Obituaries

Lt.-Col. (Ret’d) Robert Wayne Patrick

The Patrick family are saddened to announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Patrick, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, on February 21, 2026.

Bob was predeceased by his father Cluny, mother Stella, his loving wife Marion, brothers David and Chuck, sister Sandra, and daughter Rebecca (Ted Saunders). He is survived by his brother Ian (Joan), daughters Heather (Roger Burns) and Adrienne (Warren Rumple), his son Bob, 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren (and counting).

Bob was born on January 28, 1936, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 1948, he moved with his parents to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. He attended Lord Roberts and Gordon Bell schools and later the University of Manitoba before beginning his air force career, a career his brothers, Chuck and Ian, also shared. He loved his chosen profession as a military pilot, dedicating just under 49 years to the service of his country with the RCAF Auxiliary, the RCAF, the unified Canadian Forces, and the Cadet Instructor Cadre. He was especially passionate about flying (20 different aircraft types over the course of his career) and was happiest teaching and sharing that passion with others. In his later years, he particularly enjoyed working with young cadets; their enthusiasm reminded him of the old RCAF days when flying and comradeship (there are stories!) were far more important than wages.

Our dad’s dedication to service and community informed his life. He served many years as President of the 402 Squadron Association and was an active member of the 500 Wing RCAF Association, the Canadian Legion, and, in retirement, a dedicated volunteer at the Royal Aviation Museum. He was mayor of Medley, AB while stationed in Cold Lake and spent thirteen years on the board of Winnipeg’s Network South Enterprises (now Connect Employment), serving two terms as president.

Because of his various military postings, our family was fortunate to have traveled throughout North America and Europe. Dad loved traveling, whether that meant packing up the entire family for an adventure or Dad and Mom jetting off somewhere on their own. In his personal time, he found much joy and relaxation in his artistic hobbies—painting, sculpting, and wood carving.

Above all, our dad loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. With our mom, Marion, he shared unconditional love for our brother, their beloved son Bob Jr., whose happiness was a central focus of their lives and whom Dad cared for at home after our mom’s passing. Those wishing to honour our dad’s memory can contribute to Connect Employment Inc. He truly believed in the outstanding support the organization gave to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

While in true “Bob Patrick fashion” our dad composed most of this obituary himself, we would be remiss without adding a few words about how remarkable our dad truly was. He not only lived life with youthful exuberance but also had a marvelous sense of humour and a refreshing curiosity about the world and others. He was endearingly stubborn, a voracious reader, an adventurer, an engaging conversationalist about anything and everything under the sun, and a true and loyal friend. More than anything, he was a father and husband extraordinaire and a man who lived his life with the utmost integrity. We miss him dearly.

Dad’s ashes will be interred during a small family service in Fergus, Ontario.

A celebration of a life well-lived will be held at The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 3:00–5:30 pm. While it is not necessary to RSVP, if you do think you’ll attend (or are unable to attend but want to share a story), please email Heather at heatherpatrickfamily2026@gmail.com.