Obituary of Rob Yeats

November 18, 1953 – April 12, 2022

Robert Yeats, beloved husband of Glenda Yeats, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the age of 68 years.

Rob was born to parents Jack and Maurine Yeats and lived his entire life in Calgary, with the exception of his birth on November 18, 1953, which happened in the midst of relocating from Edmonton. Rob met his wife Glenda through their mutual love of swimming at Glenmore Pool. They were married on June 16, 1979. Their son Ryan was born in 1984, with daughter Kim joining the family in 1986.

Rob began his 35-year career with the City of Calgary as a lifeguard with Parks and Recreation. In 1978, he transferred to the Fire Department where he served for 30 years, retiring as Captain in 2010.

Outside his work with the city, he spent many years working as an EMT and at the Calgary Stampede. He also taught CPR and skiing. He was an avid volunteer, taking on roles at the Calgary Olympics, at the Calgary World Police Fire Games (sailing event) in 1997, the Field of Crosses, as a SnowHost at Sunshine Village, and at Winsport Canada.

Rob was always a traveller, arranging a job exchange to Australia, taking the family camping, and exploring Canada by motorhome. However, it was after his retirement that he and Glenda really became global travellers. They set out on many worldwide adventures, exploring Africa, South America, Croatia, New Zealand, Greece, China, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. They also continued to explore Canada and the United States with their “Wagons Ho” RV group. Despite his frequent grumbling about it, he also indulged Glenda in whatever “walk” she wanted to take him on but did manage to hold the line with golf, a hobby he refused to take part in. When he wasn’t travelling, Rob always found a way to keep active. In the summer, he biked, kayaked, and sailed when he wasn’t out camping. In the winter, he played old-timers hockey, found a way to use the high-performance gym at Winsport, and swam.

Above all, Rob was a devout skier, travelling western Canada and exploring the ski hills. He joined his friends on trips to Japan where they explored the local skiing. However, his heart never left Sunshine, and he skied there weekly for decades. Wherever he went, Rob collected strays and made friends that would last a lifetime. His family became used to his habit of inviting people to stay with them when they came through town. He was an inveterate storyteller, who loved to leave his friends and family in stitches.

In 2015, Rob’s first grandchild, Cason, arrived. He was over the moon and would frequently show up for “grandpa time,” AKA reading while the newborn slept on his belly. This is a tradition that continued with the arrival of Nolan in 2017, Brooklyn in 2019, and Bennett in 2020. Along with snuggles, Grandpa Rob very much enjoyed spoiling the shit out of his grandkids. He would always show up with a new toy, root beer W (A&W), ice cream, or some other treat. His favourite thing to do was share his zest for adventure and experiences with his grandchildren. He taught them how to ski, suffered greatly trying to keep up on the toboggan hill, took them boating, and loved watching them bike, and splash in the pool.

Along with his wife Glenda, Rob will be forever cherished by his son Ryan (Michaela), daughter Kim (Corey); grandchildren Cason, Nolan, Brooklyn, and Bennett; brothers Doug (Judy), Randy (Patti), and Allan (Kristina); and many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park  N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7, Tel; 403-295-1811; www.stars.ca; or Burns Memorial Fund, Kahanoff Centre, #1120, 105 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB  T2G 1A1, Tel; 403-234-9396; www.burnsfund.com/donate; or Calgary Public Library Foundation at www.libraryfoundation.ca/donate.

In living memory of Robert Yeats, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.