Robert CORRIGALL

ROBERT CORRIGALL
Robert Richard Corrigall passed away peacefully on April 23, 2017, at the age of 91. Robert (Bob) was born in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan on September 9, 1925. He was the youngest son born to John Eldred and Katherine Corrigall. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Stella in 1991, and by his parents and siblings Pat, Jim, Louis, and sister Mary. He is survived by his daughter, Jocelyn, of Ottawa, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends. Robert joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943. His role, on a navy escort ship, was to be the "lookout" for icebergs. Discharged from the Navy in 1946, Robert moved to Saskatoon and became a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) as a projectionist with Famous Players. His first assignment was at the Ritz Theatre in Saskatoon, followed by his first job at a theatre in North Battleford, SK. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Stella, in 1952. In 1960, they moved to Saskatoon and purchased a house on 7th Street East and Clarence Avenue, and Robert obtained a projectionist position at the Daylight Theatre (later renamed the Paramount). Robert assumed additional responsibility as the business agent for several theatres and moved to the Capitol Theatre in 1982. He was instrumental in hiring the first female projectionist in Saskatoon, Judy Friesen-Whalen. He always said he only hired the best men and women, and demanded fairness for all workers. Robert ultimately witnessed the development of automation and digital sound, and remained with the IATSE for over 50 years. He modestly accepted the IATSE President's award (for all of Canada and North America), which was an outstanding achievement. In 2006, Robert's work throughout the decades of the motion picture industry was profiled in a book by Ned Powers titled, "Saskatoon – The Powers Interviews: Essays on Notable Saskatonians." Robert remained modest about this achievement, preferring to give credit to the many men and women who worked in the industry. Robert and Stella's daughter Jocelyn was born in 1964. A Siamese cat, named Mushroom, joined the family in 1968. Family friend from Blaine Lake, SK, Janice Stocks, lived in their basement suite while she was attending university. Precious times were spent with Robert and Stella. Janice also became Jocelyn's treasured "big sister." Robert enjoyed his last few years at his suite at Preston Park, across from Market Mall. He was briefly hospitalized in February, 2017. Robert commented on his long life, saying, just like when a good movie finished playing in the theatre, "it's been a good run." Lastly, forever thinking of others, he stated, "the show must go on." An informal luncheon to celebrate Robert's life will be held on Sunday, April 30, from 2-4 p.m., at the Edwards Family Centre, 333 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon. Parking is available across the street at the Saskatoon Funeral Home.