ROBERT HINITT

Robert (Bob) Hinitt It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Hinitt on Friday, November 11th, 2011 at Oliver Lodge in his 86th year. Bob was born in Winnipeg, MB on June 24th, 1926. He moved with his mother and sister to Calgary in 1930 and then to Blucher, SK in 1931, starting Grade 1 at Glendown country school. In 1935 the family moved to Saskatoon and Bob attended Victoria School, Nutana Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with three degrees. He studied French for two summers at Laval University in Quebec and Drama at the Banff School of Fine Arts for one summer. Bob began his teaching career at City Park Collegiate in 1950, moving to Aden Bowman in 1958. In his sabbatical year, he studied French at the Sorbonne in Paris for six months, returning to Stratford where he worked and studied drama for the remainder of the year. Bob taught Drama as well as French at Aden Bowman, founding the Drama department which led many of his students on to careers in the performing arts. He later taught Drama at the U of S. He was instrumental in the designing of Castle Theatre which in 2008 was renamed the Robert Hinitt Castle Theatre. Bob was renowned for his talents in theatre directing, acting, sets and costumes and was a founding member of Saskatoon Gateway and Summer Players. He was also first board chair of Persephone Theatre. Bob is probably best known for the Christmas displays he created on his front lawn on Wiggins Ave. for over 60 years. Any donations were given to the SPCA or Saskatoon Zoo, for the animals which he loved, always having his own pet cats. Many people admired his front and backyard floral gardens, of which he was very proud. Bob was very humble about his many accomplishments. He will long be remembered as a great humanitarian, being named the first CFQC Citizen of the Year in 1967. He became a member of the Order of Canada in 1982 and was named to the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2000. He was also inducted into the Woodward Theatre Hall of Fame in 2001. He has been remembered by having a street named in his honour, Hinitt Place and the Bob Hinitt Wing at the Saskatoon SPCA. The Rotary Club also honoured him. Bob was predeceased by his mother Alma Hinitt and brother-in-law Ivor Kolbeinson. Left to treasure his memory are his loving sister, Shirley Kolbeinson, step brother, John Hinitt (Marnie) in England, numerous cousins and many loving students and friends. Bob's family and friends wish to thank the staff at Oliver Lodge and Dr. Baldwin for the excellent care he received. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saskatoon SPCA, 5028 Clarence Ave., S7T 1A7, are greatly appreciated. A celebration of Bob's life will be held Wednesday, November 23rd, at 2:00 p.m. at Knox United Church, 838 Spadina Crescent East. Reception to follow at Aden Bowman Auditorium from 3:30 5:00 p.m. Interment in Bradwell Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (978-5200). www.mourningglory.ca