Obituary of Robert Grant McLeod

Robert Grant McLeod – January 4, 1943 – June 26, 2017 It is with heavy hearts that the family announces Dad’s passing. Left to mourn his passing are his daughters, Vikki (Les) and Tracey McLeod (Delorme) and her special friend Chris Pinno; grandchildren, Nicole (Ward) Reed, Graeme (Jess) Currie, Glen (Kathleen) Currie, Braedon McLeod, Mathieu Delorme, Jenaya Delorme; great grandchildren, Everly Reed and Arwen Reed and unborn grandchildren that he didn’t get a chance to meet; his brothers, Don McLeod, Jack (Maxine) McLeod, and Bill McLeod. He also leaves behind his loving partner Marlene Paproski, many nieces, nephews, and friends. Bob was born in Saskatoon on January 4, 1943 to Thelma and Robert McLeod. He was the second of five boys (Don, Jack, Larry, and Bill). He grew up in the Caswell area and attended school there. Bob was an avid hunter; many of his happiest hours were spent tramping through the woods enjoying nature and solitude, even in the absence of game. He also enjoyed fishing with his daughter Tracey and his grandchildren Mathieu and Jenaya and looked forward to the opportunity to take them out on the water whenever they came up to the lake. Sports of all kinds played a central part of Bob’s life from a very young age. His hockey career spanned from learning to skate to many years in the old timer’s league. He also loved golf and of course football, participating in the annual ‘pool’ for many years. Bob was fortunate enough to have the love of many women throughout his life. In 1965 he married Sandra Mantyka (Wood) and they had two daughters, Vikki and Tracey. Unfortunately, the marriage dissolved in 1988, but they remained friends until his passing. In 1988 he met Lynne Donnelly where he spent the next 24 years enjoying life and spending time at their cabin at Emma Lake. Lynne had two daughters (Maureen (Kim) and Shannon (Kevin). Bob considered the girls, their spouses, and grandchildren, Shane and Rhea as his own. Bob was heartbroken when Lynne passed away in 2013. Left to console him was their dog Colby. He loved animals and Colby was a faithful companion to both him and Lynne. It was shortly after Lynne’s passing that Dad found friendship with Marlene Paproski who was a Godsend until his passing. For the last few years they spent the winter months together in Hemet, California and made some wonderful memories. Over the last few months Marlene spent countless hours taking care of and loving Bob for which all the family are truly grateful. Bob was a hard worker. He drove truck for 15 years, drove for the Saskatoon Transit System for 25 years and retired in 1999. He had an immaculate driving record and took home 18 continuous years of Safe Driving Awards. In 1997 he competed in the National Bus Rodeo in Ottawa against drivers from across Canada where he earned the Rookie of the Year award. In 1998 Bob came out of retirement and started Bobby’s Birches, his own lawn care and snow removal business. He sold the company retiring for the last time in 2002. Bob discovered that his Great Grandfather, Jerome Henry was a scout for Gabriel Dumont at the Battle of Batoche. This peaked his interest, so he joined C.U.M. F. I. in 1998 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1999. He moved to the position of VP to fill a vacancy for four months and was later elected President. He was re-elected by acclamation for two consecutive three-year terms. Bob has represented the Saskatoon region of the Local Metis Management board, and been involved as a member or held an executive position with many organizations and Associations. He worked hard, made changes, and earned the respect, trust and support of many people. He was proud to be Metis and was honoured with the name White Bufffalo. Infinity House is the pride and first major project of CUMFI during Bob’s first term with the establishment. CUMFI had many major accomplishments, (too many to mention) during Bob’s terms as President. Under his leadership with CUMFI and in partnership with the City of Saskatoon they ventured into the affordable housing arena. One of the buildings that was refurbished was designated as an Inpatient Substance Abuse Program and was named “McLeod House” after him. Bob absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren, Nicole (Ward) Reed, Graeme (Jessica) Currie, Glen (Kathleen) Currie, Braedon McLeod, Mathieu Delorme, Jenaya Delorme, and his great grandchildren, Everly and Arwen. Everly liked visiting Papa and playing “All Around the Garden”. She was very concerned about his “tummy ache” and the evening he passed away she said, “Papa be all better in heaven”. A lot of the time spent with his grandchildren was spent at Emma Lake and Bob usually participated in the Beer Pong challenges or Big Ball Beer Pong. He also enjoyed playing cards, poker mostly, and really enjoyed taking everyone’s money! Bob’s family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Royal University Hospital and especially Marlene who cared for Bob and did such a wonderful job. He was extremely fortunate to have her in his life. A special thanks to the palliative care nurses and Dr. Goluboff. The family would also like to thank his friends who spent time with Bob, especially in his final days. Your caring and compassion will not be forgotten. Bob’s life was full but unfortunately ended too soon. He is dearly loved and will be truly missed by his family and many friends. “Spread your wings as you go.” In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s memory to the Saskatoon Children’s Hospital.