Date of Birth: February 8, 1983
Date of Death: April 4, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Gilfrid Lewthwaite on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 85.
Robert leaves to mourn his children: Leslie (Larry) Bailey and Bradley (Terri) Lewthwaite; and his grandchildren, Taylor and Matthew
Bailey and Jessica Lewth-waite. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Bob Patterson; as well as numerous other extended family members and friends.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Gilfrid and Clara; his wife Royal; and his granddaughter, Samantha Lewthwaite.
Robert was born in Sintaluta and spent much of his childhood on the family farm west of Sintaluta. The farmhouse was not winter-worthy and so consequently when the weather turned cold, they moved into town or to Victoria. Being the eldest he was the benefactor of attention from his aunts and uncles, his Uncle Wes (Railton) always held a special place in his heart. They continued to be close throughout their lives. On completion of high school, he moved to Calgary where he went to SAIT to become a technician, later returning to Saskatchewan to work for the CO-OP Refinery in the lab. During this time, he met Royal and his days of being a bachelor became numbered, they married in 1963 and settled into becoming a young farm family.
Dad spent over 40 years farming, his career, while at times frustrating, offered him the opportunity to be his own boss and it fed his desire to continue to learn and experience life. Dad often said “You don’t come with a best-before date stamped on your forehead” In other words, your life may be short, so best to do and experience all you can in the time you have. This belief spurred him to be open to different ideas and experience the world, travelling to many destinations in North America, South America and Australia. Dad didn’t talk much about himself and enjoyed talking with people, hearing their stories, learning and discovering what was important to them.
Dad had a strong work ethic, working until the job was done, once done, he loved a good time with friends and family. He frequently reminded his kids on mornings after a night of fun “If you want to be a big shot at night, you need to be a big shot in the morning” words that he lived by and expected the same of others. Dad’s social interests were many: curling, golfing, Lions Club activities, fishing, camping and spending time at ‘the lake’ were his downtime places. Some of his most reminisced adventures were the annual camping trips in July with McRorie’s and Patterson’s. These trips saw the families trek to Alaska and many other locations. While the destination may have been the focus, the togetherness and hijinks that always ensued amongst Dad, Dale and Bob were the highlights. Later in life when dad and mom retired to Katepwa Lake, their social life expanded to include their many lake friends. They truly enjoyed living the lake life, liver lover’s night, bonfires, happy hours and the occasional use of the Katepwa Taxi.
As a dad and a poppa he encouraged independence, problem-solving and common sense in his children and grandchildren. He could be tough at times but more often than not, he was patient beyond reason, empathetic to the heartbreak of a kid, using cuddles, raspberry kisses and silliness to stem the tears.
As much as we will miss you dad, we know that you will be happy to have mom at your side once more.
A private celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301 – 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1, Katepwa & District Lions Club or Santa Maria Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.tubmanfh.com
