MCNAB, Robert

MCNAB

On the night of Oct. 31, 2021, the world lost a great man due to complications of Covid-19. ROBERT MCNAB, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away at Lethbridge Regional Hospital at the age of 71.

Robert was born in Camrose, AB on Jan. 30th, 1950 to Rose and Victor (Bud) McNab. At the age of 6, he and his family, which now included 3 younger sisters, moved to Milk River. During his school years, Robert loved racing cars and excelled in sports, his favorite being basketball. He also began dating the love of his life, Neva Bair, who had years ago decided that this was the man she would marry.

After high school, he worked at various jobs until finally going into the grain business with his father Bud at Milk River Grain. Robert and Neva were married in Lethbridge in August, 1972. They moved back to Milk River shortly after, where they were involved in Kinsmen and Kinettes. The curling rink was a favorite place for Robert, where he enjoyed a few beverages after a hotly contested curling game.

Milk River Grain was sold to Continental Grain and the McNab’s were sent to Winnipeg for a 2 year training course, to learn the ins and outs of specialty crops such as peas and lentils. That 2 years stretched into 23 years, during which time 2 children were added to the family – Jeff in 1977 and Ashleigh in 1981. Life in Winnipeg was good, despite the cold in winter and the mosquitos in summer. Robert was highly involved with Jeff’s hockey, often getting up at 5 am to take him to practise in the middle of the cold Winnipeg winter.

During their time in Winnipeg, Robert held several high positions in the grain industry. He travelled many times around the world, gaining new customers and many life-long friends. After Continental Grain decided to downsize their Canadian operations, Robert and Neva moved to Regina, where he was employed by Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. After 3 years there, he was offered his dream job: manager of Parrish and Heimbecker, back in his beloved Lethbridge.

In 2000, the McNabs moved to Lethbridge and enjoyed the years being back with family and the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. After living so many years in the flatlands of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, going to the mountains was a special treat for Robert. His favorite place of all was Meadow Lake, Montana.

Robert retired from the grain business in 2015. In his retirement, he loved to cook wonderful meals, golfing at Paradise Canyon, travelling to Palm Springs, California, and becoming a real “techie”. He would spend hours on the computer, creating programs that his poor wife could never understand. His other hobbies included a beautiful salt water aquarium and growing Bonsai trees. He researched both the tank and the trees thoroughly to make certain everything was done just right. He loved puttering in his yard, growing his lovely delicious tomatoes and every August making dill pickles.

Robert was a man of great integrity and honesty – something his golfing buddies may not agree with! His family meant the world to him – he loved being a grandparent and he would do anything for Neva or his kids. He was a man of few words, but had the biggest heart. If you were his friend, you were his friend forever.

Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years, Neva, Jeff (Savannah) McNab of Sicamous B.C., Ashleigh McNab (Sebastiaan) of Lethbridge, and grandkids, Sira and Jake. He is also survived by his 3 sisters, Linda McNab (Gary), Andrea Riplinger (Wilf- deceased ) both of Osoyoos B.C. and Judy Hoffarth (Greg) of Picture Butte, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Bud and Rose McNab, brother-in-law Wilf (Rip) Riplinger, parents-in-law John and Donna Bair, sister/ brother-in-law Gayla and Stewart Gilborn, and nephew Layne Gilborn.

Robert, you will be missed so deeply by everyone who knew you. Our hearts are shattered by our loss. A private family gathering will take place soon, and a larger celebration of Robert’s life will be held in the spring, for Robert loved nothing more than a party! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (kidney.ca/donate). And, in Robert’s memory, hoist a glass of your best scotch.

Rest in peace, my love. Until we meet again.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com