Obituary of Robert (Bob) Connor WANKLING

August 15, 1928 – Brandon, Manitoba

May 17, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Bob passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2020, with Val, his loving wife of 63 years at his side. 

Bob and Val both grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, and were friends as teenagers, spending time with their many friends skating, curling, skiing, and golfing. Their friendship later blossomed into romance, and they married in 1956.  They loved spending time with friends and family, and have especially fond memories of summers at Clear Lake.  They moved to Calgary in 1962, where they raised their children, Paul and Barb, and embraced many new adventures in the mountains. Bob was a charming, true gentleman with a warm demeanour and a quick smile. His friendly easygoing persona earned him respect and friendships throughout his travels in the hardware business and in his personal life. His love of golf was evident during the 50 years he was a member of Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. He served two separate terms as Club Captain and using his reliable smooth golf swing, racked up 5 holes-in-one over his golfing career.  Bob and Val loved their annual trips to Hawaii and California and treasured those memories and special friendships. Golfing in Scotland was also a highlight. They also treasured summer vacations in the Okanagan surrounded by their children and grandchildren.  In their later years, Bob and Val wintered in Victoria, playing golf and walking at Willows Beach and Sydney by the Sea, a highlight of Bob’s day. He read voraciously and could debate politics, economics or any other topic of the day with the best informed of us.

Bob truly valued family above all else and will be lovingly remembered by his wife and lifelong companion Val, his son Paul (Anne) Wanklyn, his daughter Barb (Steve) Stretch, and his adoring grandchildren, Jill, Joel, Tessa and Sam. He was predeceased by his brother Jack Wankling.  He is survived by his sister, Betty Coleman, Victoria, and his brother Jim Wankling (Erla), Winnipeg, along with many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Academy of Aging at Fish Creek for their outstanding kindness and care while he was a resident.  Bob was especially grateful for the way they treated him in such a fun and friendly manner.  Sincere thanks also to Dr. Herd for her warmth and compassion.  Due to COVID, there will be no formal service at this time. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Telephone: (403) 955.8818. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca or to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute may be made directly to the University of Calgary, Telephone (403) 220 - 2470 www.hbi.ucalgary.ca/contact/giving-to-HBI  In the memo line please designate the Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bob’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Bob Wankling, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.