Obituary of WESLEY ROBERT DE GROOT

Wesley Robert de Groot “Wes", born December 23rd 1982, passed away suddenly on May 12th 2021. Beloved partner of Heather Kissick and loving son of Robert de Groot (Laurie Chambers) and Karen Cockrane (Stanley). 

            Wes lived his entire life in Winnipeg. He began his school years at Sun Valley Elementary in 1987, first trying French immersion but then switching to English track. In Grade 6 he moved to Maple Leaf School due to overcrowding at Sun Valley. He attended Junior High at John Pritchard and High School at River East Collegiate, graduating in 2001.

            Wes's participation in sports included Community Club hockey, curling in Junior High, and football in High School. His real passion was basketball and he and his dad went to a Lakers game in Orlando when the family went on a trip to Disneyworld. 

            In his younger years some of his heroes were from shows like Robotman, ThunderCats, Ghostbusters, South Park and The Simpsons. His de Groot family cousins will remember his favourite toy that he didn't have to share with anyone was a Robotman doll which he received when he had eye surgery at 18 months of age. The doll helped him to remember not to rub his eyes after his surgery. He later developed a love for Star Wars. Becoming an Ultimate Fan, he chose Darth Moobius as his Jedi name. He even named his faithful canine companion Mara, who he adopted to save her from going to a rescue organization, after Mara Jade Skywalker from Star Wars. Wes and Mara would often go on long walks in places like the Transcona Bio Reserve and Kilcona Dog Park where he played Pokemon Go, among other places. Wes enjoyed computer games and often took the family computer tower to his friend's house for LAN parties. He also taught himself how to make chainmail. Many people have pieces that he made, like the bracelet and neck chain for his Mom. His most ambitious piece was a chainmail vest.

            Wes's first job was with his brother Steven and his friend Nathan at the Red River Ex. His employer gave him such a glowing reference letter that he was able to land his next job at Zeller's. Over the years Wes worked at Convergys, I-Tech and finally Cabela's. 

            Wes was well liked by his co-workers, and he enjoyed sharing his deviled eggs and other dishes he would make for potlucks. Other times co-workers would be jealous smelling his homemade burritos that he would heat up for lunch in the toaster oven.

             Wes was the kindest, most thoughtful and caring person. But he stood up for himself. When males in his workplace were told that despite the hot weather and the fact that females could wear skirts to work, they were not allowed to wear shorts, he showed up at work wearing a kilt. A supervisor stopped at his desk and asked what he was wearing. No doubt the intention was to send Wes home for breaking the apparel rules. He stood up and said “It's a kilt". He was not sent home and continued to wear a kilt to work in warm weather.

             Wes enjoyed family camping and fishing trips notably to George Lake and Wellman Lake in the Duck Mountains. Another memorable trip was by himself with Grandma Joan to Mount Rushmore when he was 12.

            Wes was a movie fan, a shared passion with his partner Heather.  His all-time favourite movie was The Princess Bride. Their favourite line was “death can never stop true love”.

            Wes was predeceased by his Grandparents Raymond Fitzpatrick, Joan Fitzpatrick, Grandparents Alma de Groot and Stanley de Groot and nephew James Parker. He will be deeply missed by his partner Heather, his parents Karen (Stanley) and Robert (Laurie Chambers), brother Steven “Steve" de Groot, sisters Heather Parker (Stacy), Nicole “Nikki” Beaton (TJ), Sarah Chambers, his canine companion Mara, aunts, uncles, cousins and many many friends.

             In lieu of flowers if preferred please consider a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association or a pet rescue of your choice.

             The family would like to thank the first responders and staff at Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department who provided care to Wes and the family.

            Gone from us too soon but forever in our hearts.

               No one’s ever really gone.