Obituary of Robert (Bob) Douglas Hammond

Robert (Bob) Douglas Hammond

May 21, 1930 - January 29, 2025

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Bob Hammond at age 94 on January 29, 2025 at Riverview Health Centre with family by his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Dave (Francy), partner Thorunn Einarson, granddaughters Diana and Jacqui (Damon) and great- grandchildren Riley Jones, Joshuah and Julianna. He also leaves his siblings Gord, Shirley and Charlotte, brother and sister in-law Lex and Doug Weinberg (Calgary, AB), sons-in-law Len Cole (Carol) (Wembley, AB) and Chris Kimpton (Bowen Island, BC).

Bob was predeceased by his parents Amelia and George Hammond, first wife Bernice, second wife Betty, daughter-in-law Gerry and siblings Bill, Allan (infant), Joyce and Elizabeth.

Born in Winnipeg on May 21, 1930 and raised in East Kildonan until age 15 when his family moved to Hillside Beach, MB in 1945. Bob worked on the family homestead and other neighboring farms. Bob met Bernice at age 16 while she was vacationing at Hillside and they started dating in December 1948. They married in April 1950 during the Great Flood. Their son, David, was born the following year in 1951.

 Bob was an entrepreneur and land developer for most of his adulthood. In his early 20s he sold carpets, sewing machines and magazines before working side by side with his father in the roofing business. After a short time, he struck out on his own and formed his own roofing and siding company.

In 1958 he bought a parcel of lakefront property north of Gimli and created a cottage lot development and called it Spruce Sands. In 1961 friends of Bob and Bernice’s wanted to come out with their tents for the weekends and that was the beginning of Spruce Sands Campground. Bob, along with Dave, purchased and developed the amenities that have become the RV resort it is today.

Other land developments included Pebble Beach cottage lots, office buildings and a grocery store in Winnipeg. 

Bob took great pride in many years of service in the Rotary Club of Gimli having served as President for one term and worked closely with the planning and development of the Rotary Towers, a 55 Plus Complex.

Bob and Bernice enjoyed their winters in Arizona, being very active in their mobile home park and community events including square dancing and many barbeques. They also enjoyed exploring the Arizona countryside. Bob lovingly looked after Bernice when her health started to fail and passed away in 2001, after 51 wonderful years of marriage.

Upon his retirement, Bob moved to B.C. to spend time with his mom and siblings. It is here he met Betty, a former childhood neighbour. Bob and Betty enjoyed many years travelling, cruising and driving to Spruce Sands every summer.

Upon Betty’s passing, Bob moved back to Manitoba and took up residence at River Ridge Retirement home where upon he met Thorunn, a former acquaintance and friend to the family. Thorunn and Bob took joy in participating in the activities at the home and day trips driving around Winnipeg and surrounding area. Bob much enjoyed the Einarson family get-togethers.

In recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed going to visit the homestead to reminisce and talk about the good ol' days. He was always amazed that the fruit trees his father planted many years ago still bore fruit!

Bob generally enjoyed life…family was very important to him and took great pride in being involved in their endeavors. He had a positive, encouraging and supportive attitude and enjoyed many conversations on numerous topics. He always kept current on life and politics. His love and participation in life for 94 years will be sorrowfully missed.

Bob and Dave shared a unique relationship. Bob was not only Dave’s Father but also his mentor, business partner and friend. While Bob resided in B.C. for 20 years, they shared weekly phone calls discussing business and current issues.

A heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses (Gerri, Taylor, Neil) and staff at Riverview Health Centre, Palliative 3 East Wing who made Bob’s remaining days very comfortable.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Bob’s Life will be planned for the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heart & Stroke Foundation, Riverview Health Centre Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Rest in Peace Dad.

You’ll always be in our hearts.

Alterna Cremation

Tribute Link at: www.alternacremation.ca