He was predeceased by his wife Joan, his parents Flora and Ray Publow, his sisters Doreen Hogins and Verna Melanson. He is survived by his sister Muriel Loeppky, daughter Shelagh (Ned Basher), son Jon (Lisa), grandchildren Miranda (Matt), Rob, and Evan (Sanna) Publow, Brett Basher (Irina) and brother-in-law Michael Beck as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was born January 2, 1926. He graduated from Gordon Bell before he enlisted in the navy. After the war he returned to Winnipeg to study pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1950 at the start of the great flood.
He worked in the pharmacy of Grace Hospital before moving to the Manitoba Health Services Commission. After serving 15 years there and taking additional courses in hospital administration, he was recruited to be the business administrator at The Cancer Foundation under Director Lionel Israels with whom he had a good working relationship and close friendship.
After a four-year engagement so Joan could complete her nursing degree, they were married on May 31, 1952. They raised their two children in a loving home.
Bob had a deep love of music and a beautiful bass baritone voice. He was a soloist at Knox United Church. He sang the lead in "The Most Happy Fella" at Rainbow Stage with his young co-star, Len Cariou.
Bob also sang at The Hollow Mug with many of the city's best singers. His rendition of "Old Man River" rivalled Robeson's. This picture is from the show “South Pacific”.
He sang oratorio for the CBC, notably "Messiah" with the Edmonton Symphony. He performed with the WSO on other occasions such as A Sea Symphony by Ralph Vaughn Williams for baritone, soprano and choir.
He and Joan were blessed to spend the last years of their 70-year relationship together at Oakview Place where they were given exceptional care and love by the wonderful staff there. We thank the staff for their special care during Dad's last days when we were unable to visit him or say goodbye due to the 2020 Covid Pandemic. A private family internment will take place when we are again able to gather to pay our last respects.