Obituary of Robert Orville Klassen

August 5, 1931 – Swalwell, Alberta

December 10, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

With heavy hearts, the family of Robert O. (Bob) Klassen announces his passing on Saturday, December 10, 2022. 

Bob was born in Swalwell, AB, to parents Tom and Katherine. Bob was raised in rural northern Alberta. The eldest of the Klassen children, he grew up on a farm where doing chores and lending a helping hand were a way of life. As a boy, one of his many duties was to arrive early to his one-room schoolhouse to start a fire in the stove and warm the classroom. Learning the importance of responsibility at a young age stood him in good stead to become the disciplined hard worker he was throughout his lifetime.

Bob eventually left the farm for city life. While continually upgrading his education, he travelled extensively in his work as a master electrician, electrical contractor, and senior estimator. He worked as a project manager during the construction of The National Arts Centre in Ottawa and as a senior estimator for a worldwide engineering firm.

He gave his time generously to his children as an avid bird watcher, scoutmaster, camping companion, and hunter. Under his tutelage and by his example, his children learned countless life skills and values.

Bob truly loved the outdoors and was a passionate horseman. He enjoyed participating in family cattle drives and his time with Windy Ridge and Eastgate riding clubs. Trail rides, cattle penning, gymkhana, and parades were just a few of the events he enjoyed with his many precious friends, both equine and human alike. As Bob would say “Horse people are nice people”.

Bob was a living testament to the adage “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy”.

A consummate family man, he is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Lynn, who was always there to love and support him; in Bob’s words she is “as handy as a shirt pocket”. He is deeply loved and missed by his children, Janis, and Mark. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers, Jim (Doreen), Ken, and Lawrence; and his sister Sharon, and will be remembered by a great many extended family members as well. He was predeceased by his son David, and brothers Allen and Gordon.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service, in accordance with family wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food bank or charity of your choice.

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

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