With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Robert, peacefully at his home, in his 76th year. His gentle soul’s journey will continue in the gracious hands of God.

The oldest son of Steve and Rose Lewandoski, Robert was born in the Minnedosa Hospital on September 30, 1944. For his primary education Robert attended Coldwell School. Studies from grade four onward were spent at Sandy Lake School. Robert was lucky, his mother drove the school bus so he never had to wait for a ride!

In 1961, at 17 years old, Robert made his way to Winnipeg to complete a welding course. He worked as a welder for three years and another three operating and maintaining heavy machinery during the construction of the Red River Floodway. A short move to Calgary followed, where he worked making farm equipment and attended evening classes to obtain his second class welding certificate.

Seven years after hitting the road, Robert followed his heart back to the family homestead, four miles north of Sandy Lake, to be a Farmer. In the years that followed, he worked alongside his father and brother, Richard to grow the cattle and grain farming operation. 

On New Year’s Eve 1968, Robert met Linda Slashinsky and together over the next fifty years they would rewrite the definition of love. After marrying in 1971, Robert and Linda raised their family of four children.

A man of quiet ambition, Robert always planned three steps ahead in life. His motto was “the best way to predict the future, is to create it.” Business minded and entrepreneurial, early in his career Robert bought the Shell Oil business and operated it for over ten years before expanding his operation to include a custom fertilizer and chemical business. Evidence of his farming legacy remains around the community including the Sandy Lake grain elevator, farm shop completed on the home quarter in 2002 and the addition of the bin yard and grain handling system in 2014. Witnessing Lewandoski Farm achieving 100 years of farming in 2007 and receive recognition as a Centennial Farm was a significant milestone, and one Robert carried with great pride. Later in life Robert successfully expanded the farm portfolio to include firewood as well as a growing a gravel business. “Retirement” was not a word in his vocabulary – after all the work was never done.

Known for his sharp mind, curiosity and ingenuity, Robert always found time for a passion project. In his younger days, one of Robert’s favorite interests was flying. He obtained his private pilot's licence in 1973 from the Brandon Flying Club. He bought a 1946 Aeronca Champ and spent many hours flying and enjoying the scenery. In 1993 a devastating motor vehicle accident left Robert a quadriplegic. With the love and support of his family by his side, the challenge forced him to bend but never break. After relearning to drive a modified vehicle with hand controls, Robert could easily cover a couple hundred kilometers on a simple Sunday drive. A familiar sight to most was Robert pulling up in his van, in his signature cowboy hat.

Robert’s proudest accomplishment in life was watching his children and grandchildren grow; sharing with them the lessons and advice to help them achieve their own dreams. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Linda; four children: Ronald (Lori), Lesia (Collin) Drul, Laura and Colin (Charlene); and six (nearly seven) grandchildren: Landon, Colton, Sofia, Kwynn, Wade and Rhett. He is also survived by brothers Raymond (Lucille), Richard (Bonita) and Dennis (Took), sister Gloria Campbell, brother-in-law Avery Liebing, mother-in-law Mary Slashinsky, sister-in-law Gladys (Gerald) Ryback, brother-in-law John (Donna) Slashinsky, as well as many friends and extended family. 

Robert is predeceased by his parents Steve and Rose Lewandoski, sister Sharon Liebing, father-in-law Metro Slashinsky, and sister-in-law Laverne Lewandoski. 

A private service will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 10:00 am at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, in Sandy Lake Manitoba. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sandy Lake Endowment Fund.