Obituary of ROBERT JAMES VANDAL

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, who passed away at the age of 70. Rob fought a short battle with pancreatic cancer with quiet strength, optimism, and very little complaint.

Rob is survived by his wife Jo, daughters Lindsay (Michael), Stephanie (Dale), Rebecca (Daniel) and his 5 grandchildren; Emmett, Maverick, Axel, Luciano and Addilyn. He also leaves behind his sister Shirley (Lorne), numerous nieces and nephews and several very special cousins. Rob was predeceased by his parents Jules and Mary Vandal and dear sister Eileen Shewchuk.

Rob grew up in West St. Paul with numerous cousins and other relatives in the area. He excelled at any sport he tried but still managed to get into mischief. From family BBQs and pool parties to Boxing Day gatherings, the family always remained close, never knowing what shenanigans they would get up to next.

Rob married the love of his life Jo in 1982. Together they raised their three girls. While being the only male in the house had it challenges, Rob didn’t seem to mind. The Vandal family home was known to many friends as having an open-door policy. It was always the place to gather and share some laughs over a few beverages, especially in the summer on the swing.

Rob was an accomplished shuffleboard player winning many trophies along the way. He was inducted into the Manitoba Shuffleboard Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

Rob spent the last 20 years working for Shelter Canadian Properties. Truly a dream job for him. He not only loved what he did, but he also made so many friendships along the way. It was an ongoing joke that he would likely never choose to retire – which proved to be true as he spent his last weeks taking calls and scheduling inspections from his hospital bed!

Rob will be remembered as a humorous, caring, strong and sometimes stubborn individual with a large heart by all that knew him. He was deeply loved by many and will be missed tremendously.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11:00am at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.