holes of golf dad will ask mom to go for a drive out in the country. Charlie Pride will quietly be playing in the background and dad will be at peace once again.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023 at The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist (816 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon).

Arrangements entrusted to Ashley Knash.