Robert Bristow

BRISTOW -It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert George Bristow announces the passing of their cherished husband, father, and grandfather. Although we will always wish that he were still here to bless our lives, we celebrate his life well lived, for he never missed an opportunity to appreciate every moment with which God had blessed him. Bob was born at the MacPherson homestead west of Strongfield on June 20, 1934, son of Roy and Janet Bristow. He was soon older brother to Duane, Ethia and Dale. He attended school in Strongfield, and upon graduation, attended the U of S School of Vocational Agriculture and graduated in 1954. Bob made lifelong friendships during his university years, and he enjoyed attending every Ag Grad reunion that he could. Bob then returned to Strongfield to farm on the family farm. He married the love of his life, Ruth Hendren, on July 18, 1959. This union resulted in five children: Darcy, Wanda, Greg, Joanne and Barbara. Bob was a dedicated community volunteer. Some of his involvements were 4-H, the Strongfield Co-op, the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the Strongfield United Church, the Rural Natural Gas project, the Irrigation project, the Strongfield School Board, and the Outlook School Division as a trustee. Most recently, Bob was so pleased to be involved in the Gardiner Dam Terminal project. It gave him a great deal of pleasure to watch the terminal building go up, and then to see the project through to its completion. In the early years of their married life, Bob worked as a buggy operator during the construction of the Gardiner Dam. In the years following the opening of the Dam, Bob toured many friends and family in and about the Gardiner Dam area. One of Bob's passions, along with being a local historian and natural storyteller, was travel. He always prompted his children to look beyond the comfortable, to life and customs in the world around them. He wanted them to know there was a wonderful world and many interesting people out there, and that life was to be actively experienced. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Janet Bristow; younger brother, Dale; infant sister, Helen; parents-in-law, Pat and Esther Hendren; sister-in-law, Verna Hendren; and brothers-in-law, Bill Halbert and Art Cade. He leaves to carry on his beliefs in the importance of God, family, friends and community: his loving wife, Ruth; daughter, Darcy (Denis) de Montarnal, Brendon, Meagan, Jackie and Daniel; daughter, Wanda (Ron) Knox, Adam, Veronica, Riley and Duncan; son, Greg (Shantel) Bristow, Erinn and Austin; daughter, Joanne (Stan) Nachtigahl, Samantha, Cole, Delanie and Eric; and daughter, Barbara (Greg) Martens, Gil and Presley. Bob also leaves his brother, Duane (Ella Mae) Bristow; sister, Ethia ( Norm) Brown; sister-in-law, Lee Bristow (Lorence Peterson) and their families; sisters-in-law, Gladys (Dick) Perrott, Mary Cade, and Doris (Dave) Still; and brothers-in-law, Roy (Gladys) Hendren, Jim (Bev) Hendren, Wallace (Shona) Hendren, John (Donelda) Hendren and their families. He leaves 16 grandchildren with fond memories of a grandfather who enjoyed every entertaining moment with them. Many of Bob's stories were centered around his deep love and pride for his family. His belief in creating good memories will be carried on in all of us whose lives he has touched. Bob passed away at St. Paul's Hospital on June 22, 2008, surrounded by his family. He is on his biggest tour yet, in a place were there are many new souls to meet. Godspeed, Bob. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Outlook Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held at the Strongfield Hall on Saturday, June 28 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Strongfield United Church, the Saskatchewan Cancer Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.