Robert Rae "Bob" Girvan

1949 - 2024

GIRVAN, Robert Rae "Bob"
1949 – 2024
The passing of Robert Rae "Bob" Girvan took place on Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at Long Term Care in Outlook, following four-plus years of struggling with the debilitating diseases of Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia. Bob was born in Outlook Hospital on September 23, 1949, to parents Russell and Margaret (Rae) Girvan of Swanson, arriving six weeks premature and just fourteen months after his brother Doug. Four sisters would be added to the family over the next ten years. Bob lived his whole life on the family farm at Swanson. He attended Swanson Consolidated School for grades one through nine, graduated from Delisle Composite High School, and attended the University of Saskatchewan for his diploma in Vocational Agriculture. Growing up, Bob was involved in 4-H and enjoyed helping on the farm and shop work at school. Academics wasn't his strong suit but in his adult life, he showed great aptitude in a variety of endeavours. Bob loved his school days at Swanson and the memories of that time.His ongoing connection with schoolmates provided him with great pleasure. And the same went for living in the community of Swanson. He had a keen interest in the goings on in the community and was always willing to lend a willing hand, whether at the local curling rink, playing ball, helping with the running of local ball tournaments, doing cemetery clean-up, or working as a 4-H woodworking leader.Bob had interests in photography, hunting, woodworking, and all wildlife. He was a great birder and could always be counted on to identify a bird for family and neighbours. He belonged to various local, district, and provincial organizations of all these special interests. He also enjoyed taking part in special services and anniversary celebrations at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Bob farmed with his Dad, taking over the whole mixed farming operation with Russell's passing in 1991. He remained living with Mom Margaret, until her sudden passing in 1996. He not only lost a Mom and companion, but a great cook and excellent baker. He never once complained about transitioning to cooking for himself. He just went out and bought a slow cooker and taught himself to make the simple meals he always enjoyed. Meat, potatoes and a vegetable. As Bob became more involved in pursuing his various hobbies, especially woodwork, he chose to cut back on his farming. He sold the cattle, but a few years later finding he still didn't have the extra time he wanted for hobbies, chose to rent out his farmland. Those last few years of living on the farm but having the freedom to travel and pursue his hobbies were special for him. Bob was very proud to be one of six siblings and enjoyed all family get-togethers. As siblings got married and he became an uncle, and then great uncle, he always showed great pleasure with the expansion of his family. Get-togethers of any kind with family were important for him. In 2017 the ultimate get-together was a trip to Scotland with his siblings, sister-in-law Maureen, brother-in-law Peter, and nephew Mark. Nine family members exploring the country of their roots. Looking back, we realize Bob was probably already in the beginning stages of dementia, which makes the memories of that trip even more precious. As Bob's mental decline became more apparent in 2019, reaching a climax with his diagnosis in October of 2020, there was no choice but to remove him from the farm. He spent one year at Orange Memories Care Home in Rosetown and in November of 2021 moved into Outlook Long Term Care where he remained until his passing. We appreciate the kindness and care of these institutions and the gentleness that was shown at the end of his life by the staff and Dr. Sumita Sodhi. Bob was predeceased by his grandparents, parents Margaret and Russell, niece Jennifer Drury Climenhaga, six sets of aunts and uncles, and seven first cousins. He is survived by siblings Doug (Maureen) Girvan, Louise (Ray) Anderson, Janice (Jim) Drury, Kathy (Bill) Orthner, Elaine (Peter) Scharf; nephews and nieces David Anderson, Mark Anderson, Raeanne (Pablo Moreno) Anderson, Kerry Girvan, Chris (Becca) Girvan, Andrew (Jolyne) Drury, Derek Orthner, Gary (Suzy) Orthner and Dylan Scharf; and nine great nieces and nephews. The Celebration of Bob's life was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Outlook, Saskatchewan on Monday, March 4, 2024. Internment of the cremains will take place with a family gathering later in the year at St. Ambrose Cemetery near Swanson, Saskatchewan. Donations in Bob's name may be directed to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Building Fund. To share memories and condolences, visit outlookfuneralchapel.com. Honoured to serve the family is Outlook Funeral Chapel 306.867.8255.
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