Robert “Bob” Yonge
Following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, Bob left this world on Sunday, July 13, in the same manner that he had lived his eighty years, gently and quietly.
Bob was “one of those guys” who somehow impacted every person whose presence he graced. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he never hesitated to assist neighbours with problems like fixing a lawnmower, repairing a furnace in the dead of winter, or making a dump run—without ever accepting payment. You see, Bob’s philosophy of life was, “be kind to others and they will be kind to you” and he exemplified this every day of his life.
Bob instilled this philosophy in his children and grandchildren, and I am sure that Bob smiled down with pride on the Sunday afternoon following his passing. As the family made their way back to Central Butte to gather and grieve, they witnessed a motorist in distress when their kayak flew off their vehicle. True to Yonge fashion, they all immediately stopped to help – just as Bob would have done.
Bob was a dedicated farmer, a profession he chose early in life and never questioned. On his family farm, originally homesteaded in 1906, he looked forward to seeding every single year, loved watching the harvest go into the bins, and spent hours carefully watching the crops. For Bob, farming was not just a source of income or a profession, it was a passion. A passion that he excelled in. Even after he and Sandra “retired” to town in 2003, the two of them would frequently be seen heading back out to the farm near Mawer to help with the operation and deliver Sandra’s special field meals. In town, Bob spent countless hours in his garage where no mechanical, wood working or “fixer upper” project went unmastered as Bob had the natural talent to be able to fix anything. Another trait he proudly shared with his sons.
Bob and Sandra’s home, built on the love of almost fifty-nine years of marriage, was always warm and welcoming. They always had time for a coffee, a game of cards, a heartfelt chat, or a quick repair job on a piece of equipment. Sandra's chocolate chip cookies, Bob's favourite, always added an extra touch of sweetness to each visit.
Bob and Sandra enjoyed playing many sports together over the years; slow pitch tournaments across the region from Pine Lake to Eyebrow in the 70s and 80s to golf, where Bob often found as many balls in the bushes as were played on the course, and more recently, pickleball. Although a relatively new sport, Bob embraced his love of the game until his illness destroyed his physical ability to participate on the court – but never dampened his love for the sport.
When not busy farming, helping others or playing sports, Bob and Sandra shared a love of travel, whether off to see family, taking a bus trip across Canada, or Bob’s favourite, a Grand European River Cruise they always had fun. But like they say, you can take the farm boy out of the country, but you cannot take the farm out of the boy, and this was so true of Bob who always looked forward to his favourite place of all, home.
Bob was always a quiet, shy person, and those who truly did not know him would have been astounded by Bob’s keen sense of humour that often left family and friends in fits of laughter – unable to stop until our stomach muscles ached. Yet, he was also known as the “active, non participant” for any boards or groups, preferring to always be the guy that did the work behind the scenes, never wanting or needing credit for the many, many things he accomplished.
The most important thing in life for Bob was his family. Nothing mattered more than his family. After marrying Sandra in 1966, the couple were blessed with three wonderful children: Christy, Jim, and David. They were his pride and joy, and what a wonderful father he was.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck their home in May of 1983, when their beautiful daughter, Christy Ann, lost her life in a horrific car accident, leaving the family struggling with sorrow and the community in shock.
Bob was predeceased by his father Vernon Yonge (1986), mother Margaret Yonge (2002), daughter Christy Yonge (1983), and siblings Penny Forseille, Marion Strasdin and Max Nichol.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his sons: David (Teri) and Jim (Dani); honorary son Blair Nicholson (Shannan); his grandchildren: Evan Yonge, Ashley Maher (Dean), Eric Yonge (Taylor), Kaitlyn (Blake) Yonge, Nick (Olivia)Yonge, Prestyn Yonge, Dallas Cozart, Bailey Collier (Levi); his great grandchildren: Olivia and Breanna Maher, Scarlett, Alannah and Flynn Collier, Hudson and Stetson Yonge; his brothers: Barry Dunham (Alice), Dale Archibald (Florence), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
On May 28th, Bob reached his 80th birthday, an event that he had wanted to celebrate surrounded by his family and friends. Unfortunately, this wish was unfulfilled at that time due to his illness. The family would like to make his final celebration of life the birthday party Bob didn’t have, by asking those attending to wear happy colours instead of black.
The memorial celebration will be held at the Central Butte Legion on Sunday, July 27th, at 2:00 PM. Please join us in a time of fellowship and celebration of a life well lived. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to Central Butte Iver Main Place Box 550 Central Butte, SK S0H 0T0. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
