Robert William Hart

1927-2021

 

Robert Hart peacefully passed away at the Good Samaritan West Highlands Center on August 21, 2021 at the age of 93. Days before his passing he celebrated his 67th wedding anniversary with his loving wife Marjorie Hart.

Robert is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his son Ian (Felicia) Hart and daughter Brenda (Klaas) Vanden Beld. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jaime (Jordan) Hawkings, Kalen (Aaron) Palmer, Garret Vanden Beld, Olivia Hart and Giorgia Hart who lovingly call him as “Papa”.  Robert also has 5 great grandchildren, Joseph, Robert, Daniel, Gracie and Carson, who were lucky enough to spend a few years getting to know Papa and all will miss him dearly.  He is lovingly remembered as the best big brother by his sister Mavis (Frank) Tuttle. 

Robert was predeceased by his son Philip, grandson Robert, mother Mary, father Henry, brother Ken, sister-in-law Merna and sister Edith.

Robert (Bob) was born in Lethbridge in 1927 to Henry and Mary Hart and was the oldest of 4 siblings. After graduating from Fort Macleod High School in 1945, he worked for several years for the Department of Highways as a heavy-duty mechanic.  He pursued a career change in 1966 to attend the University of Alberta where he obtained a teaching certificate. He taught automotives at the Composite High School in Claresholm until he retired.

Bob was raised in a musical family with his mother and brother talented singers and his father playing the one string fiddle.  He was part of the Fort Macleod Band as a trumpet player, but soon mastered the drums as well.  It was this love for music that led him to join his friends to form the Imperial Orchestra in the 1950s. It was during the time in the Imperials that he met and recruited Marjorie, the local school teacher to play the piano.  He married Marjorie in 1954 and over the next 6 decades, Bob’s life centered around his family, community and music.

He will be remembered for his love of music and his willingness to support everyone who chose to love music with him. He worked with Marjorie and Jim and Louise Collar to form the Centennial Singers for Fort Macleod’s 100- year celebration in 1974.  This group brough over 70 Fort Macleod girls together to sing in a choir that toured Southern Alberta.   Over the years, he participated in drumming or singing with the United Church choir, Masonic-Eastern Star-Job’s Daughter’s choir, the “Do Good Daddies” quartet and many other community musical events. Up until the last days of his life you could still see him tapping his foot to his favorite tunes.

Bob dedicated his life to his family.  His was a constant support and guide as Marjorie and Bob raised their family in Fort Macleod. Phil, Ian and Brenda will always remember camping, boating and golfing trips in the summer and being kept busy with activities.  He was there as a coach and supporter for hockey, baseball, and figure skating for his children. He and Skipper Field were quiet spectators at most local hockey games.   He later travelled between Calgary and Texas to attend his grandchildren’s swim meets, dance recitals, baseball and soccer games.  As a dedicated father and grandfather, he travelled extensively to make sure he and Marjorie did not miss any family event. He was very talented in sports himself, with a gold medal performance with his team of Marj, brother Ken and Sister-in-Law Merna in the Alberta Senor games.  He always had a camera in hand to capture every event, which has left a legacy of pictures and memories.

Bob loved Fort Macleod and actively participated in community events, Bob and Marj their home and set down strong community roots. He was involved in many organizations throughout his life. He was a Past Master and a 50-year member of Alberta Lodge # 3 and a member of Fort Macleod Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  He and Marj were charter members of the Chinook Good Sam’s, members of Retired Teachers Organization, and the United Church.     

Bob is loved and missed by his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday August 26, 2021, at Trinity United Church, 220 20th St, Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0, with Reverend MiYeon Kim Officiating.

If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Fort Macleod Handibus Society, c/o P.O. Box 881 Fort Macleod, AB, T0L 0Z0,