Robert James Desjarlais
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother (sibling and union), uncle and grandpa, Robert James Desjarlais on Wednesday, March 10th, 2021. Bob (affectionately known as Bubbins) was born December 29th, 1954 in Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan to Irene and Louis Desjarlais. The 6th of 8 children, with 5 brothers and 2 sisters, Bob spoke fondly of his childhood in beautiful Fort Qu’Appelle. He often reminisced about long days spent getting into all sorts of mischief with his siblings, as well as sharing his family’s love for sports, recreation, hunting and music.
In 1971, Bob met a young politician named Roy Romanow, whose perspectives on inequality and social justice ignited Bob’s passion for worker’s rights and changed the course of his life.
In 1973, Bob married Bev Nowoselsky and moved to Thompson, MB, where he spent 32 years working for INCO Ltd. (now Vale) and raising their three sons. Bob was an active member of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba, including a time serving as the local president. In 1994 Bob was elected as president of the Steelworkers Local 6166, a role in which he proudly served for many years. This included representing INCO workers through difficult 1999 contract negotiations, seeing members through a lockout, and then rising to celebrate both the extension of Birchtree mine operations as well as wage and other improvements in the new contract. He considered it a great honour to represent his union sisters and brothers. Bob was also a loyal and dedicated member of the Nickel group, which was very meaningful to him.
In 2011, Bob retired from Vale and moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with Christie and Addison. Never one to rest on his laurels, Bob started a second career with SEIU-West, where he worked right up until his passing.
In 2015, Bob married his beloved Christie St. Martin. His wife and children were the loves of his life. Nothing made him happier than to wax on about his family and their achievements or milestones.
We would be remiss not to mention Bob’s passion for sports and recreation, particularly golf, pool, and curling. If Bob ever “went missing”, one of us would always ask “have you checked the course/rink?” depending on the season.
Bob was predeceased by his father, Louis; mother, Irene; siblings: Ronnie, Gilbert and Albert; and his first wife, Beverly. Left to share in his memory are his beloved wife, Christie; their daughter, Addison; Christie’s brother, Theron; Bob’s sons: Kris (Deanna), Steven (Michelle), and Patrick (Charlene); brothers, Brian (Gloria) and Clayton (Louise); sisters, Connie (Roland) and Joyce; eleven grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor (he even thought of himself as a funny guy), tall tales of sporting exploits, passion for justice and above all else, his deep abiding love for family and friends. He brought willful determination to every facet of his life.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Family Service will be held. Friends and Family are invited to view the service virtually on Friday, March 19th, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squire Baker’s Lane, Markham, ON L3P 3G8 www.cpff.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our condolences to the Desjarlais family.RIP our friend Robert.
To the Desjarlais families,
Extending our deepest sympathy to all. So very sad to hear of Robert’s illness and passing. Another one of the great’s gone far too soon. Rest In Peace Robert.
Condolences to the Desjarlais family!!
I want to thank you Bob for all you have done for me!!
Both within my work profession and personal life!!
Truly an amazing man!!
You are and will be missed my dear friend and “Brother”
My deepest sympathy to the family
I was so shocked and sadden when I learned of Bob’s passing. May he Rest in Peace and watch over his family from above. Be strong Christie and cherish the memories you have of him.
Condolences to the Bob’s family. I got to know Bob when I was part of local 6166 in Thompson. I had a lot of respect for him.
Deepest heartfelt condolences to the Desjarlais families.
I had the honor of working with Bob and can say without a doubt, his dedication to the working class and to social justice was second to none!
He will be truly missed. Rest easy my friend.
Our Family is sending prayers and sincere Sympathy. We all loved him. RIP Bobby D. Michael, Cheryl, James, Jared, Jordan and little Tobias.
Christie when I got the news that Bob had passed I was in shock I didn’t know what to say I had only met you guys a few years ago but during the time that I had met you guys it was a blast I’m really going to miss all and I’m really going to miss Rob the most he taught me some things that I never thought I could be taught and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart rest in peace Bob save a space for me
My deepest condolences to the Desjarlais Family.
When you speak of him, speak not with tears, for thoughts of him should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for his life was rich because of you.
My heartfelt condolences to Christie, Addison and Theron. I will be with you today as you lay Robert to rest. So long, my dear friend.
We really appreciated the service for our friend Bob. The different speakers and the songs really captured the essence of his life and his work. I first met Bob in Thompson at a curling bonspiel. When he moved south, we decided to team up. In addition to several bonspiels, I curled with Bob in the National Aboriginal Curling Championship three times and the provincial playdowns three times. Last year we made it to the Provincial Championships with an all Aboriginal team where we were to play the likes of Hritzuk and Heidt but after our first game, the event was cancelled due to covid. Bob was a keen competitor and we shared many a good game, good laughs and good political discussions together. My wife, Linda and I will remember Bob for his leadership, self determination and his championship of those less fortunate. We will miss his friendship and his fighting spirit. Kisteneetumohineek isi (With respect), Keith and Linda Goulet, Prince Albert
My sincere sympathy to Robert’s big family. Rest In Peace Robert. The service was so meaningful and thoughtful.
Love to all.
Barbara Wickstrom
My sincere sympathy and condolences to the Desjarlais family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Robert (Bubbins) was a very close friend when he lived in the valley, we never had a lot of contact after he moved away. It was a shock to hear of his passing, he was such a outgoing personality and passionate about his beliefs. I said a prayer and humbly asked the Creator to guide Robert’s journey into the Spirit world so he may have a good journey. I am happy Robert was able to walk the path in life of his own choosing as he was successful in that. Take care Bubbins R.I.P. my friend.
Fran Quewezance
I met Bob 5 years ago at the Lynbrook driving range and hit balls next to him lots each year until last year when he was hurting – almost every lunch break weekdays he was there. Played a lot of late evening speed golf with him that year I was a member there and a couple times a year after that when I was back at the Hillcrest. He sure did hit a lot of remarkable long straight 3 and 5 woods to the greens!!! He would eagerly offer you help and encouragement and challenge you to be your best – then beat you by 5 strokes. Throw in a little swearing – my kind of guy!!! Totally driven, competitive and charismatic!!! I will miss him at the range. Condolences on your loss.
Condolences to Bob’s family. We knew him from Lynbrook and remember that even if he was headed for the driving range, he always took time for a wave and to say hello. He will be missed and always remembered.
My sympathies go out to you Christie and Addy and all his family. I just watched the service. May y’all find strength as you move forward.
I love you dad, we will forever miss you, you treated me so well, always gave me want I needed. And most importantly have me love. I don’t understand why you had to leave, but you did. I’m not mad at you dad, I’m just sad. Rest easy and I will forever be you pumpkin head❤️ Also your not funny