Obituary of Robert Vancoughnett

Robert Elwin Vancoughnett It is with broken hearts we say goodbye to our dear Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. Dad passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family, on November 15, 2018 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Dad was born on March 10, 1934 in Channing, Manitoba to Robert Leslie and Lucy Bernadette Vancoughnett. Dad spent his early years living around Mandy Mine and the Flin Flon area. He loved to play hockey, go sledding, swimming, fishing, hunting, anything outdoors, and also working on the trapline alongside his Dad and Uncles. Dad moved to Prince Albert in the 50s, and started working at Burns Foods. When it closed, Dad went to work at the Holy Family Hospital in the maintenance department, where he remained until its closure in 1997. Finally Mom and Dad could enjoy retirement together. Dad met our mom, Muriel Vancoughnett, at the PA Exhibition. They married July 23, 1960 and had 54 ½ loving years together until Mom’s passing on January 1, 2015. Two daughters were born to complete their family, Terry and then Debra. We had the best childhood, a variety of pets, friends over, travelling constantly, and of course our cabin at Candle Lake. Dad taught us about nature, berry picking, how to fish, campfires, how to play crib and poker. Dad was also blessed with two loving granddaughters, Nicole and then Erica. He was so proud of the girls, his face lighting up whenever he spoke of all their accomplishments. His 2 great-grandsons, Jaxson and Theo, brought Dad more pride and joy, always asking about “the boys”. After Mom’s sudden passing, Dad was never the same. It truly broke his heart to lose the love of his life. Dad was a kind, humble hardworking man, willing to help anyone, especially his family. Dad’s special joy came from family gatherings, seeing extended family, and daily outings to Tim Hortons. He was a passionate hockey and baseball fan, and spent many hours watching games with Murray. As with Mom, we were blessed to be with Dad when he passed away. He is now with Mom in Heaven above together forever. Dad is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Terry (Murray) Gilmour and Debra Vancoughnett (Brian Brassard); his granddaughters, Nicole Sauer (Robert Pederson) and Erica Sauer (Taylor Krislock); his two great-grandsons, Jaxson Fontaine and Theo Pederson; and Ethan Pederson; his sisters, Gloria Martin, Helen (Elwood) Strom, Chris Alexander, and Linda (Bill) Moody. Dad was predeceased by our beautiful mother, Muriel Vancoughnett; his parents, Robert Leslie and Lucy Bernadette Vancoughnett; his brother and sister-in-law, Ted (Lauraine) Vancoughnett; brothers-in-law, Don Alexander and Marty Martin; as well as Mom’s parents and siblings. Our family would like to thank Dr. Gordon Surkan for his years of care; as well as Dr. Wall, Dr. Kvinlaug and ICU nurse Cheryl of St. Paul’s Hospital; and funeral director, Lorne Adams for his support and kindness. A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at First Baptist Church with a lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SPCA or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322. We love you Dad. We’ll miss you more than words can say. You’ll live on in all of us, and we know along with Mom you will be watching over us until we meet again. Give Mom a hug and kiss. We love you both.