Obituary of Robert Dittmer

Robert (Bob) Gordon Dittmer, beloved husband of Helen Dittmer of Calgary, passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre after a short, courageous battle with cancer on Friday, October 7, 2005 at the age of 60 years. Bob was born on December 5, 1944 in Saskatoon, SK and grew up on the family farms near Dundurn, SK and Clavet, SK. He received most of his schooling at Elstow, SK, and later attended the University of Saskatchewan, convocating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. From 1966 to 1968 he articled at Touche Ross. In 1968 he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation and worked as a staff Chartered Accountant at Peat Marwick Mitchell until 1970. Bob then joined Agra Inc. in Saskatoon, SK in its infancy as Controller and was part of the management team that saw it grow to a multi-national conglomerate. He was Executive Vice President Finance and a member of the Board of Directors, establishing many long-term friendships with colleagues and coworkers until his retirement in 1999. He had also served as a director for the North West Trust Company, First Merchant Equities Inc., and as a Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation. In 1991 Bob and his family moved to Calgary when Agra relocated the head office from Saskatoon. During his brief retirement from 1999 – 2002, Bob spent time fly-fishing with his friend Ed and working on personal projects at home, including documenting a family history and spending time with his family. In 2002 he resumed his career by joining I3 Capital, where he became the Chief Financial Officer for several start up junior oil and gas companies. Bob continued his career until July, 2005 when he became ill. During Bob’s life he made many friends. He made time for everyone who had a concern or was looking for advice. His generous spirit and take charge personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bob is survived by his loving wife Helen; three sons, Brian (Jackie), Mark, and Scott; brother Bill (Elizabeth); in-laws, Anita and Wayne Clifton, Peter and Marilyn, and Doreen Neufeld and their families. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Maurine Dittmer. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date in Saskatoon, SK. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. A special thank you to the Home Care Nurses and the staff of unit 61 at the Foothills Medical Centre for the excellent care that they provided. In living memory of Robert Dittmer, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.