Obituary of Robert Charles Wharton

March 10, 1927 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

July 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Robert (Bob) Wharton passed away peacefully in his 96th year on July 3rd in Calgary. He was predeceased by Shirley, loving wife, forever love, and teammate in 2017 after 67 years of marriage, and their loving daughter-in-law Leanne in 2013. 

Born in Winnipeg, Bob spent his childhood and summers at his favourite place in the world, Laclu, ON, at the cottage he helped his father build that still stands as a cherished part of the family over a hundred years later. Bob attended the University of Manitoba where he studied engineering and where he met his beloved Shirley. What followed was a highly successful career in the utility business in both the corporate and consulting fields.  Bob and Shirley lived life to the absolute fullest, raising three boys, moving across Canada, travelling around the world, and collecting countless lifelong friends along the way.

Bob always seemed to end up as a president in work and community, including president of Great Northern Gas, Foster Research, his community league, his recreation centre, Priddis Golf Course, Special Olympics, among others.  He was a lifelong sportsman, actively hiking, cross-country skiing, playing tennis or golf, and swimming well into his 90’s.  His woodworking hobby led to everyone in his life, from Ontario to Oregon, owning one of his famous bird houses.

Bob was everyone’s Dad, Grandpa, or Great-Grandpa, and we will remember his legacy through his friendships old and new. He had an amazing curiosity for people – who they were and what they did was very important to him and he remembered everything.

He leaves behind three sons who challenged him nonstop, Donald (Melody), David (Kathleen) and Thomas (Susan); five grandchildren, Matthew (Julia), Michael (Shea), Kelsey (David), Caitlin (Michael), and William (Kayla); and four great-grandchildren. 

We will remember Bob as a remarkable individual who made a difference in the lives of everyone he met. Special thanks to the Journey Club in Calgary, for their great care of our dear Bob. The family plans to celebrate Bob’s life at a future date.

In living memory of Bob Wharton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.