Robert Boyle

Robert Leo Boyle

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert (Bob) Leo Boyle, husband of Beth Boyle on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg at the tender age of 88. Bob is predeceased by his parents Orris and Leo. He is survived by his only brother, Ashley Boyle. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Beth, daughters Bonnie Smith (Brian), Bette Kleemola (Allan), sons Brent Boyle (Wanda), Barrie Boyle (Shelley), and Blaine Boyle (Nicki). Bob leaves behind 10 grandchildren ( Jason Kleemola, Chad Kleemola, Jennifer Ageeb, Tracy Finney, Geoff Kleemola, Kristen Kleemola, Christopher Boyle, Jiness Gyselink, Britt Boyle, and Tanner Boyle), 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on November 2, 1921. His parents moved around when he was young but settled permanently in Portage la Prairie. Bob graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute. Bob enlisted in the Air Force for World War 2 and became a Lancaster bomber pilot. His memories of his crew, the friendships they built and their exciting adventures brought great joy to him. The pride of being in the Air Force never left him; he never hesitated to put on his uniform for Remembrance Day or other events. Bob and Beth were married on May 31, 1947, a union that lasted over 62 years. They built a home in 1955 in Portage and have lived in it ever since. Bob spent the majority of his working years as postman and school bus driver. Bob was a late starting athlete. He started to play Liniment League ball (Wintergreens) and curling in his mid 40's stopping only when he was the senior veteran at both. Bob was one of the founding members of the Sno-Drifters, a snowmobile club from Portage and volunteered with air cadets for many years. Bob loved a good joke. His sons were constantly doing things that would make him laugh. He loved when his daughters would visit. They would spend hours talking. Bob loved to go to the rink or the ball field and watch. He spent many weekends traveling to and from tournaments just to be with his kids or grandkids. Bob's stubbornness was legendary within the family. You never saw a snow drift or long grass at the house. He would be the first one on the block to take care of his outside chores as long as he didn't have to do any inside.

Service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at McKenzie's Portage Funeral Chapel at 56 Royal Road S. in Portage la Prairie on Thursday, April 1 at 2:30 pm led by Rev. Julie Baker. Interment will follow at the family plot in Hillside Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bob's memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba a�" Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7 or to Royal Canadian Legion #65, 275 Duke Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OS5 or a charity of choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com