Obituary of Robert Harold Lidgren

August 21, 1936 – Shaunavon, Saskatchewan

July 27, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Harold Lidgren, a beloved widower of Brenda Joyce Lidgren (Macartney), who passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Robert was born in Shaunavon, SK, on August 21, 1936. His early life journey took him to Lethbridge, AB, before finally settling in Calgary in 1957, where he built a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication.

He began his career with Coca-Cola Bottling Limited from 1962 to 1965, and later with 7Up Bottling Limited from 1966 to 1968. Seeking to improve his future, Robert attended Mount Royal College from 1970 to 1973. In 1972, he joined Alberta Government Telephones, which later became Telus Corporation, where he worked diligently until his retirement.

In 1966, Robert married the love of his life, Brenda Joyce McCartney. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Robert Scott Lidgren and Craig Steven Lidgren. Robert took immense pride in his marriage and children, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Robert had a zest for life and a variety of interests, including weight training, social events, dancing, winemaking, and travelling both locally and abroad. His travels were extensive, taking him to places like Alcatraz, Salt Lake City, Disneyland, San Francisco, Reno, Spokane, Sedona, Texas, Yellowstone, Washington State, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and throughout Canada including Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Tofino, Vancouver, and Saskatchewan. His adventures abroad included trips to Mexico, Cuba, Germany, Sweden, Holland, Europe, England, Australia, and New Zealand.

Robert will be fondly remembered for his love of life, his infectious and witty sense of humour, and his passion for entertaining friends and family.

Robert leaves behind his beloved sons, Robert Scott Lidgren and Craig Steven Lidgren; his brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Margret Lidgren; and nieces, Suzanne Sobochyshn and family of Edmonton, AB, and Lauri Batt and family of Tsawwassen, BC. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Karen Lidgren, wife of his late brother Gordon Lidgren, and niece Gail Shannon and family from Australia.

Robert survived both his parents, Harold and Jacqueline Lidgren; his brother Gordon Lidgren, and his nephew Mark Lidgren.

A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Graveside Services to follow at Mountain View Cemetery (1605 100 St SE, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow at 264 Kensington Branch Legion, 2nd floor (1918 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB) at 2:30 p.m. Sandwiches, coffee, and tea will be provided, with drinks available at the cash bar. Parking is available in the underground garage at no charge. Please register your vehicle with the front desk clerk in the main floor lobby.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Lidgren’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to his son, Robert Scott Lidgren, Email: robatwork@shaw.ca, or to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Robert's family here.

In loving memory of Robert Lidgren, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes Park Memorial, 508 Elbow Drive Southwest, Calgary, Alberta T2S 2L5. Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Robert's Celebration of Life