Obituary of Bob Herdman

November 12, 1952 - Brantford, Ontario

December 23, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Herdman, beloved husband of Rose Herdman (nee Tschritter) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the age of 69 years. He left our lives too early.

Bob was born in Brantford, ON, and although he relocated out west in the early 1980’s he always spoke fondly of his time down east, his love of the beautiful beaches, the Great Lakes, playing hockey in the winter, and time spent at friend’s cabins. Bob loved spending time outside, whether it was tending to his lawn, curating the best compost, nurturing the many plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers in his yard, or taking long walks with his beloved dogs.  He enjoyed riding his bicycle, watching the various birds that came and went from his yard, and in earlier years fishing at various spots along the beautiful Bow River. Bob was a graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and a self-professed philosopher on many topics. His family often joked that he should have been a professor because he really enjoyed lecturing on many topics from finance, to economics, healthcare and most recently bitcoin. Bob will always be known as a good neighbour and as someone who always offered a helping hand, wherever it was needed; he never wanted to see people do without.

In his more recent years, Grandpa, as he came to be known, enjoyed playing chess with Liam, dinners with his family, playing cards at family gatherings (the European Card Players Association will forever live long!), taking trips to both beautiful coasts of Canada, driving through the countryside, and taking time to appreciate the history of small-town Alberta. One of the best times he had in recent years was a trip he took with Rose to Edmonton to see Paul McCartney perform live in concert. He reflected often of this time and how special it was. Grandpa also spoke frequently of his childhood pets, namely his dog Angus and his rabbit, Peter. He had a kinship with animals, and Grandpa opened his home to many animals from many places over the years, Sandy, Summer, Kita, Pepper, Uno, and most recently Max. He loved his pets dearly and we know those that have passed surround him now in the stars above.

Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rose Marie Herdman; three daughters, Leah (Greg), Rebekah, & Candace; and his dear Grandson Liam Robert Herdman. Bob was the oldest of four siblings; he also leaves behind his brothers, Richard (Suzanne), Ron (Jacky), and Randy (Michelle); as well as two nieces and three nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert Absalom, and Bertha Jeanne Herdman.

Grandpa, we miss you, we love you, and we hope you have found the peace and happiness that you most certainly deserve. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to send a very special Thank You to Dr. Fong, Dr. Caine, and each team member at Helios Wellness Centres for their amazing kindness, thoughtful words, expression of love, and show of support. Words cannot capture how meaningful these actions are, and they are forever cherished.  This is a team that exemplifies professionalism, caring, and connectedness. Regardless of the challenges faced throughout the course of this pandemic, this team has not forgotten what it means to care, and why it is important.

In living memory of Robert Herdman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.