Obituary of Robert Allen Grof

March 21, 1940 – Cupar, Saskatchewan

September 18, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

We are saddened to announce Robert (Bob) Grof passed away with family at his bedside on September 18, 2023, in Calgary, AB at the age of 83 years.

Born in Cupar, SK on March 21, 1940, to Ethel and John Grof, Bob grew up with a big family in a small town. Bob was predeceased by his parents, sister Marion Fordon and brother-in-law Ted Fordon, brother-in-law Ken Roberts and brothers, John Grof and Brian Grof (in infancy). He is survived by three sisters, Shirley Roberts, Colleen Pomoty (John), Carol Godlien (Allan); and sister-in-law Lucy Grof.

Bob was athletic in his youth, playing in various leagues for hockey, curling, and baseball. His love of sport was a constant in life as he passionately followed Toronto Blue Jays, Calgary Flames, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Canadian curling teams. 

Bob moved to Regina in 1958 and soon after met his beloved Yvonne, his wife of 62 years. He is survived by his three children, Richard (Vivian) of Calgary, AB, Trent (Linda) of Thunder Bay, ON, and Pamela (Jonathan) of London, England.

Bob started off his career in Regina as an apprentice electrician and studied at Saskatchewan Technical Institute, now called Saskatchewan Polytechnic, in Moose Jaw to obtain his qualification as a journeyman electrician. While establishing his family life in Regina, he started his own electrical contracting business which he ran for the next 45 years, retiring in 2011.

In retirement, Bob and Yvonne moved to Thunder Bay to enjoy time with family, make new friends and spend summers at Pass Lake. After nine years in Thunder Bay, they moved to Calgary in early 2020.

Bob’s life was blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren: Dustin (Mandy), Phalan (Dave), Alicen (Lance), Janelle (Loren), Adam (Hannah), Madison (Curtis), Josiah, David, Zoe, and Max. He also adored his five great-grandchildren: Aurora, James, Rose, Reuben and Wesley.

Along with his family, Bob touched countless lives. Bob was known for his strong, silent demeanour and his heartfelt belief in the goodness of people. His favourite saying was ‘everyone deserves a second chance.’ Bob welcomed many into their home, sharing food and laughter over puzzles. He was often recruited by Yvonne in the kitchen; some family favourites included butter tarts, perogies and cabbage rolls.

Bob showed immeasurable strength and dignity as he fought hard against cancer. His family would like to express their deep appreciation to Susan and Ellen of Palliative Care for their profound support over the past year and to the staff of Unit 73, Rockyview Hospital for their excellent care during his final days.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 3J6, Telephone: (403) 283-1539, https://hillhurstunited.com/donate or the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. A Reception will follow. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Bob’s service streamed live on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bob’s family here.

In living memory of Bob, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells.

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