ROBERT (BOB) BATCHELDER

In Loving Memory of ROBERT (BOB) BATCHELDER Robert (Bob) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with his loving wife, Wendy by his side. Bob was born on August 1, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts. His father served in the U.S. Navy and after the war, the family settled in Welland, Ontario. Bob graduated high school as an Ontario Scholar and began his post-secondary education at Queen’s University, followed by McMaster University, where he earned a dual degree.
In 1972, Bob moved to Calgary and began a 16-year career at the University of Calgary as a map and air photo librarian. During these years, he and his first wife, Elizabeth, welcomed three children. The family later relocated to London, Ontario, where Bob earned a Master’s degree in Library Science. This led him to Medicine Hat, Alberta, where he played a key role in bringing technology to the Shortgrass Library System.
Shortly after moving to Medicine Hat, he met his current wife, Wendy and they were married in May 1991. Bob became a dedicated stepfather to her three children, who remember him for his steady grace, wisdom, and kindness.
Bob lived in Medicine Hat for 36 years and was deeply involved in the community. He was an active member of St. Barnabas Anglican Church and regularly volunteered his time, including filming Tigers hockey games for Cable 10. After his retirement in 2011, he contributed to organizing the Esplanade archives and authored two books for the Medicine Hat News. He was awarded the President’s Award by the Shortgrass Library System for his work in building and organizing their entire online database.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Olive Batchelder. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, his brother, Doug (Gail) Batchelder, and his six children, Trevor (Sherilyn) Batchelder, David (Sarah) Batchelder, Heather Grant, Jonn Schoolkate, Virginia Schoolkate and Olivia (Jody) Whenham. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren; Jordan (Vanessa), Jared, Julie, Declan, Finley, Jackson, Avery, Mia, Claudia and Dominic, and one great-granddaughter, Veronica.
Bob’s funeral will be held on November 22, 2025 at 1pm at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta, with a reception to follow at Liquid Concert & Event Venue at 638 14th St SW.